Which light bulbs are most like incandescent?

Incandescent is banned, but people still want that warm glow.

The best replacements for incandescent bulbs are LED filament bulbs with warm white tones and dimmable features.

Modern alternatives preserve the vintage look with better efficiency. Let’s explore your best options.

What light bulbs are closest to incandescent?

People miss that cozy feeling from incandescent bulbs.

LED filament bulbs are the closest to traditional incandescent bulbs in appearance and warmth.

LED filament bulbs mimic the style and glow of old-fashioned lights. They’re made with visible filaments and clear glass, so they look just like the old bulbs we grew up with. But inside, they use modern LED tech.

I remember visiting a client’s boutique hotel in the Netherlands. They had been using halogen bulbs and weren’t happy with their rising electricity bills. I introduced them to our 4W LED filament bulbs with 2700K warm white color. They were amazed at how similar the lighting looked to their original incandescent setup. Even better, their monthly power consumption dropped by almost 60%. They also loved that the bulbs gave their hotel rooms a cozy, vintage feel without compromising brightness.

Key Features of LED Filament Bulbs

If you're like many of my customers in the U.S. or Europe, switching to LED filament bulbs not only matches the traditional feel but also reduces maintenance frequency and long-term costs.

Why They Feel Similar

The light from these LED bulbs is soft and warm. They’re perfect for people who value comfort, like Jacky, my customer in America. He runs a shop and wants that classic feel but lower costs.

What is the best substitute for incandescent light bulbs?

Switching from incandescent? You want something that looks and feels the same.

Dimmable warm LED filament bulbs are the best substitutes for incandescent light bulbs.

I always recommend LED filament bulbs to clients like Jacky. Especially ones with 2700K color temperature and clear glass. Some models are also dimmable, which is perfect for mood lighting. Jacky once shared that his store’s ambiance played a big part in customer satisfaction. After replacing all the old bulbs with our 6W dimmable LED filament models, the space looked warmer and more professional. He even got compliments from his own customers.

Best Picks for Substitutes

When choosing a substitute, always check two things: base compatibility (E26/E27/G4/G9) and the lumen output. For example, a 6W LED bulb gives off about the same brightness as a 60W incandescent bulb, but at a tenth of the cost.

Can you still buy regular incandescent light bulbs?

The short answer? Not easily anymore.

Regular incandescent bulbs are banned or restricted in many countries, including the U.S.

Incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy. Because of that, many governments phased them out. But some specialty bulbs are still legal.
Incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy. Because of that, many governments phased them out. But some specialty bulbs are still legal. Some buyers in rural or less regulated regions still request them. However, I always explain that it's not sustainable in the long run.

One of my partners in the UK shared their experience with an import batch of incandescent bulbs—they arrived damaged, and worse, they couldn’t legally sell them due to local bans. Since then, they’ve fully switched to LED filament, and they’ve seen fewer returns, lower transport risks, and better customer feedback.

Where Can You Find Them?

Buying incandescent now usually means leftover stock or niche uses. But for those who want long-term value, LED filament is the better choice across all lighting types.

If you’re in a pinch, you might still find old stock in small shops or online. But long term, switching to LEDs is smarter and cheaper.

What is the modern version of the incandescent light bulb?

We want better energy savings, but without losing charm.

LED filament bulbs are the modern version of incandescent bulbs.

LED filaments are designed to look like old tungsten filaments. Their shape, glow, and warmth bring nostalgia into today’s high-tech homes. When we introduced this line at the Lighting Fair in Frankfurt, so many people were shocked—they thought they were actual incandescent bulbs! That’s exactly what we were going for.

Jacky, like many of our American clients, prefers the Edison-style look. So we created a custom range with amber glass for a more vintage vibe. It’s one of our best sellers in lifestyle stores and restaurants.

Benefits of the Modern Look

For anyone in hospitality or interior design, these bulbs combine efficiency with elegance. You get the best of both worlds—low bills and timeless lighting.

These bulbs suit homes, restaurants, cafes, and even high-end retail stores. For customers like Jacky, who want beauty and performance, LED filament is the perfect choice.

Can you put an LED bulb in an incandescent light?

Yes, and it’s easy for most people.

LED bulbs can be used in fixtures made for incandescent bulbs, if voltage and fitting match.

Before installing, check the socket and bulb size. Most LED bulbs, including our filament models, are made to match common E26 and E27 bases used worldwide. We designed our products so even someone who has never changed a bulb can install them with confidence.

One client in New York runs a small chain of cafés. He was concerned about compatibility with his antique fixtures. We tested our filament LEDs in his vintage E27 sockets—they worked perfectly, even with his old dimmer switches.

Key Compatibility Tips

The switch to LED is not only possible—it's actually quite simple. Just make sure you're using quality products, like the ones we make at Omita.

If your fixture is old or enclosed, pick an LED bulb with a suitable temperature rating to avoid overheating. Our Omita LED filament bulbs are made with these needs in mind.

Conclusion

LED filament bulbs are the best modern replacement for incandescent, blending style and savings.