We needed soft lighting options for the living room in our new house. I didn't want a lot of wires trailing accross the floor or walls, wanted a simple, clean light source that the cats wouldn't tip over, and voila! Elise lamps were the perfect choice. We ended up getting two, one taller another shorter, and we like the play of light and heights in our room in the evenings. We wanted something compact with a slimline presentation so that the room remained spacious for moving around and socializing with friends. I especially love the circular light shadows that the columnar shades generate on the ceiling. The marble bases are beautiful and very sturdy. Everything arrived quickly and in perfect shape. These lamps have an elegant presentation providing soft yet dramatic illumination. Love!