I bought these stools because I thought they had "good bones" so that I could have them reupholstered in fabric - and it's a good thing. This is not the best quality upholstering. Probably because white is not very forgiving. It might be alright in brown. I would not call the wood finish black. It is a very dark brown, but not black. It has a web seat that is firm but comfortable. Easy to assemble.