Wanted a storage table for our porch to hold furniture covers while not in use. This is beautiful and looks great! Once you begin lifting the lid the hinges take over and lift it for you, and it stays open so no worries about pinched fingers. It was difficult to see coloring in the photos provided so I was a little nervous it would look too chalkly grey, but it's a nice darker grey color that goes nicely with our Castelli Sectional and Jacklyn Light Gray Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug.  There are openings between the slats as other reviewers have noted, but I'm not concerned about that in this setting.  It's also very lightweight and easy to move.