Like the reviews I read, the shelf was orange, not gold.  I knew this and planned to spray paint to my desired color.  It was easy and a can of spray paint was less than $4.00.  I am very happy with the size and shape for my use.  I had to modify the assembly a little because I wanted a right hand and left hand mirror image for the two shelves.  They flank a bay window in my dining room.  I was a little disappointed that not all the edges on the shelves were finished.  I have plants on them, and I don't want swelling and warping if the raw edge gets exposed to water.