... assembly is not an easy thing here! I have assembled a few things in my life, this lamp is not an easy one to figure out. Although, the process seems easy as one-two-three, it's not! I tried with the help of my seven year old (an experienced assembler already) with no results! I finally realised that I wasn't doing it right, The instructions aren't very precise. The nipple that attaches to the top part has to be secured first! And then, you get to the toughest part... trying to position the washer inside the little opening.. and then, try to screw it tight! SO, glad I have small fingers.. 
The lamp shade didn't sit square, but it can be corrected by gently bending the interior rods of the lamp shade. I give it 4 stars. I do love that the lamp shade is off white, it matches so well with my living room!