Finding retro LED light bulbs that nail the vintage look without the modern headaches can be tricky. Plenty of “Edison-style” globes promise cosy ambience, then flicker, buzz on your dimmer, or make colours look flat. Amber glass can read muddy; 2700K can feel too cool; 2000–2200K varies widely across brands. Add E27 vs B22 bases, lumens vs watts, and leading vs trailing-edge dimmer compatibility. It’s easy to end up with the wrong globe for your pendant, lamp or café string—especially when comparing prices and specs across different Australian retailers.
This guide sorts it for you with 12 of the best dimmable picks in Australia, from specialist favourites like LiquidLEDs, Vintage LED and Edison Light Globes to big-name options from Philips, LEDVANCE and more. For each bulb, you’ll get who it’s best for, key specs (Kelvin, lumens, CRI, glass finish), real-world dimming notes, price and where to buy. We’ve prioritised flicker-free, high-CRI light that feels good to live with, at fair price points. Ready to match mood, fixture and spend? Start with our best overall pick.
1. LiquidLEDs retro LED filament bulbs (Best overall)
Why it made the list
LiquidLEDs specialises in flicker-free, high-CRI LED filament bulbs for Australian homes and hospitality. The range covers clear, amber and oversized globes in both E27 screw (27 mm) and B22 bayonet (22 mm) bases, with warmth options from Extra Warm White 2200K to 2700K. Package-level LM-80 data indicates ~96–98% brightness retention at 9,000h with projected L70 > 54,000h.
Best for
Homeowners, designers and venue owners who want vintage style without compromises—smooth dimming, natural colour rendering and eye comfort.
Standout features and specs
- Flicker-free, IEC-aligned: Engineered for comfort (Pst < 1, SVM < 0.4).
- High CRI 90+: Truer colours for décor, food and skin tones.
- Warmth choices: 2200K candle-like glow or 2700K crisp warm.
- Bases: E27 and B22 across classic, globe and oversized styles.
- LM-80 backed: Strong lumen maintenance and long service life.
Dimming and compatibility
Dimmable with LED-friendly trailing-edge or leading-edge dimmers. For ultra-low ambience, test one bulb on your circuit first.
Price and where to buy
2. Vintage LED high-CRI filament bulbs
Why it made the list
Vintage LED is a specialist Australian retailer focused on dimmable LED filament bulbs with a classic retro look. Their curated range simplifies matching shape and finish to your fixture, with a 30-day returns policy for peace of mind.
Best for
Design-led homes, rentals and hospitality spaces chasing the incandescent aesthetic with modern efficiency. If you’re particular about colour quality in retro LED light bulbs, their product pages make comparison straightforward.
Standout features and specs
- Dimmable LED filament bulbs: Purpose-built for mood lighting.
- Vintage aesthetic: Suits exposed pendants, lamps and sconces.
- 30-day returns: Simple swap or refund if the look isn’t right.
Dimming and compatibility
Models are sold as dimmable; pair with a compatible leading- or trailing-edge dimmer. Check the specific bulb’s notes if you need deep, low-level dimming.
Price and where to buy
Available direct in Australia; pricing varies by shape, finish and wattage. Shortlist by lumens and Kelvin before checkout.
3. Edison Light Globes vintage LED range
Why it made the list
A broad vintage-style LED range that keeps the period look without the heat or waste of incandescents—ideal when you want matching forms and finishes across a space.
Best for
Statement pendants, bare-bulb fixtures and café/bar fit-outs where the bulb is part of the design.
Standout features and specs
- Classic shapes: Edison, globe, tubular, oversized.
- Glass options: Clear or amber to tune ambience.
- Authentic filaments: Vintage look without gimmicks.
- AU bases: Check E27 vs B22 for your fittings.
Dimming and compatibility
Many models are dimmable; use a compatible LED dimmer for smooth, quiet fades. For ultra-low ambience, test one globe first.
Price and where to buy
Buy direct in Australia; pricing varies by shape, finish and wattage. Shortlist by lumen and Kelvin needs.
4. LiquidLEDs oversized vintage globes
Why it made the list
When the bulb is the feature, LiquidLEDs oversized globes deliver impact with consistent dimming and colour. Available in clear and amber finishes for statement pendants.
