I agree about the stepped lip rims looking smaller than a wheel where the spokes go all the way out to the rim. My 17" SSRs look a little smaller than what I imagined due to this, an 18" probably would have worked well, but the problem I found is trying to find the appropriate sized tire that has the correct load rating at that profile. Plus I prefer having a bit of sidewall, too.
Also I think it's important as mentioned you have the right offset and width, and make sure you are choosing tires that won't ballon out past the rim too much. Pictures below are some pics of my 17x8" SSRs, with a 215/45 tire - these are a Dunlop Sportmaxx TT and have a load rating of about 93, I think.
Lastly, due to my lip even though I have 17s, I am not able to run a large brake kit unless I run spacers on the front, which is something I don't want to do. So if big brakes are in your future and you want lip then you might have to go 18s and try to find tires that will suit, and pay a fortune for them! (That is with going normal disc option front, super low disc option rear - I wanted more dish at the back but the same offset and didn't need as much room for brakes)