I ordered this as my coffee table and absolutely love it. It adds so much character to my living room. Visitors constantly give me compliments on this piece. Its real wood and very sturdy. The varnished finish on the inside is beautiful as well as the detailed engraved woodwork on the exterior. The color is darker than pictured, it's truly a teal color with some brown rubbed all over giving it an antique look. Stunning and well made.