I have bedside bachelor chests and they are 35" tall. They are a tad too tall, I know, but they gave me the storage I need. Picture below of them. My mattress is 30" high, and I am waiting on some fabric samples for a tufted bed that is 56" high.

Right now, as it stands, I have 20" between the top of the bedside tables and top of the headboard. I chose a bed that wasn't TOO tall because it will sit in front of a window that gives off the most natural light in the room.

I also will have sheers in front of that window with side panels that extend at least half way the width of the nightstand, maybe all the way?

How tall can I go with table lamps? Also. what style? pics below for reference of bedside tables and bed.

If I HAVE to, I have ceiling outlets to put hanging lights, but I tend to not be super crazy about hanging lights unless this is simply the best option in this case.