I extended the lamp all the way out in order to see the length in the room.  Unfortunately, the lamp wouldn't revert back smaller size.  Luckily, I love the way the lamp looks in my room.  Similar to what other reviewers said, the placement of the knob to turn on the lame is strange and awkward.  I like the amount of light it gives.  My room previously only had a small end table lamp and this gives the feeling of a overhead lighting fixture.