This is a gorgeous lamp and very well made.  Wasn't quite sure what black nickel would be but it is -- just like the name implies -- dark shiny polished metal.  Very cool.  The base is very heavy and it is really sturdy.  The frosted shade is good thick glass.  We are using 2 CFL bulbs, each the equivalent of 100W.  I haven't found CFLs that are equivalent to 150W yet but the 100W equivalents do a good job of lighting a bedroom that has no overhead light fixture.