OK, I took a photo of the room, though I'm no professional so it's not awesome. We *just* moved in here so none of the furniture is really in--we still have to paint, neon green is not my color. Anywho, they won't fit flanking the fireplace, I just tried it. Are they too huge on the mantel?? The walls will be a light blue and I will probably get grey lampshades. There is a possibility of putting one behind a chair (there will be a couch and two chairs here in front of the fireplace. Two chairs on the R, couch on the L, facing each other. This is our living room, and really the only formal room... but I would be open to putting them in the Master Bedroom or a guest room if someone could think of a place for them. I can only picture having them flank the bed instead of side tables!

Oh, one other reason I didn't really want them on the mantel is I was planning to wallpaper the wall above it with a birch bark print... and I think these would just be too much to add to that. *sigh* I can't have everything, but which one goes?

If they were placed on a pair of plinths you could use them as floor lamps, and use them together or apart. Would that be a possibility for you?

I suppose--but when I only paid $1.50 for the lamps, I imagine the plinth is going to seem expensive :) I'm now realizing I don't regularly see plinths in stores.... where would I look for them?

I have seen designers use these on bedside tables .love them

Are you planning on painting the room ? If yes wait to get new shades for them and have some art or mirror on the fireplace mantel , I'm sure that together we will find a good place for them .

I think they look fine on the mantel. Just balance them with a large piece of art.

You could make them fairly cheaply, but you are right about the the cost of purchasing a set. Any lower base, to ASV,s point, might serve - I'd keep an eye out for something (foot stool, cocktail table, candle stand, reference books ) that could be repurposed or cut to size.

I think you are overreacting to the size. It is not unusual to use 30 to 34" lamps on normal end tables. It is a very dramatic look. I used to tell clients when they came into my studio that one day I would use a floor lamp on an end table. One time I did to balance out a banquette room set. It looked great. Another benefit of over sized lamps besides the drama is the height better lights the surrounding area. They are obviously to big and chunky for the mantel. So use your lamps as they were most likely meant to be used and enjoy them.

I think ASVinteriors andn studio10001 are right--they need a low table or something I can repurpose to support them--both physically and visually. I'll have a go at it! Thanks so much for your help!

Just remember that your end tables need to be within a few inches as the furniture arm height. This is more important than trying to make your lamps lower.