This is an unusually tall lamp, but we have very high ceilings, so it fits our needs perfectly in our living room.  I especially love how the glass shade looks at night when it's turned on.  The grayish blue, yellow, and burnt orange colors are really pretty.  This mission style floor lamp is an accent piece and it isn't designed for reading.  The on/off switch is attached to the electrical cord, but you can easily turn it off and on with your foot.