Best for
Kitchen islands, dining tables and hospitality feature lights.
Standout features and specs
- Large formats: Multiple globe sizes and silhouettes.
- 2200K & 2700K: Choose cosy or crisp warm vibes.
- High CRI: Natural, flattering colour.
Dimming and compatibility
Dimmable with LED-compatible dimmers; test one for ultra-low settings.
Price and where to buy
5. Mercator B22 vintage dimmable banana filament bulb (Bunnings)
Why it made the list
An accessible Bunnings pick. The banana-style filament delivers a true vintage look at just 2.3W with a warm, inviting glow.
Best for
B22 lamps and pendants needing cosy, low-glare ambience. Good for renters and quick swaps across bayonet fittings.
Standout features and specs
- B22 bayonet base: Fits common AU fixtures.
- 2.3W LED: Ultra-low energy; accent-level output.
- Dimmable: Set the mood on your dimmer.
- Banana filament: Curved filament for vintage vibe.
- Warm glow: Comfortable tone for evenings.
Dimming and compatibility
Sold as dimmable; use LED-compatible leading- or trailing-edge dimmers. Test one globe if mixing loads.
Price and where to buy
Available from Bunnings; price varies by store and stock.
6. LEDVANCE Vintage 1906 series
Why it made the list
Design-led series from a major brand. Easy to specify and source across Australia.
Best for
Matching multiple fixtures in homes, cafés and bars with consistent vintage styling.
Standout features and specs
- Classic shapes: Edison, globe and tubular that look good bare.
- Warm ambience: Clear or amber glass to tune mood.
- AU bases: Check E27 vs B22 before you buy.
- Dimmable variants: Pick the dimmable SKU for mood lighting.
Dimming and compatibility
Use an LED-compatible dimmer; test one globe if you need ultra-low levels.
Price and where to buy
Available through Australian retailers and electrical wholesalers.
7. Philips WarmGlow filament LED bulbs
Why it made the list
Big-brand reliability with a dim-to-warm effect that shifts warmer as you dim—great for cosy evenings.
Best for
Living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas needing crisp daytime light that turns intimate at night.
Standout features and specs
- Dim-to-warm effect: Warmer tones at lower brightness.
- Filament aesthetic: Classic shapes suit exposed fixtures.
- Common AU bases: E27 or B22.
Dimming and compatibility
Choose the WarmGlow dimmable SKU. For ultra-low, flicker-free levels, test one globe and keep matching lamps on the same circuit.
Price and where to buy
Available via Australian lighting retailers and hardware stores.
8. Verbatim vintage amber filament LED bulbs
Why it made the list
Mainstream take on vintage aesthetics with sensible energy use and familiar styling.
Best for
Exposed pendants, bedside lamps and dining zones where amber glass flatters skin tones and reduces glare.
Standout features and specs
- Amber glass: Warm, vintage vibe that softens brightness.
- Filament look: Designed to look great bare.
- Dimmable variants: Choose dimmable SKUs for mood control.
- AU bases: E27 or B22.
- Classic shapes: Edison and globe silhouettes.
Dimming and compatibility
Use an LED-compatible dimmer for smooth fades. Test one if you need ultra-low levels or are mixing brands.
Price and where to buy
Sold through Australian retailers and wholesalers.
9. The Lighting Outlet curated vintage LED globes
A curated category that lets you compare styles and buy in one cart, with a simple 30-day returns policy for low-risk at-home testing.
Why it made the list
Groups decorative, retro LED light bulbs in one place, so shortlisting by look and budget is quick.
Best for
Homeowners, renovators and hospitality buyers wanting straightforward choices and consistent bases across many fixtures.
Standout features and specs
- Curated category: Browse vintage-style LED globes easily.
- Dimmable options: Pick dimmable SKUs for ambience.
- AU bases: Check E27 vs B22 before buying.
- 30-day returns: Try at home, swap if needed.
Dimming and compatibility
Choose dimmable SKUs and an LED-compatible dimmer. For very low levels, test one globe first.
Price and where to buy
Available in Australia; prices vary by shape, finish and wattage.
10. Beacon Lighting Lucci Décor vintage filament bulbs
Why it made the list
Style-led house range you can see in person and roll out across the whole home. Consistent forms and finishes keep spaces cohesive.
