These are cute for steampunk, industrial, etc. type decor. The top of them does shift but they don't swivel and you have to unscrew the little mechanism to get them to shift around. Not a big deal, just not something you can easily do one handed while you're sleepy. I do love the color of the lamps but they aren't overly bright unless you're pointing it directly at something, so good for task lighting but not illuminating.