I wanted tall lamps with a small footprint in my living room. I looked around a long time, and I had them in my cart forever never finding anything else better. I loved them as soon as I opened the box, and my other half did as well. My only regret was not buying the pair sooner.The lamps are dark brown (not black) and have a bronze or copper at the edges. They are plenty tall, which works well for big rooms & big furniture.I changed the shade to a wider drum to better throw the light in the room. The included shades are fine, although slightly tapered, and I am using them on lamps in a bedroom.These are excellent lamps that are well worth the money spent. I would buy them again.