I use this shelf as sort of a "corner desk" for my bedroom. It's just big enough to accommodate some nicknacks and books, and feels very sturdy once built. It's heavy, so its not something that can be knocked over easily by an animal or a kid. It's worth noting that some of the shelves (mainly the triangle pieces), do not attach as they are intended to do to the platform below, but that doesn't really matter once the whole thing is put together.The instructions were clear and concise about what needed to be done in and in what order. It took me a little over an hour to put this together. I would suggest using a drill if you have one instead of the screwdriver the kit comes with.