I LOVE the extra height!  This is a coffee table you can actually use to enjoy coffee and snacks off of comfortably (without having to get an expensive Lift Top Coffee Table.  I just had some guests over, and they were so delighted not to have to slouch or go sit on the floor to eat their treats and sip their coffee.  And there is place for your legs & feet to stretch out too under the table while you enjoy your coffee.  Sure, bottom shelves can be handy to store stuff on, but without one, sweeping and vacuuming under the table is very easy to do.  The table is light and easy to move around also.  And the legs screw off for easy packing as well.   Nice finish too.