This is a very sturdy lamp not to mention it is also stylish. My husband uses it behind a recliner in his study and it is also a good height behind the recliner. The lamp shade that came with the lamp was a very nice lamp shade but we took it off and used a glass shade that was a family piece. We donated the shade that came with the lamp to goodwill so hopefully someone else will get the benefit of a nice shade also. I think this lamp will serve us for many years to come.