Best to get it in dark colors that won't show the slight imperfections in the finish so much. It is not fine furniture, nor would you expect it to be. Rec room kind of finish. Assembly goes OK, as long as you take your time, organize the many parts, and fit parts together loosely before tightening the parts up, step by step. The directions are drawings, without words, but they are detailed drawings. An IKEA person's dream come true. We like the outcome. It's good enough for the nook we put it in. The heat is ample for a small space, and all features seem to work as advertised. Had it a couple of weeks, using it regularly.