This coffee table is a bit different than the photo. The top has a starburst design you don’t notice in the side view. Starting at the center, the wood grain bursts outward toward the edges in 4 parts, similar to an X pattern. It gives interest, but wasn’t what I’d expected. It’s pretty I suppose and I’m getting used to it. I put a doily over it and it took away from the “busy” look of the grain. The base is very pretty! Just as pictured with a little more weathered look than the photo allows. But it’s excellent. A very nice shabby chic look and the oval design is very warm and soft to the eye. I do like it very much. I was just surprised by the wood grain on the top. I think I’d still have purchased it, but it would have been nice to see that photo taken from above. It adds a different feel (too much movement) to the piece.