I purchased the white bookcase and it looks just like picture and the dimensions are exact.  Assembling takes a while and the package is very heavy when delivered (2 people are definitely needed).  Some pieces are pretty light and made of pressed wood while the pieces that will be supporting more weight are made of mdf.  It's true that it can be arranged vertically or horizontally and it comes with little white stickers to camouflage the screw holes etc.  The bookcase is beautiful and I can't wait to see how sturdy it is.