One reviewer said "..it's shiny...." and another said "...not sure if it's leather...."; it is shiny and it's not leather. I was SORELY disappointed in this product for that reason ONLY. I did NOT want a vinyl covered storage chest/ottoman. I would have paid up to $500 for one covered in genuine leather.But now that I have it, and after examining it and considering the alternatives, I have decided, reluctantly, to keep it.It is indeed well-constructed and sturdy, though it isn't really very heavy. Sitting in our dimly lit bedroom (at the foot of our bed) the "cheapness" of the vinyl covering is not readily noticeable. I purchased it to hold a few bed linens and to hold our extra pillows and shams, and that it will do very well.I received this item today and overall, the iterm looks like it is good quality.Some things I am not pleased about:1 - Dimensions are not what I expected based on the "details" displayed on the site; it says 48 x 18 x 18 and 17" tall when assembled. It is actually smaller than that! It measures 46.5" x 16.5" x 18. My whole intent in ordering this specific item was to fit in a spot that I really needed the 48" length.2 - The product is damaged in the corner which is also disappointing as it is newIt is too much bother to send it back however, I now wish I would have selected another 48" bench I saw versus this one.I bought this only 2.5 years ago from Amazon, but probably about 6 months ago (after 2 years of normal use, no pets), it started showing the effects of "bi-cast" leather, which is a thin layer of leather bonded to a pretend layer. I have since become educated on what that is, but unfortunately, companies selling in the US are not required to differentiate between genuine leather and bi-cast leather, so it is hard to even shop for a replacement for this item. This at least lists it as bi-cast leather, so be forewarned. It looked amazing when we first got it and has been a great storage piece, but after paying hundreds of dollars, it should last more than 2 years. It is cracking and peeling all over and looks awful.it serves the purpose for me. i just wanted to have something to sit on while wearing socks... It has storage we put all throws and small blankets.. its height is lower than a chair but its not that hard to get up I was expecting higher..after all i think is a good purchase for a small bedroom.I have seen dozens of storage ottomans and none seemed to fit the bill. I took a chance on this one and I love it. The color is exactly as shown and matches perfectly with the tones in my Safavieh rug. The construction is sturdy, the lid hinges are good and have a soft close feature, and the sides and bottom are solid. It is very heavy though and needed my husband to help me bring it into the house.This bench arrived exactly in the estimated delivery range, and it's gorgeous! Well-made, nice, dark, slightly shiny leather, lovely deep bin inside. The bin inside takes up the entire inside, with folding hinges so no one gets pinched fingers. This bench is perfect-- I'd definitely buy other furniture from the same brand!Really rich dark brown in color with a nice tucked look and storage too. I use it for a foot rest in front of my couch and keep throws in it for cool nights. Delivered quickly with out any problems.Arrived today with a tear in the leather on the left side of the lid. Will have to haul to UPS tomorrow to return it. No visible damage from shipping so it had to occur before it was shipped.