we have recessed lights only, they work great. (switched separately). but our bed is angled in a corner which required demilune side tables on the adjacent walls. lamps wouldnt have been close enough. so we put art above one, the other is under a window. so we can get away without having the expected lamps on the night tables because of the unusual placement.

if you google 'nightstands without lamps" you get pictures of nightstands with lamps. i guess if it bugs you and nice vases don't do the trick, find a couple lamps that are more beautiful than functional just so it looks right.

@nnigrt - so true! I started this poll b/c google didn't understand the "without" part of my search request. i also tried "lampless nightstands" to no avail haha.

Another beautiful idea not voted on or mentioned here is recessed lighting and the addition of sconces placed on both sides of the bed that are individually controlled by switches placed within an arms reach while in bed just like in a hotel room. There are a wide array of choices out there that give the effect of a bedside table lamp/shade and placed at the correct height they allow your bff/gf to slumber away.