This is a lovely lamp. The base  and the rod are heavy and sturdy.  Very easy to put together too.  One of the cool things about this lamp is the floor switch.  Just gently mash the pretty switch to turn it on or off.  You can turn the lamp shade in all different directions (just tighten it back afterward).   Special Note:   This lamp is approximately five feet and two inches.  If you are not getting that height, then you need to check the upper base of the lamp.  Unscrew it and pull up on it to get the rest of the pole out. ( I forgot to do this when I first put it together.)