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Question: It seems the are baskets  "optional" - as in you can use them as seen in photo OR remove and just place items directly on shelf. Can someone confirm?
Document: The rattan isn't in the best shape on three of the baskets. I didn't want to deal with sending them back, figuring the odds were the replacements would have the same issues, and it is probably common for them to look that way after some use anyway. Other than that, I like the look of the shelf.
This storage shelf is far more beautiful than the picture. When assembled it is sturdy and the baskets are more tightly woven than it would appear in the photo. This was a gift for my dad. It arrived in 3 boxes and on the promised delivery date which was about 3 business days. The Amazon Prime membership is worth every penny. My friend bought this shelf in a smaller size (3 baskets) and paid $250 elsewhere. This was $109 + $6.54 tax with Amazon.
I have cherry wood in my bedroom and this was a great way to bring in the dark brown expresso wood without clashing since the baskets had a cherry weave in them.The baskets are sturdy and seem to be strong enough to hold everything from jeans to random lighter items.The wood itself was not as smooth/sanded as I personally would have liked... so after the expresso staining by the manufacturer it had the duller appearance in the places that the wood was rough.
The shelf itself is fantastic!! I just don't like the baskets - they are flimsy, very rough, snag on everything, and the colors are inconsistent.
I've had this for about two years. Still love it, although when I open and close the baskets, it scratches the wood on the shelf. Pretty sturdy, have a small fish tank on top.
This wood tier shelf is very heavy and sturdy. I was very pleasantly surprised at how well constructed it is...I was not expecting such high quality. The baskets are deep and can hold quite a bit of stuff. It matches my furniture very well...Love it and highly recommend it!
This was my first winsome wood purchase... and am very pleased. The shelf unit was VERY easy to assemble...took about 30min and was sturdy. I am using this as a TV stand on the very top shelf...and loaded up books on the bottom two shelves...with rattan baskets on the shelf just under the TV.
very easy to assemble and seems sturdy enough , i have bought a few different variations of this brand and like them
This unit was very easy to assemble and is very sturdy. In one of the reviews I believe someone was using it as toy storage in a kids room and the finish was holding up nicely to the abuse. I'm not willing to take that chance, the finish is just to beautiful. I hot-glued felt to the bottom of the baskets to prevent potential scratches from pulling the baskets out everyday (it's used as an overflow dresser).
I ordered this for my bedroom to put craft items in. It arrived without a scratch and my husband put it together with ease. We found the fit and finish exceptional for the price we paid and to learn it was American-made, awesome! I am here today checking for other items by this manufacturer to add to our home.
Answer: Yes, you can just remove them.  However, if you are going to use it without the baskets, I'd recommend not putting the baskets on it at all as the baskets scratch the wood after a bit of sliding in and out.