I purchased the white shelf bookcase and it's more of a creamy off-white color, not stark or clean white.  The quality is reflective of the price (a little on the rustic side) but it's still very functional and appropriate for what I need (purchased for child's bedroom).  The distance between the shelves isn't a lot and not enough to fit a standard height book (Dr. Seuss - no; Little Golden Book - yes).  Overall I'm happy with my purchase knowing it will get used and abused and only needs to last a few years until our child graduates to big girl furniture.