The lamp base is light and airy - would have liked a little more color - but is is very pretty.  This lamp takes a 3 way bulb which is what I need beside my bed, but the bulb touches the harp and that heat transfers to the harp and shade - getting very, very hot.  I have to use a shorter bulb which is not a 3 way - so that is a great disappointment.  I will continue to find a shorter 3 way bulb - wish me luck!