I couldn't be happier with these lamps (I bought two). First, and most important, when you screw together the different pieces of the pole, the lamp is straight! Not a minor detail, as I have purchased floor lamps before that were crooked when put together. The lamp is heavy and solid, and just looks like it's high quality. I love the shade. It's a pale tan color, and the light it gives off is soft and warm, which is the mood I wanted to create. I think it would also work as a reading lamp, but it would need to be close to where you are sitting. Anyway, I'm very, very pleased with these lamps and highly recommend them.