I love my desk! I have it in white. It is worth paying for metal so that you don't have to worry about it sagging in a couple months.  It would work great as kitchen table or a tv stand. The lacquered surface makes it easy to clean.  It did not come with instructions so be aware that each leg has holes for multiple attachments on it.  You will end up removing legs if you are not careful.  I switched to a ratchet for the bolts it was hard to work with the small wrench included.  Also, the casters are greased so that they spin smoothly but it makes them almost impossible to screw into the legs of the desk.  I had to enlist a patient man for that part.  (Or at least someone stronger than me)