I really like the steel wallpaper/magnets idea (you know, they make magnetic paint now). However, I'm still leaning toward the slave trade. They can be ordered in just about any height and color you like. You could dress 'em up to match the sofa throw pillows, I suppose, but I would prefer a natural look. Though there's something to be said for painting them to match the walls, so they'll sort of disappear. And the baffle posibilities provided by head and body hair, wow! You may even find a way to conceal the wires, too, if you don't mind "doctoring" them up a little. And, I'll bet, if you travel around a bit looking, that you could get 'em for not much more than Axiom's stands.
