The chairs are a beautiful, rich navy velvet. The assembly was very easy once I got the boxes into my house. If you don't pay for the "inside delivery", they will be dropped outdoors in an area that is covered. Each chair is packed in two boxes and I had to remove the outer box to get the chair through the door. Once unpacked, all you do is put the legs on, which are located in a zippered area under the chair. I did the assembly by myself.  I read several reviews before purchasing and will agree the seat cushion is very firm. After sitting in them for a bit, it does relax some. The decorative pillow that comes with the chair is like a brick. I have taken them off the chair and added my own decorative pillow with a down insert. The pillow is needed for anyone that is short (i.e. My mother is 5'"). The seat is deep for someone that is short. I used one of the decorative pillows on my sofa (after replacing the insert).  The chairs look great in my house.