I’m right there with you—tried swapping every bulb in our new place to LEDs, but the dining room dimmer was a nightmare. Flicker city. Ended up mixing in a couple halogens just to get through family dinners without a headache. It’s kind of trial and error, honestly. Sometimes the “dimmable” label is just wishful thinking. You’re not crazy for keeping a few old bulbs around... sometimes it’s just what works.
Switching To Energy-Saving Bulbs: How Many Of Your Lights Are Actually LEDs?
That “dimmable” label is such a gamble, isn’t it? I’ve had similar issues—spent way too much time swapping bulbs and even tried a couple of different dimmers. Sometimes the old halogens just play nicer with the fancier fixtures, especially in rooms where you want that warm, inviting light. I do love the energy savings from LEDs, but if it means dinner feels like an interrogation room... hard pass. I keep a stash of old bulbs too, just in case.
I get the interrogation room vibe, but honestly, I think the newer “warm glow” LEDs are getting pretty close to that cozy halogen feel. I swapped out the bulbs in my library—old brass sconces, very moody—and was surprised how much better the latest LEDs looked. Maybe it’s just a matter of finding the right brand or color temp? Still, I do miss the instant-on of halogens sometimes...
I swapped out the bulbs in my library—old brass sconces, very moody—and was surprised how much better the latest LEDs looked.
That’s interesting, because I’ve had mixed results with LEDs in vintage fixtures. Sometimes the “warm glow” is spot on, but other times it feels a bit flat compared to halogen. Have you noticed if the color rendering changes depending on the finish of your sconce or lamp? I’ve found that in rooms with a lot of wood or brass, some LEDs can look a little too yellow or even greenish, depending on the brand.
I totally get missing that instant-on effect—there’s something about flipping a switch and getting that immediate, rich light. Have you tried any of those “filament style” LEDs? I’m curious if they really nail the vibe or if it’s just marketing. Also, do you ever mix bulb types in one room for different moods, or do you stick to all-LED for consistency?
Have you noticed if the color rendering changes depending on the finish of your sconce or lamp?
Definitely—I've seen the same thing. The finish really does influence how the light reads in a space. In my experience, brass tends to amplify any yellow tones, especially with certain LEDs. I’ve had better luck with the filament-style LEDs in open fixtures; they look more convincing, though sometimes still a bit too “clean” compared to vintage bulbs. I do mix bulb types sometimes, especially in rooms where I want a softer corner or accent. It’s not always about consistency—sometimes a little variation adds depth.
