Using this lamp is a breeze. First, find a suitable spot in your cabin or home. Then, simply plug the 6 - foot cord into an outlet. Since the bulbs aren't included, you'll need to buy bulbs with a maximum wattage of 100W. The 3 - way switch lets you adjust the light brightness according to your needs. When it comes to maintenance, gently dust the resin elk body and the natural linen shade with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the lamp's finish or the shade. Keep in mind that the plug isn't polarized, so just plug it in the right way. And since it's UL/ETL approved, you can use it with confidence.