This lamp is great looking in our mid century style living room. As in the previous reviews, the directions could be better, but if you ever put furnishings something together, you'll get through it in minutes. As for the cord, it is clearly shown hanging in pictures, so no surprise that it's there. Ours sits in the corner of our living room, so I bought some small brown Velcro and put 3 small pieces down one leg, and Shazam... No cord showing! Oh, we have hardwood floors, so I added small self adhesive felt cushions under each leg, and all is well in who-ville.