This bed is awesome. Super sturdy. Absolutely beautiful. The instructions are a bit vague. But we got it together just fine. Plan for two hours or so. As for a paint smell there was a wood stain smell but it wasnt terribly bad. We love it!

Helpful hints pay attention to how many holes are facing which way on the posts in the directions and then match them up Also make sure the correct screws are going in the correct places. You dont have to have a drill but itll save you time.