This bed is beautiful - extremely well packed, just had to glue one wood slat in place on the footboard.  I really liked the fact that it had twice as many slats (hardwood) to install on the frame - most others have a maximum of 6-8.  I was going to use my current box spring and mattress (I am tall) but if I do, once I have placed all pillows, euro pillows and decorative cushions, I will not be able to see the headboard.  Re: assembly - I did it by myself and the drawers are huge - I will be able to put more in the two drawers than I had in my triple dresser!  I ordered another set of drawers for the other side of the bed.