Best for
Homeowners, renters and small venues wanting retro bulbs they can grab today and match room by room.
Standout features and specs
- Classic silhouettes: Edison, globe, tubular, oversized.
- Glass options: Clear or amber to steer mood.
- Dimmable variants: Choose dimmable SKUs for ambience.
- AU bases: E27 and B22.
Dimming and compatibility
Pick dimmable SKUs and use LED-compatible dimmers. Test one globe first for ultra-low levels; keep the same brand per circuit.
Price and where to buy
Available from Beacon Lighting stores and online; pricing varies by shape and finish.
11. Atom Lighting filament LED range
Why it made the list
Dependable, easy-to-spec vintage styling sized for Australian fittings—solid for whole-home upgrades and small commercial projects.
Best for
Homeowners, renters and electricians wanting matched bulbs across pendants, lamps and sconces.
Standout features and specs
- Classic silhouettes: Suited to exposed fixtures.
- Glass options: Clear or amber to tune the atmosphere.
- AU bases: E27 screw and B22 bayonet.
- Dimmable variants: Choose dimmable SKUs for ambience control.
- Cohesive styling: Keeps multi-room installs feeling curated.
Dimming and compatibility
Use an LED-compatible dimmer for smooth fades. For very low levels, test one globe and keep the same brand per circuit.
Price and where to buy
Available through Australian retailers and wholesalers.
12. SAL (Sunny Lighting) classic vintage filament LEDs
Why it made the list
Straightforward value with the classic Edison filament look and modern efficiency.
Best for
Whole-home upgrades and venues wanting consistent, good-looking retro bulbs across pendants and lamps.
Standout features and specs
- Classic silhouettes: Edison, globe, tubular staples.
- Glass options: Clear or amber.
- Dimmable variants: Choose dimmable SKUs.
- AU bases: E27 and B22.
Dimming and compatibility
Use an LED-compatible leading- or trailing-edge dimmer. Test one globe first for ultra-low levels or mixed circuits.
Price and where to buy
Available via Australian lighting retailers and electrical wholesalers.
Final takeaways
From cosy amber Edisons to clear globes that sparkle, the right retro LED light bulbs make rooms feel designed, not just lit. Match look, mood and performance: dial in Kelvin and glass, size brightness by lumens, confirm E27/B22, and favour high-CRI, flicker-free light for natural colour and comfort. For dimming, choose dimmable SKUs and test one globe first to confirm low-level smoothness on your circuit.
- Set the mood: Amber 2000–2200K for cosy; clear 2700K for crisp warmth.
- Size by lumens: Use lumens (not watts) to hit the brightness you need.
- Check base & glass: E27/B22; clear vs amber to steer glare and glow.
- Test your dimmer: Use LED-compatible leading/trailing-edge; keep one brand per circuit.
Want a safe, great-looking upgrade? Explore LiquidLEDs’ flicker-free, high-CRI retro bulbs across E27/B22, clear, amber and oversized styles—engineered for smooth dimming. Need advice? Contact the team for help matching Kelvin, lumens and dimmers.
FAQ
What makes a retro LED light bulb different from a standard LED?
Retro LEDs use visible filament designs and vintage glass finishes (clear or amber) to replicate incandescent aesthetics while keeping LED efficiency and long life.
Do retro LED bulbs work with dimmers?
Yes—choose dimmable SKUs and pair with an LED-compatible leading- or trailing-edge dimmer. For very low levels, test one bulb first.
Which base type should I choose in Australia?
Most fixtures use either E27 screw (27 mm) or B22 bayonet (22 mm). Check your fitting before you buy.
Are LiquidLEDs bulbs flicker-free?
Yes. LiquidLEDs bulbs are engineered for comfort and align with IEC flicker guidance (typ. Pst < 1, SVM < 0.4).
How long do LiquidLEDs bulbs last?
Package-level LM-80 results show ~96–98% brightness at 9,000h with projected L70 > 54,000h. Lamp life depends on driver and thermal design.
Where can I buy retro LED light bulbs in Australia?
LiquidLEDs offers a wide selection, plus major lighting retailers carry vintage-style LEDs.