This bookcase looks exactly like the picture in person. I really love it. The one thing I question is that the shelves are so tall to the point where all my books probably wont be able to stand up straight. The assembly is of course a bit much with ALL the pieces, but I cant speak too much on it because I sat and watched my boyfriend put it together. All I know is that it comes with glue, which he said wasn't enough. I still really really love this bookcase though, and so does he.