Using this lamp is super easy. Just find a nice spot on a tabletop in your home, and place the lamp there. Plug it in, and use the 3 - way switch to adjust the light to your liking. You can use a medium - base bulb with a max wattage of 100. As for maintenance, use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the ceramic body and the crystal base. For the white linen shade, you can use a soft brush to remove any dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals on any part of the lamp, as this could damage the materials. And always make sure to unplug the lamp before cleaning it.