The answer is yes I think you would see the bulbs. Not as badly though.

I like your foyer light but I can see why it bugs you. Would me too. Fixtures that are open bug me because, well, they collect bugs! DD has one (similar to your DR light) and she is constantly cleaning out bugs. Is there a way you could have a translucent cover made and fitted over the open portion? Without compromising the function of the light of course.

First let me say that your newly refurbished niche styling is wonderful. The only thing I would change at all is to move the middle basket a little further back so that they don't appear to be standing in a row. As for the light, I like the simplicity of it for a foyer and would not change it to something more ornate. If there is some way you can cover the top as suggested that would solve your objection about seeing the bulbs, which would bother me too.

I had a similar fixture (foyer sized) as your dining. Yes, I could see the bulbs from upstairs.

You could install vintage bulbs with filament if you want bulbs that are more interesting.

Thanks for the suggestions! I had considered having something made to cover the top, but I think that might prove difficult to do because of the positioning of the iron pieces. My dad had suggested the fancier filament bulbs, but I think no matter what I do to make the bulbs less visible or better looking, this is still going to remain a "meh" fixture in my mind. Also, in the first picture I posted you can see the fitting where it hangs from the chain has a very "unfinished" look that makes the whole thing look, well ... rigged somehow. It's just not the polished look I want for our foyer.

I wonder if a candelabra style chandy would be a good fit here, since those bulbs are meant to be seen?

Ingrid, thanks for your comments on the niche. The basket positions do need to be tweaked slightly. DH and I actually spent a good deal of time yesterday removing old items and getting these new ones up there -- had to devise a pulley system, which worked like a charm -- but once I came down to look, I was done going back up there for the time being. I agree that the baskets need to be moved a little. They actually are staggered, but from a distance it's hard to tell. Oh joy - another death defying feat going back up on the ladder is in my future! ;-)

I was going to suggest a bare-bulbed light. Frosted bulbs aren't as harsh.

Thanks, Linelle. I've also been seeing the style with shades that look a little like pillar candles, like this. I kinda like these ... (If you can tell by this photo. It's superimposed over the current chandy.)

I just showed DH the fixture above and he really likes it. Hmmm. Thoughts on that particular one? Here's the link ...

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/bronze-28-inch-wide-scavo-glass-chandelier__t9527.html

As to size, I'm not sure what to look for. I'm not sure what the current fixture measures, and it'll be a PITA to measure it, but I suppose we'll have to if we proceed with replacing it, just to get a good idea of what we should be looking for size-wise.

I like it.

I like it much better than the one you have, very good looking.

Thanks! We did measure the current one and it's 25 to 26". The one posted above is 28" so I'm thinking that would be the appropriate size.

I don't mind your current light, but see what you're saying. I really like the last one you posted and think that would look really nice there and coordinates well with your dining room chandelier and rest of the house. The size sounds like it would work. If you're unsure, I'd probably find out the width and height of that area and look of recommended sizes for that space. I did that with all our ceiling fans for each bedroom.

I like the one you picked. It would look right at home in one of the local "old missions"

I like the new one too! What about dusting it? Will it be a pita? And is the chain long enough for your foyer?

TR, I really like the light you posted, it would look great in your house! Another I like is this one, but I don't know about the glass surround (getting dusty, etc).

I like your idea better, and think it would look great with your art in there. :)

I think you need the extra width. The style you're considering is a better look for the style of your home.

Dusting? What is this dusting thing of which you speak? ;-) Actually, I think the one we're considering will be easier to keep clean looking than the current one. The current one already looks all dusty inside the bowl (no dead bugs yet, but with springtime coming they probably are too). Will probably just use a telescoping Swiffer to knock off the cobwebs from time to time.

I sure do wish I could see down inside the one we're considering. It looks like it takes candelabra bulbs, and I'm going back to the website now to see what it says.

MizGG, I like that one you posted too. I've seen it before - in fact, had something very similar in my Colleyville house. Mine had seeded glass and didn't get too dusty looking. I like the somewhat unique style of the one we're considering. I was actually surprised when DH lit up and said, "Oh, I like that!" when I showed him.

The current chain is the right length and assume it would work with the new fixture. I do need to do a bit more measuring and size comparisons, just to be sure though. I also need to find someone to install this thing for me. It's got to be someone with not only the electrical know-how, but also a very long ladder.

Your link says the fixture takes 8 60-watt bulbs. All of my candelabra bulbs are 60 watt.

No, I guess those are "regular" light bulbs. It says it takes eight 60-watters. That won't look too odd when viewed from above?

MizGG - I'll PM you! I know we've talked about this sort of thing before, but I wouldn't want your MrGG to feel obligated in any way! Still ... wouldn't mind a quote from him, if he'd be willing to do the job. And if he has a very long ladder. LOL!

About the chain: Is there any reason not to use the one that's currently there? I can't even tell for sure what color it is when looking at it from down below. It's black-brown-gray-bronze-I-don't-actually-know.

Apologies for keeping on with this, but what do you think about this one?

What I liked about your first choice was the more graceful curve of the bottom design versus the flat look of the second, which makes it a matter of personal preference, but of course you also have to take into consideration the bulbs, etc.

Yes, I see what you mean, Ingrid. I too like that curve of the first one. Maybe the second one would look like it was trying to compete with the existing ironwork. The first one is just very simple, but still has a style and presence I think.

I like the first one you posted as well. It seems to fit better with your furnishings and accessories. I also like the curved bottom design and the more simple shades.

I think you're right. I've found something that both DH and I agree on - I need to stop overthinking it at this point. ;-)

Doesn't the chain and cord come attached to the fixture?

So with the new light, wouldn't you need to make sure the cord/chain was long enough?

It comes with 12' of lead wire and 6' of chain. I'm not sure that's enough chain, but I'm thinking my electrician should be able to switch out the chain it comes with for what I currently have if need be.

Not sure why they don't show it with the wire in the photos online, but I found a pic of it hanging over a table in someone's home and the wire can be seen. I'm assuming if it doesn't come with enough chain, its chain could be switched out for mine - just need to thread the wire through, right?

Is that one over the table the same size as the one you're considering?

How wide is your foyer? How high are your ceilings?

Yeah, as far as I can tell this thing only comes in one size. It's 28" wide by 28" tall. My current fixture is roughly the same size, maybe 2" less in width.

My foyer is about 8.5 feet wide and 20" high.

You should be able to buy more chain that matches your fixture. When I ordered my fixtures that was an option…more chain, longer poles, etc..

Thanks, motherwallace!

I've tried to determine whether 28" is the appropriate size for my foyer, and I think that's about right based upon the measurements I took (and posted) last night, and the fact that the current fixture which is about 2" smaller in width seems to fit the space nicely. Just curious if others agree about the size being ok?

Have you considered installing a dimmer?

I think the size is fine. I don't think you want something there that looks as though it could kill half of a football team if it were to fall. The fixture itself is so substantial-looking that it reads bigger than it really is. Too large and it begins to look as though you tried too hard. You're probably at the point where you're overanalyzing.

I think you're right, Ingrid. And this made me LOL: I don't think you want something there that looks as though it could kill half of a football team if it were to fall. Nope - definitely don't want that! ;-)

I really like the first one and think its a good fit with your other fixture and the feel of your home. The bulbs can be either regular or candleabra as long as the wattage doesn't exceed the 60 watt limit and you get the right base size. I think it looks like it has candelabra bulbs in the picture.