VERY WELL PACKAGED and no damage in shipping.  Distressed look is painted, not brushed, but overall look is good.  My favorite of the set. very easy to assemble, Slats are in the box with the footboard and need to be screwed down to the side rails, so bring a screwgun, Bed was a little out of square and needs the slats and I suggest a box spring also See review of 9" box spring we used