I ordered this lamp for its looks.  It's also a marvelous, bright uplighter giving a warm glow to my living room.  I've yet to use it as a reading light but I'm sure it will be great.  I've always used the ceiling light but got used to a Mother and Child Floor lamp whilst on holiday with my cousin.  I struggled to put it together by myself (69-year old woman) but I did it.  I suggest you protect the top uplighter by placing two cushions under the poles between the Mother and the Child when you need to work on the heavy base part by laying the lamp on its side.

I love this lamp!!