This is a clever little thing. You really don't know whether your dog will go for it until you have it, and our 14 lb dog seems kind of, "Meh" about it. She'll get it in occasionally, but not as much as I hoped. Overall, however, the bench is great quality. Made well, the top hinges up (which makes it easier to get to her favorite fleece blanket inside), and it's a comfortable place to rest your feet while sitting on the couch. Good quality. And yes, the interior (including cushion) is definitely black, not blue.