This is a mixed review.  IMHO it is a much shinier gold than in the pics.  It does say gold leaf in specs so I guess that's on me.  But because it is a shiny gold, i called and talked w a VERY nice person and would have done a return but the idea from my husband during this phone call was how bout spray painting it a brown allowing some gold to come through.  At first I thought crazy.  But then I came around because I LOVE the owl, tree, leaves on this lamp, just not the shiny gold.  So that's what we will do, and she gave us a discount on an already sale price.  Could not be happier, all things considered.    Keeping my fingers crossed the brown spray will save the day!