Looks exactly as it does in the picture and came with no noticeable dents or imperfection. I was able to put it together by myself in a little less than an hour and the bed is very sturdy. I have a 10 inch mattress on it and you really can't fit anything bigger than that on it or add a box spring as it would cover the headboard. The padding on the head board is a very nice faux leather that is soft enough to lean back against without a pillow.