Really beautiful. Definitely more on the blue side as stated in some of the other reviews. It's only gray in different lighting. But still nice nonetheless. Extremely sturdy. Relatively easy to assemble. I took my time and put it together by myself in about 2 hours. No box spring needed - I got a 10 inch mattress and the height of the mattress looks fine with the bed. You could go a little higher but it would take away from the gorgeous headboard.  I can't wait to decorate the rest of my room around this statement piece!