Using your Kate Table Lamp is easy. First, find a suitable spot for it. The lamp comes with a 2 - prong polarized plug, so just plug it into a standard electrical outlet. Then, use the inline rocker switch to turn the light on and off. It uses a single bulb with a max watt of 7, so make sure to use the right bulb type (E26 or Type A). Since it doesn't have a shade, the milk - globe glass will diffuse the light nicely. When it comes to maintenance, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the matte black metal and antique brass parts. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the finish. Also, keep in mind that this lamp has a Prop 65 warning due to Di(2 - ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), so handle it with care. And because it's UL certified for the US and Canada, you can be confident in its safety. Just make sure not to place it in a position where it could easily tip over as it doesn't come with an anti - tip kit.