It's so beautiful!  It's very sturdy.  Not shiny at all, more of a matte finish like true wrought iron.  It's not too bulky looking and not too delicate looking either.  I have a king and it's very heavy and not flimsy at all.  I used a 1/2 box spring and it's low but I like it that way.  It can accommodate a full box spring though.  Once I have my proper bedding I'll upload a pic :).