SEI Furniture Nailhead Upholstered Storage Trunk - Espresso Brown End Table with Vintage Metal Studs | Living Room Ottoman, Bedroom Storage, Coffee Table Alternative

This little gem looks and feels expensive. It's very sturdy and well made. I put it together myself and it turned out lovely. I've never bought anything so beautifully made without spending an arm and a leg, but this surprised me and I'm very happy I purchased it. You'll be very happy with this piece! Well worth it! I absolutely love it! What a great find!!This trunk is pretty nice. I am a single guy and I didn't have any problem putting the unit together myself. Overall I am happy with the purchase, very happy! Here is my detailed review below ....1) Wood Finish: The finish is excellent on the sides and the top - the wood has a very nice glow when the light hits it. The wood parts are veneer over press-board. 5 of 5 stars2) Metal Hardware Finish and Durability: I thought the metal finish was particularly nice, Its not just painted with a solid paint, but there is still some reflection of the metal surface when light strikes the hardware. Also, I must say that the hardware is durable and appropriate for this trunk. Hinges are adequate, spring closer are also adequate with enough tension that the top lid does not smash down accidentally. All hardware is well thought out and functional and beautiful. The wood screws did not loose their color or finish when installed with an electric drill/driver at minimum tension. 5 of 5 stars3) Fit: Some of the wood sections are not perfectly fit, but only off enough to see the difference if you look closely. Also some of the pre-drilled holes do not perfectly line up with the hardware, but the screws are wood screws and easily create their own holes. 4 of 5 stars.4) Durability: The unit uses cam screws and wood dowels to stay in place. I used wood glue for the wood dowels and also used the cam screws like directed. The glue will make the unit more durable in the long run. 5 of 5 stars.5) Attractiveness: I must say I was very pleased with the trunk and how attractive it is. Actually, its better looking in person than the photograph. 5 of 5 stars.6) Sturdiness: I have read other reviews that the unit was not as sturdy as they had hoped. Well, found the unit very adequate in that department. However, I do suggest using wood glue when inserting the wood dowels on both ends. When this glue hardens up, and penetrates the wood, the trunk will be very, very sturdy.7) Short Legs: The wood short legs on this unit are good. However, I have noticed that the wood sides don't perfectly match up, this makes the corner legs seem to fit strange when bolting them on with the two bolts provided. I wouldn't over tighten these, as they could split the short legs. I would suggest an electric screw drill or driver set at the LOWEST tension for all hardware installation.8) Color: It is a deep mahogany stain with a very very slight red tone. The stain is deep and the finish is also very deep. The inside color is a rustic brown stain. Its nothing special, but it is dark in color. 4 of 5 stars9) Instructions: I did notice the instructions were not in perfect English, but they were adequate for installation. In fact, there were no serious errors with the functionality of the instructions. 4 of 5 stars10) Ease of Installation: All you really need is a Phillips screwdriver, although they supply an Allen wrench /screwdriver combo. I didn't have any problems putting the unit together myself. I took my time and it took about 45 minutes. Just make sure and follow the instructions to put together the two ends to the one side first, then the bottom piece, then the final side. If you do it out of order you'll have problems. The instructions correctly put this in the right order. 5 of 5 stars11) Other: They do include some nice rubber bumpers for the lid so it closes quietly. The packing was brilliant, and the shipping cardboard was reinforced and adequate.The size of the trunk is smaller than most full size end tables as far as its width and length. The height is standard end table height. I was looking for something to replace my larger end table and create a little more open space in my living room. This unit does the trick. What's also amazing is that I use the trunk space to place my extra non-displayed antiques.Although this is one of the few exceptions, I have to say that overall, buying furniture on Amazon is just silly. By far, most purchases of furniture have been a complete failure. Lessons I have learned: Buying furniture on Amazon is sillyI love this once it was assembled, and could tell even before the assembly I would love it. Great color and hardware features. I would have given it 5 stars except that I spend 1/2 day on the assembly, and I am an experienced Assembler. It was the Instructions provided, the print is cheap and make the illustrations difficult to view. I had to use a magnifying glass to inspect the specifics. Thanks to Paul at Southern, a wonderful Tech Help Specialist, I got through it. Even though I worked for more than an hour trying to attach the spring hinges, I gave up and called it a day with those things. If you follow the instructions directly, which I did with Paul ( Hi Paul! consultation) they were still a problem. I couldn't see inside the box, even with an LED light, the bottom screws for alignment. The table is heavy at Step 10 ( labeled 0) and I even tried turning on its side. I took off the spring and tried attaching it to the box and then the lid. Didn't work. So since I am going to be putting a glass top on it, I will pass. Storage will be used for boxes of old photos and letters, things I don't use often.Once together, it is just lovely. Buying a second one once I revive myself from cussing so much.Here are some assembly recommendations:Don't remove the labels on the pieces until it is done. Check to make sure that they match the photos. Left and Right is important.Make sure you have a large table and cover with a blanket or soft cloth.The silver screws and wooden dowels should be screwed into the panel first before attaching the sides. DowelFor dowel setting, use a towel wrapped around a hammer if you use one. I didn't.In the step to attach the spring hinges, make sure you have the right one for the correct side. They are different.Hold the feet in place and align when you attach.If you have a problem, call Paul, he is wonderful !!!! To Southern, give him a big bonus and write out some instructions. Illustrations are just that, not instructions.I am typing this and didn't edit. Ask questions.It’s really pretty and sturdy. True to picture. One screw had to go in a little sideways but that was the only problem. Make sure to follow the instructions and do exactly like it says. It takes time to put it together. but it’s worth it.Once put together, it looks nice but It was a pain in the butt to put together. We didn’t know it was going to come in pieces. Also this particular one was a return and had a broken piece which my handy husband mended himself just to avoid packing the item up and returning it.We ordered two. The directions were easy to follow even though they were all pictures and no words. All the pre-drilled holes matched up perfectly. The first one took about an hour to assemble. The second one about 30 minutes. They look great. We also ordered the matching coffee table and will review it there. I think they'll hold up well for us (two senior citizens), but not sure of their durability if you have a raucous household with active kids, wild dogs, and semi-feral cats.