This bench is well made, with a beautiful finish (a nice surprise given the low price).  The walnut colour is exactly like the product photos (note that a lot of the review photos make is look darker than it is).  The reviews are all over the map about the sturdiness of this bench and I understand why now.  If you sit right at the end of the bench, it's rock solid and can take some weight. But if you sit away from the ends, you could break a slat if you're not careful, because there's no bracing below the center of the slats.  Overall, I'm very happy with it, and I'm ordering a second one for the same room, placed end to end.