I'm very pleased with this bench! It is a great bench for the price. We bought it specifically to use in the hallway and it's narrow enough where you will not bump into it and long enough to have two people to sit on it with lots of room. The storage is just an extra perk and we use it for pet toys. I like that the storage hinge stays open when you open it and doesn't slam shut; it's a very sturdy hinge. The dark grey color is true to the picture!