I think it looks best to have two, even without a second nightstand. The size of the bed also plays a role - the larger the bed, the more expected that second lamp becomes. If you purchase one now and want a second one at a later date, you'll have a lot of trouble.

I've been lamp shopping during the holidays and while many lamps are expensive, I found nice ones within your price range. I've linked to one below, but there are tons of websites with suitable lamps; your perfect lamps are out there, you just have to keep searching.

As for your bed, it led to Ashley but no picture of furniture.

Sky

Here is a link that might be useful: bronze swing arm for 44$ each as an example

I had not checked that site, thanks for the link! I like the Nathaniel model on the site better (not quite so contemporary looking or something).

The bed is pretty big. It's a queen and a sleigh, so it takes up more room than I anticipated. When I ordered it, I forgot to take into account how far the sleigh part would stick out in to the room. There's just enough clearance between the end of the bed and dresser for me to walk through w/o having to turn to the side, so I can't gain anymore weight, LOL! I know it's not high-end stuff, but I like it a lot. Besides, I get tired of stuff so quickly that not spending as much is a help!I got the bed, dresser (no mirror), chest of drawers and one nightstand for less than $800! Delivered and assembled, too!

Re the bed link, don't know what the problem is on that. I you or anyone wants to see the bed, when you get to the Ashley site, look in the bedroom section and look for the Bittersweet line (the metal sleigh bed, not the wood panel bed!).

I guess when I clicked on it, their website must have been down or something because now it's working. The example I linked to was a fairly plain generic swing lamp, but now that I see your beautiful bed I know you'll find something you love because I have seen a lot of lamps that would work with that style. Google lamps and you'll find tons of websites.

Sky

Here is a link that might be useful: google for the word lamps

Had the same problem with a low nightstand and a short lamp and it got worse after I bought a new mattress and box spring which were much thicker than the originals. I ended up getting a taller nightstand and a taller lamp. The taller nightstand also brought the clock up to where I could see the time in the morning. Being very nearsighted, I need to have the clock close to the bed in order to see it.

If your nightstand matches the rest of your furniture and you don't want to change it, you could also try looking for a tabletop swing arm lamp. Just google: table swing arm lamp. You will get a lot of hits for a variety of lamps. So if you decide not to go with just one wall-mounted lamp, you can still get the convenience of the swing arm style.

I really wish the manufacturers of mattresses, beds and nightstands would get together and solve this problem. Mattresses and box springs are getting taller, but the furniture they are used with is staying the same size and it's frustrating.

I don't think it would look odd to have a wall mounted swing arm lamp on just one side of the bed. Especially since you only have a table on that side of the bed. To me it would look more odd to have a second lamp w/out a table on that side. LOL!

I do like the idea of a table top swing arm lamp & might look into that idea for myself.

If you go the wall mounted route... just a word of warning that some of them need to be mounted to a stud or use those expanding drywall anchors. Make sure you have it exactly where you need it to be cause these are not something you want to have to move! (Voice of experience here!)

Well, I never even thought of a swing arm table lamp! Don't even know if I've ever seen one. But I see lots of them on the web. That just might be the way to go. Thanks!

The link to Ashley is not working for me. I don't see any reason why you can't put a wall-mounted lamp just on one side, especially since you don't have a nightstand on the other side. People get too hung up on the symmetry issue.

The swing-arm table lamp is likely to still be too short, I am thinking. Often that type of lamp is not super tall - designed more as a desk lamp than a table lamp.

Here are some bronze-finished wall-mounted swing arm lamps. You can also change the finish selection to antique brass for a search. There are quite a few under $100.

swing arm bronze

Straitlover, I think there should be a matching pair.

Have you considered going with one chandelier hung over the center of the head of the bed instead? You could buy a chandelier at a thrift store (or garage sale or eBay or Craigslist), paint it, deck it out to suit yourself (crystals, shades, or get whatever style you like), and have the hardware store show you how to wire it with an in-line switch. You could make the cord as long as you want. Then put the switch where you can easily reach it. It would give you great reading light and leave your walls clear for whatever. It could be very pretty and you would have a lot of control over the price. Here's a pic of a crystal chandelier over a bed...

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oceanna, that is a great picture. I'll bet they did that with very little money and it's so pretty.

I think so too, Caminnc. I remember reading the lady said her DH built the headboard/cornice thing behind/above the bed. She runs a "shabby chic" business online and this is her private home in the picture; it was posted to her web site. I included a few more of her pics in the Cottage Decor thread in the Gallery, if you wish to see them.

I love the idea of a chandelier right above the bed, and it wouldn't need to be very expensive as a small one is fitting there. Of course, the chandelier could be in any style befitting the room; it wouldn't have to be crystal.

I also love the idea of not having to have lamps on nightstands.

There are several styles on Ebay as well, many that were under $100. I am also in the market for bronze wall mounted swing arm lamps, but for both sides of my bed. I like a couple at Pottery Barn but would like to spend less than that. I'll be curious to see which ones you choose. Good luck!