We put up with one of those wooden lamp bases that has extending legs, looks like an old fashioned tripod...I broke a piece that held the shade straight, everytime we turned the lamp on or off the shade would slide and sit all crooked, plus the extendable legs would slowly close up because they were so cheap and there wasn't enough tension. After putting up with that horrible lamp for a few years, I just wanted something sturdy. This lamp is SO stout, go ahead and TRY to knock it over, you won't be able to. And the shade is pretty big. My room is big, so it's perfect. The shade sits straight and it puts out plenty of soft light. Love it.