This is a nice piece for this price point, it's very sturdy and the shelves will hold lots of books. The finish definitely took some getting used to. As other reviewers have mentioned, the bookcase is definitely not white, but a cream color or more of a white washed faux wood finish. The cardboard bead board backing is very flimsy, but once you get books in and stand back from a distance you can't tell. It's a pretty little piece with some nice detail and I really enjoy it. I would just pay attention to the color and faux finish details as other reviewers have noted prior to ordering as this is definitely a cream colored/white washed faux wood bookcase or you may be unhappy with the look when you open your box.