Vintage Bulbs at KES

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Vintage Bulbs

Filament bulbs are meant to be seen. That is the whole point of them, and it is why an exposed pendant, a cage fitting or a bare bar light lives or dies by the bulb you put in it.

LED that looks like filament

These are LED, not old incandescent stock. They give you the visible filament and the warm glow without the heat or the running cost, and unlike the originals they will last for years rather than months.

Reading the colour temperature

This is the number that decides how the bulb looks, and the range here spans further than most people expect. 1800K is the deep amber of a traditional filament, almost candlelight, and it is the one that looks right in an exposed fitting. 2200K is a little cleaner but still distinctly warm. 2700K is standard warm white, closer to a normal domestic bulb. If you want the vintage look, stay at the lower end.

Shapes and fitting

Globe, tubular and classic shapes, all E27 screw cap, dimmable and non-dimmable. Check which you need: a non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer circuit will flicker or fail. For the full range see our light bulbs.

Vintage Bulbs

Filament bulbs are meant to be seen. That is the whole point of them, and it is why an exposed pendant, a cage fitting or a bare bar light lives or dies by the bulb you put in it.

LED that looks like filament

These are LED, not old incandescent stock. They give you the visible filament and the warm glow without the heat or the running cost, and unlike the originals they will last for years rather than months.

Reading the colour temperature

This is the number that decides how the bulb looks, and the range here spans further than most people expect. 1800K is the deep amber of a traditional filament, almost candlelight, and it is the one that looks right in an exposed fitting. 2200K is a little cleaner but still distinctly warm. 2700K is standard warm white, closer to a normal domestic bulb. If you want the vintage look, stay at the lower end.

Shapes and fitting

Globe, tubular and classic shapes, all E27 screw cap, dimmable and non-dimmable. Check which you need: a non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer circuit will flicker or fail. For the full range see our light bulbs.

Vintage - Light Bulbs Recommendations & Buying Advice

What are vintage light bulbs called?

Edison bulbs, mostly, after Thomas Edison's early lamps, though you will also see them sold as retro, antique or old-style bulbs. Ours are LED bulbs made in a vintage style, so you get the period look with a warm glow. Every one in this range has the E27 Edison screw cap, and they come in a standard shape, a round globe and a slim tubular.
Can I still buy old fashioned light bulbs?

Yes, in looks if not in technology. Every vintage bulb we sell is an LED in a period shape, drawing between 4W and 6.5W. Watts tell you how much electricity a bulb uses, not how much light it gives, so compare lumens on the product page if brightness matters. If your fitting needs a different cap or shape, our full light bulbs range covers the rest.
What is the difference between Edison bulbs and regular LED bulbs?

Mainly the look and the colour of the light. An Edison-style bulb is designed to be seen, in a period shape, and all but one here give an extra warm glow of 1800K to 2200K, warmer than the 2700K of a typical warm white bulb. That makes them an atmosphere choice; if you need light to work by, compare lumens too. More in our warm white guide.
Can you put Edison bulbs in any fixture?

Only if the bulb matches the fitting's requirements. Every bulb in this collection uses an E27 screw cap, but you should also check the supply voltage, permitted lamp specification and available space inside the shade. If the light is on a dimmer, choose a dimmable bulb and check compatibility with the dimmer. Have a qualified electrician assess an existing dimmer if you are unsure.
Are E14 and E27 the same?

No. Both are Edison screw caps, but the number is the diameter in millimetres: E27 is the standard large screw and E14 the small one found on candle bulbs, and neither fits the other's lampholder. Every vintage bulb in this range is E27, so check your fitting before you order. Our E14 vs E27 guide shows how to tell them apart.
Can vintage LED bulbs be dimmed?

Most of ours can: every bulb in this range is dimmable except the 4W 2200K standard bulb, which says non-dimmable in its name. Never use a non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer circuit. A dimmable bulb also needs a dimmer suited to LED bulbs and a fitting that allows dimming, so if your dimmer is old, ask a qualified electrician to check it before you order.
When is a vintage bulb the wrong choice?

A vintage bulb is a poor choice if its size, cap, dimming requirements or light output do not suit the fitting and the job. Most bulbs here give an extra warm glow, which suits atmosphere. For a desk or kitchen worktop, check lumens and light distribution as well as colour temperature. Wattage tells you how much electricity the bulb uses, rather than how well it lights the surface.