To me the appeal of this shelf was that it had really good reviews, I liked the X design and the fact that it is unfinished is good because I don't have to commit to a color until I get the rest of the furniture I want for the room. The reason I give it 4 stars is because for $355 I feel it shouldn't sway. All in all it will serve its purpose and it looks good, so long as I don't lean on it or push it. It holds alot of stuff.