Grey is not pale but not dark either.  It is a medium grey, perhaps a shade darker than it shows on my monitor.  Works for either books or display items.  I got it to slide under an extended kitchen counter where I had very little depth to work with.  Most wood bookcases are 11-12 inches deep.  This one is shallower.  Stated measurements are right-on.

Pros: Shallow / narrow.  Interesting variety of shelf heights.  
Cons: Not enough color options.