Anyone with children knows what a lot of childless furniture makers do not know -- that you must not have corners on hard furniture because you child's head will be magnetically drawn to them. This piece was designed by a parent. It makes a perfect coffee table and a perfect bench. It is extremely strong and sturdy, and made of solid wood. It has a graceful yet playful look to it, and a beautiful wood grain. I use it in my beach condo in the bathroom as a bench. I could just as well use it in the living room, and I often find it in there because my guests redecorate my unit. I have several really cool things in my condo, but my guests often comment on how cool this table is.