Ark: Appearance

In the Bible, the Ark of the Covenant is described in two ways: as a very special and beautiful chest, or rather as a simple chest.

In the Old Testament, instructions are given in Exodus 25:10-22 for the construction of the ark.
The ark is a chest made of acacia wood. It is 52 inches long, 31 inches wide and 31 inches tall. The chest is gilded both on the outside and on the inside, and the chest is also decorated with a molding of gold. 
On top of the ark are two cherubim facing each other. They are spreading their wings, in effect protecting the lid.
The ark is carried by two long poles overlaid with gold, fitted through rings at the bottom of the chest. In this way the chest could be moved without anyone touching it. Touching the ark was forbidden, because it was holy. 

In Deuteronomy 10:3 it only says that Moses made a chest of acacia wood. There is no mention of golden decorations.

According to Exodus 25:16 and Deuteronomy 10:2, two stone tablets containing the ten commandments must be kept in the ark. Other special items must be kept with the ark as well:

According to Hebrews 9:4, Aaron’s staff and the jar of manna were kept inside the chest, rather than beside it.