The color was exactly what was shown in the photos.  The wood is beautiful.  I bought the set for my 15 year old granddaughter.  The bed went together quickly but the dresser has to be built from scratch.  It takes several hours so I'd recommend adding the assembly on the dresser if you are short on time.  My granddaughter actually put the dresser together herself and it turned out beautifully.  FYI: There is one photo on the dresser installation that makes it look like the wheels need to hang over the edge of the dresser, just ignore the picture and line up the wholes and it will go together great.