EXTRAORDINARY opaque silhouette -- no light passes through the opaque shade so this designer lamp shows off a baroque outline. If you want a translucent shade that shows-off the unique inner lines, emphasizes the ribbed nature of the elegant shade, and gives off ambient light - then choose the clear model. I have three of these lamps in three different colours and each has it's own decorator merits. Overall, these are classic Kartell - significant in quality design and construction. Having the built-in dimmer control is genius - giving you the same ability to play with the light level as you might play with the audio level on your sound system. Pricey purchase lasts a lifetime.