Give it several seconds so the pictures can turn from faded to bright before hitting submit.

No, they just won't upload at all. Even in comments. I try to add them and click upload and nothing happens.

You may have to change browsers. I cannot load photos from my iPad in Safari, but I can in Foxfire. The smaller the size in mb, the easier they load.

I can't imagine sitting on a couch with shelves overhead

A solid wooden console table with a lower shelf would be fine. Lower shelf for books and top for plants and any other extra books.