This lamp is exactly what I was looking for to put in the corner behind my L-shaped couch.  I live in a house from 1923 and this lamp blends perfectly with the style and woodwork in my house.  The base is very solid and sturdy with or without the arm extended.  I deducted one star because the threaded section of the first section of the pole is a little loose on the base.  It screws in tight but if you bump the lamp, it loosen very easily.  Since the lamp is behind a couch, I hope this won't be much of an issue.