Guidecraft Classic Bookshelf - Gray: Wooden 5-Compartment Storage Shelving Unit for Kids Toys, Books, Paper, TV, and Bins - Children's Playroom Bookcase Furniture

Needed this as an under counter extra kitchen storage shelf (for snacks, vitamin bottles, spice sets, the kind of debris that usually ends up ON a counter). The dimensions were just right to fit under a "breakfast bar" extension we don't use in that way. We bought the cloth baskets that go into the slots for storage. Yes, this works for toys and books, and I think it'll work in the way we need it to, as well.It was very well-packed but heavy. The instructions are minimal, but I've assembled several dozen bookcases and shelving units over the years and frankly, once you separate the parts and note the part letters and numbers and add a ratchet screwdriver that can take an Allen tip, you should be fine. However, note that you are told to put everything together loosely (not tightening all the screws until the end), and that makes it hard to maneuver when you're getting near the end. The rear panels, for instance, don't want to stay in their slots. You finish by adding the right-hand panel and connecting it at various points. At this stage, it is VERY HELPFUL to have an assistant for about 5 minutes. That person can "hold" the loose portions of the unit together as you gently add the right-hand end panel and start tightening those screws (bolts). If you're careful, that assistant can go off and you can tighten everything up and be done. Total time, about an hour, give or take, depending on how easily you can unpack the box and separate the parts.There was no damage to any portion of the unit, all the hardware was present, and for now it seems to be doing well. It's not slated to bear any heavy burdens, so I doubt it will ever loosen up. Do be careful to avoid over-tightening, or the shelves might well crack. It is on the heavy side, so be careful.Happy with all of this, though the instructions are pictogram-only and as usual occasionally seem up for debate. Use logic and you should be okay.-W.D. Gagliani, author of The Judas Hit

I was very excited when I came across this bookshelf. My wife and I were looking for one with very specific size requirements and this fit the bill. We were concerned about the quality of lesser priced units and decided it was worth spending a little more for the Guidecraft unit.The first thing that I noticed was the double packaging. It was great to see that the unit was so well packed, none of the pieces were damaged (which says a lot for flat pack furniture) this is a no brainer and I wish more companies would just spend a few extra cents on cardboard.The instructions, while adequate, need some tweaking. As others have stated, it is very precarious until the right side panel is inserted. The instructions state to insert the right side brass inserts for the bolts once you have put shelves in place, a near impossible task... do yourself a favor and put them all in at the beginning. Having a helper will also save time and frustration.As far as the finish, there are a few places where it was rather thin, but still acceptable. Guidecraft chose to put some stickers on several of the pieces to indicate the direction that they face, good luck getting them off without peeling the off the finish with them. In hindsight perhaps soaking them first with a damp towel might have saved some of the paint, or just using a weaker adhesive.I also cracked one of the shelves when tightening the tension bolts, due to its location it did not take much pressure using the supplied allen key. Go easy on themThe unit is a combination of MDF and wood, all wood would be nice but at least it's not laminate. All in all I would buy it again. If the finish issues and instructions were addressed, I would happily rate this bookshelf a 5.

This bookshelf is small enough for a child's room while providing the storage space I needed to keep her toys neatly put away. The color is listed as espresso, but it works great with cherry furniture. I needed something in cherry, and am glad I took a chance...it looked a little reddish to me in the picture, which IS accurate! I called the company to ask about the color and got 2 different answers, one saying it was a true dark espresso, the other said they could easily be mistaken for cherry. Depending on what you're looking for, you may need to take that into account. I personally love the color and am pleased with the quality also. My husband took about an hour to put them together and noted it was a lot easier than he expected, especially after reading some of the reviews that said it took 2 people 3 hours to do it. It's not too heavy, so it's easy to move, but it becomes sturdier once the shelves are filled. I don't have any fear of my toddler pulling them down on herself.

Product arrived quickly and the quality met my expectations. My husband was able to assemble it quickly. The only complaint is that the cubbies themselves are so tiny! I can't even fit a standard hard bound book (such as The Giving Tree) without lying it on its side. I purchased two small milk crates/ baskets from Target to put on the shelves (just for added decoration)and they stick out about half an inch. Still looks cute enough that I'll keep it as is. Overall I'm satisfied with this product. Shelf looks so cute in my baby boy's nursery.