The bed is very attractive- looks like it ought to be more expensive. Drawers glide easily and are good sized. Great solution for small spaces. Merlot is a nice brown color with a hint of red. This bed is a perfect solution for us. The only downside is that the bed doesn't look like it is very strong. It doesn't wobble or seem unsteady when I get on it (~150 lbs) but I wonder if it would support an obese person or if it would hold up to years of kids jumping on it- too soon to tell!