My chest arrived with the side of the box printed, "This side must not face up" facing up with a hole (I kid you not) just under the print. Consequently there were dents in the side wood which feels like simple plywood that is stained a deep mahogany color. Great Offer Stock offered such a reasonable discount, I kept the chest. My only other complaint is that the stain looks uneven in the areas of the framing. An application of orange oil greatly helped this situation. If you are obsessive, you will not like this piece, but if you are of the mind it should look like an old steamer trunk, you will really be pleased. The straps are leather and snap into place (very easy to access the storage) and the embossed faux leather top and front is more antique brassy color with a deep tarnish hue than grey, but it is perfect with brass and bronze accents. I am using as a coffee table in a secondary seating grouping in my living room. Because of the straps, it could be tricky being used as a primary, high-use coffee table. Very pleased with this chest.