Using this lamp is a breeze. Just plug it into a 120V outlet. You can control the light with the in - line rotary switch. Since it's dimmable, you can adjust the brightness to your liking, though you'll need to buy a dimmer separately. There's no need to assemble anything, so you can start using it right away. When it comes to care, use warm water and mild soap with a soft towel to clean the lamp. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the electroplated steel or frosted glass. Also, keep in mind that it's not stackable, so find a stable and flat surface to place it on. The included G50 incandescent bulbs will give you a warm, soft glow, but when they burn out, make sure to replace them with 40 - watt G50 incandescent bulbs.