Your friends will immediately ask where to purchase because this lamp is so modern, unique, fun, and quality. The packaging is protective and minimal and not one scratch or ding and I expect perfection. Took me 5-10 minutes to screw the pieces together without looking at directions. The black finish is a deep matt black. The base is nice and heavy so lamp will not tip at all. I've never had a lamp that has movement and it is such a a fun design. The gentle touch dimmer works well. I'm glad it does not have a foot pedal because they always flicker and then stop working. This lamp is quality and I don't see it ever being damaged or scratched in any way in my house. I hope the bulbs last as they say because there is no replacing them. Thanks for making such a an architectural statement with this lamp!