I think it depends if cutting the legs off the table would look ok after. You could also find a wood box to put the lamp on or raise up the shorter table.

Not knowing the type of table or the size of the top or the size of the base of the lamp or the lamp style, it's difficult to suggest something specific, but I would look for a wood box the right height to make up the difference. Ideally, the same wood or woodtone as the table so it kind of disappears. I don't think books under one of a pair of lamps looks right; that looks better to me if the lamps are mismatched or for a single lamp that needs to be raised a bit:

"I want to use matching lamps."

Instead of putting lamps on the tables, hang wall lamps above the tables. This wall lamp, for example, plugs into a wall socket but has a cover to hide the cable.

This stand is 3.5 inches high at Walmart.

You can also get a different lampshade that has more vertical height.

Lol, please don't saw the legs shorter : )

I think books can work in the right room. Can’t imagine altering furniture to make lamps work. If this does not suit you, I love the idea of hanging lamps or sconces.

Shortening the legs of the side table was meant to be a joke. Thanks for all the comments.

Ha! Leta Martin, Sorry for being dense this morning. 😅👍🏼