I would recommend fitting incandescents first to see the intended light output and effects.

The type of bulb depends on a number of factors
1. The base used - E26?
2. The desired light output. Quite a few lighting manufacturers use phrases like "Output equivalent to 60 Watts" when in reality, the actual output is lower than a real equivalent incandescent bulb.
3. Would the shape of the bulb matter?

The bulbs are medium base. I dont know what that means though, I'm assuming it is regular base.

Shape doesn't matter as there are glass shades.

I think a reduced light output may be fine as there are other light sources in the foyer/stairwell, don't even know how often it will be on. Was thinking about using maybe 75 watt bulbs and getting a dimmer. I just think 1200 watts is alot of light.

Please let me know what you think.

It's probably the E26.
The Philips L prize bulb could be suitable then (since the bulbs are not directly visible). I would wait until the price drops. 10 watts per bulb, ~ 900 lumens.

A cheaper alternative is the enduraLED series A19 or A21.
A19 12 watts per bulb ~ 800+ lumens
A21 17 watts per bulb ~ 1100 lumens