Head to Ikea and pick up their round cork hot pot coasters (also excellent for the kitchen and work brillantly to protect any surface like a kitchen table or dining table!)

OR cover the bottom of the lamp with felt protectors that stick on ..... usually found at hardware stores .....

Are the lamps round bottoms too? I think a square might look good to break up all the round.

Or do as teacats suggested put felt protectors on the bottom.

You could try the round or octagonal mirrors that are sold with candles. We use them when decorating for the holidays. They reflect the light, and very contemporary.

The lamps do have round bottoms. I wouldn't mind square or a different shape, though I like the idea of a circle on a circle.

I can't put felt protectors on them because they are made of thin wrought iron with a very loose "weave" so to speak, so the protectors would show right through. Also, the tables are dark brown and so are the lamps, so I do need something to break them apart.

Mirrors, nice idea. I'll look into that. Where do you find them usually?

I have found mirrors in the candle dept at target and walmart. I think Michaels has them too. Not sure where though. maybe in the bridal stuff since they seem popular as part of centerpieces for receptions.

Get slate or granite tiles, put felt protectors on the back, and sit the lamps on those.

Not sure I see mirrors being as effective, but more of a distraction coupled with the dark tables and lamps.

How about a trivet?

You might check with your local lamp store. They do make mats to put under lamps to prevent scratching. I have one I got years ago at a lamp store. It is black leather (ish)? with two small gold rings at the edges. They had black, green and burgandy and had three different sizes. I think they ran about $10 each. I have no idea where you can buy them online though.

I've had glass cut to fit tabletops that I want to protect - one for my round DR table, one for a rectangular end table and one for a round table w/tablecloth. They're great and you have no worries of ruining the finish or fabric.

I like Les's idea of a marble/granite tile. It would look more like part of the lamp than something laid down to protect the table.

Thanks for all the great ideas! A tile sounds like an excellent idea, and would add some unique texture. Not to mention cheap! And I'll be heading to a lamp store to buy shades for said lamps...so I can see what they have there as well.

Complementary rugs

A doily is fine in the right style room, and if you happen to like the look of them. I find them fussy and unappealing in most settings, unless perhaps you are doing Victorial or country.