Gorgeous light for our "cafe" area in our new house.  We have not installed this yet but we inspected it for damage.  This is definitely a BLACK colored shade when off.  It is possible that it will take on a brownish hue when light is on.  That is also fine.  Our new colors are gray, taupe and white.  We look forward to this for years to come.  Also, the down rod glass globes have a crackled finish and they are just as attractive.  This will look great over our 48 x 30 table that has oak cross beam legs with a zinc top.  Very excited and pleased with the timeliness of the delivery.