Yes, it's definitely an investment! However, when I compared it to the cost of getting the same size built in shelving in that room with was comparable and even a little bit less.

Hi! The side table does not fold up inside the box. It comes off the box and the leg folds down so it can lean up against the side of the box or the wall. Depending on how close your box is pushed back to the wall, you might even be able to slide the side table in between the box and the wall. Thanks!