These lamps are gorgeous!  I read all the reviews before purchasing and they were accurate and helpful. Just as others had suggested, I threaded the cord down the back of the lamps and they are perfect. The shades needed a little adjusting to look level and that was accomplished with adjusting the round piece that fits into the base of the lamp. The shades are a beautiful white when the light is off. I bought two for my master bedside tables. The quality is top notch. Love them!