I needed a short lamp with a broad base. I ended up ordering this one, really not quite sure how it would look on top of an antique filing cabinet. Pleasantly surprised with this pretty little lamp. It has nicely given light to a slightly dark area. It would work well on an end table, bedside table or just about anywhere else. I did not care for the shade that came with it. I replaced it with an inexpensive shade, light gray in color.