In hindsight, I would advise either breaking down the box completely, or opening it outside.  Lamp is extremely well-packaged--encased in Styrofoam.  We tugged the stubborn foam and it disintegrated; I am still vacuuming small pieces of Styrofoam.  Lamp easy to install, directions simple.  I had a difficult time finding this style of lamp, and glad of my purchase. 

Cons: I would have like a lamp that was 6" taller because of our 14 ft. ceilings, but in looks fine in the spot we placed it.