I wanted a lamp to provide some ambiant light in our family room when we turn off the overhead lights to watch TV. This does the trick—gives the room some but unobtrusive warm glow, thanks to the huge burlap shade. Is it sturdy? So-so; not first-rate manufacturing either (the shade has a very prominent side seam). But it's more than good at this price point, and huge props to All Modern for its careful packing—this could have come dented or crushed, but arrived in perfect condition.