The first picture is more of the actual color. Please purchase well ahead of time, the bed takes a month to come, despite the estimate Wayfair gives. This bed is big and grand, the headboard is about 55 in height. The second picture is with box spring and mattress. Youll need at least a 12 inch box spring to come up to the top of the side rail. Its still low in my opinion, there is still space in the back for your pillows to slip into. If youre handy you could all some wood to raise the slats or you could add an additional low profile box spring to bride the gap. So far, so good, its a beautiful bed.