The sides and the support are listed as black. They are spray painted black, but then also spray painted blue on top. Perhaps this is to give it a more industrial look? But on the details its listed as black. It truly is not black.  Maybe in a very dark corner it will look black but if any sunlight shines on it at all you can see the blue. I bought some spray paint, but just didn't have the energy to paint it all black and wait for it to dry. It took over 2 weeks to arrive, after its long journey to NM and such, I was anxious to put it together.  I still may take it apart and spray paint it if it really annoys me. Other than that I love the shelves and style.