I bought two of these lamps for my living room which I recently redesigned in the bohemian style.  The lamps are elegant and ornamental without being gaudy.  The paisley medallions on the shade look silver when the lamp is turned off and a slate blue/gray color when it is turned on at night.  The mercury glass base is extremely lightweight and transparent in the daylight, more transparent than it shows in the photo.  Very happy with this purchase.