I love this ottoman. It is more comfortable to sit on than I first imagined it to be. The swivel is smooth, it seems very sturdy. I plan to use it in my elementary school library, so time will tell how it will hold up with little kids! It does not rock easily, which will help. The base is a lot more shiny than the picture would suggest, not that it matters much to me. I'm considering getting several more to add around the library.