The cord hangs freely from the bottom center of the light to be managed as you see fit. Assembly is really easy, and if you wanted to, the center shelf and posts could be omitted for a shorter lamp style. The cord is probably eight feet long, and the shelves are thin metal something like a cookie sheet. Finally, the bottom of the shade and the light's platform area form a cylinder only open at the top, so check for dust and bugs once in a while. I like it, and will buy a second one soon.