You are being ridiculous. Probably what's missing is some height on your nightstands. Try a pretty vase with flowers or a favorite sculpture or a tall picture frame, a tall alarm clock, you get the idea. If it's big enough you could even do some bookends to hold your reading material upright.

I have added a pile of reading books, on their side, on top of that I have a small vase with fresh flowers and a lovely old alarm clock. In the space in front, I have a lead to plug my ipad which is only plugged in when I switch off the light and removed in the morning. My sconce is above the bedside table

Thanks! I'll try adding height before spending more money on unnecessary items

Here's an ideabook on bedside pendants - similar idea and you'll see examples of nightstands when lamp is not needed
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/4628662