If you have a good amount of crown moulding between the two colors, the darker color would be gorgeous. I think either will work and sounds really beautiful.

I'm not sure which I'd go with, but here's a sample of each. I turned the chips upside down to show the lighter color on the bottom.

I'd go with the darker one, since the ceiling is so high. Did you ever see Ttodd' s black foyer ceiling? I loved how it looked.

what color are the walls? White? The darker one looks really lovely!

Go dark...esp if you have a lighter light fixture which will be framed by the dark ceiling when you look up.

To add to Annie's comment…and esp. if you have an up-light fixture.

levenssfeer, the walls will be Harvest Brown

Annie, actually the light fixture that is there is a dark forged iron...it is this one. Right now it has nickel finish candle holders, but I am going to spray them bronze.

does your foyer ceiling extend to your upstairs hallway? I think the darker color would look very dramatic, but for me I think it would be too dark if it continues down a hallway... does the foyer ceiling extend into an upstairs hallway?? the color will seem a little darker on the ceiling-- not sure what these colors look like in real life, but the darker one looks like it could look almost brown-black in certain light ... more dramatic but possibly less homey/warm??? depends on the look you want - I think either could look great!

busy, no there is no upstairs hallway. The entrance ceiling doesnt continue.

With a less confused brain today, I'm with Annie and would go with the darker of the two. The was my initial thought, but after I made up the examples I wasn't sure.
Our main entry walls are a dark taupe like brown. With only 8 foot ceilings we left the ceiling white. I do have plans for it, but hubby needs to finish the wood work in the stairway, gentleman's parlor and main entry before I can go ahead with my plans. I love interesting ceilings.

Im with you re interesting ceilings. I love colored ceilings with crown moulding. In the kitchen above the island, we are having something similar to the photo to match the cabinetry.

Wow! That will be gorgeous. The ones I have planned are not anywhere near that elaborate.