This is a very sturdy, compact table. We use it as an end table; our other one had been fine until the grandbabies started to use it to help stand up...it wasn't stable enough. This is most attractive and fits the bill!  The finish is not smooth...a bit bumpy, which is fine with me. Others may prefer something where the distressed/shabby finish is more realistic. We don't mind if the babies bang it up a bit...we keep their books in a basket on the shelf.