I Tested Low Wattage Incandescent Light Bulbs: My Honest Review and Energy-Saving Tips

I’ve always been fascinated by the subtle glow of low wattage incandescent light bulbs—the kind that create a warm, cozy ambiance without overpowering a room. In a world where energy-efficient lighting options dominate the market, these humble bulbs still hold a special place for those who appreciate their unique charm and gentle illumination. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia or simply prefer softer lighting, low wattage incandescent bulbs offer a distinctive experience that’s both comforting and inviting. Let’s explore what makes these little bulbs continue to shine in our modern lives.

I Tested The Low Wattage Incandescent Light Bulbs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Edison Light Bulbs 25W - Thomas Edison Light Bulb Style - Incandescent Clear Glass Vintage Antique Bulb for Home Light Fixtures - Amber Warm 2700K - (6 Pack /110v)

PRODUCT NAME

Edison Light Bulbs 25W – Thomas Edison Light Bulb Style – Incandescent Clear Glass Vintage Antique Bulb for Home Light Fixtures – Amber Warm 2700K – (6 Pack /110v)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb, Medium Base | 15 Watts/120 Volts | 2-Bulbs Per Pack (2-Bulbs Total)

PRODUCT NAME

Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb, Medium Base | 15 Watts/120 Volts | 2-Bulbs Per Pack (2-Bulbs Total)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

PRODUCT NAME

SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White – 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs for Signs and Indicators G40, 40 Lumens, 7.5 W, E26 Base, 6 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs for Signs and Indicators G40, 40 Lumens, 7.5 W, E26 Base, 6 Pack

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

GE Lighting 97491 15 Watt Soft White Standard Incandescent Light Bulb 2 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

GE Lighting 97491 15 Watt Soft White Standard Incandescent Light Bulb 2 Pack

10

1. Edison Light Bulbs 25W – Thomas Edison Light Bulb Style – Incandescent Clear Glass Vintage Antique Bulb for Home Light Fixtures – Amber Warm 2700K – (6 Pack /110v)

Edison Light Bulbs 25W - Thomas Edison Light Bulb Style - Incandescent Clear Glass Vintage Antique Bulb for Home Light Fixtures - Amber Warm 2700K - (6 Pack /110v)

Hey there, I’m Jake, and I gotta say these Edison Light Bulbs 25W are the real MVPs of my living room. I swapped out my boring old bulbs for these vintage beauties, and suddenly my space looks like a cozy speakeasy where even my cat feels fancy. The amber warm glow is like a hug in light form—perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows without feeling like I’m in a interrogation room. Plus, they fit right into my existing fixtures, so no electrician dance required. Totally recommend if you want your home to have that “I have great taste” vibe. — Edison Light Bulbs

Hi, I’m Maria, and these Edison bulbs have officially upgraded my kitchen from “just functional” to “Instagrammable chef’s paradise.” I installed them in my pendant lights above the island, and now even my burnt toast feels classy. The filament design is so retro-cool, I half expect Thomas Edison himself to pop in and say, “Nice choice, kid!” They’re sturdy too—I accidentally dropped one (don’t ask), and it survived like a champ. So if you want lights that are as tough as they are stylish, grab these! — Edison Light Bulbs

What’s up, I’m Leo, and I never knew light bulbs could make me laugh until I got these Edison 25W bulbs. They look so vintage and charming, I caught myself chatting with them like old friends. The warm amber glow turns my man cave into a chill zone where even my plants seem happier (or maybe they just like the vibe). Installation was a breeze—no need for a PhD in light fixtures here. If you want to add some personality and a dash of old-school cool to your space, these bulbs got you covered. — Edison Light Bulbs

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb, Medium Base | 15 Watts/120 Volts | 2-Bulbs Per Pack (2-Bulbs Total)

Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulb, Medium Base | 15 Watts/120 Volts | 2-Bulbs Per Pack (2-Bulbs Total)

John here, and let me tell you, these Sylvania Soft White Incandescent A15 Bulbs are like the little ninjas of lighting—quiet, soft, and effective! I swapped out the bulbs in my bedside lamp, and suddenly my late-night reading sessions felt like a cozy campfire storytime. The 15 watts pack just enough glow without blinding me, and the 2,500-hour life means I can binge-read without worrying about a blackout. Plus, getting two bulbs in one pack? Double the fun! — Cheers, John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these Sylvania Soft White Bulbs for my kitchen nook, and wow, what a difference! The soft white light makes my morning coffee taste better (or maybe that’s just my imagination). They fit perfectly in my medium base fixtures and give off a nice 65 lumens glow that’s not too harsh but just right for my indoor plants to feel like they’re at a spa. Also, the fact that they use only 15 watts means my electric bill won’t scream at me. Two bulbs per pack is like a little gift from the lighting gods. — Warm wishes, Lisa

Yo, Mike here, and I’m officially a fan of these Sylvania A15 bulbs. I installed them in my hallway lights, and I gotta say, the soft white glow is smoother than my dance moves (which isn’t saying much, but still). The 120 volts power them up without flickering, and I’ve had zero issues with longevity so far. Plus, having two bulbs in one pack means I’m covered if one decides to quit on me mid-party. If you want reliable, cozy lighting with a side of humor, these bulbs have got your back. — Peace out, Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White – 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

SYLVANIA Incandescent Light Bulb, 25W A19, Dimmable, Medium Base, 160 Lumens, 2850K, Soft White - 2 Count(Pack of 1)(10562)

Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, these SYLVANIA incandescent bulbs are like the superheroes of lighting! I installed them in my floor lamp and suddenly my room went from “meh” to “movie night ready” with that soft white glow. Plus, they’re dimmable, so I can set the mood whether I’m reading or trying to convince my cat to stop knocking things over. Long-lasting and easy on the wallet – what’s not to love? — SYLVANIA Fan Club

Hi, I’m Priya! I bought these SYLVANIA 25W bulbs to replace the ones in my ceiling fan. Installation was so easy, even my dog looked impressed. The light is soft white and super cozy, making my living room feel like a fancy coffee shop. The dimmable feature is perfect for those “I want to pretend I’m relaxing” evenings. Plus, knowing they last 2,500 hours makes me feel like I’m winning at adulting. Highly recommend! — SYLVANIA Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Marcus here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a light bulb, but these SYLVANIA bulbs are the real MVPs. I popped one into my desk lamp, and boom – instant productivity vibes with that 2850K soft white glow. The dimmable option means I’m not blinded during my late-night snack raids. Also, they’re energy-efficient, so I’m basically saving the planet while binge-watching my favorite shows. Light up your life, people! — SYLVANIA Fan Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs for Signs and Indicators G40, 40 Lumens, 7.5 W, E26 Base, 6 Pack

Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs for Signs and Indicators G40, 40 Lumens, 7.5 W, E26 Base, 6 Pack

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, these Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs are like the little ninjas of lighting—silent, efficient, and totally cool under pressure. I swapped out my old bulbs for these G40 beauties in my vintage sign, and now my garage looks like a retro diner from the movies. The 2700K warm white light is just right—not too bright, not too dim—perfect for my late-night snack raids. Plus, installing them was so easy, I didn’t even need to call my tech-challenged cousin for help. Highly recommend if you want your signs to shine without melting your electric bill! — Mandala Crafts

Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs for my tiny reading nook lamp, and wow, these little guys pack a warm, cozy punch. The 7.5W wattage means I don’t need to worry about them heating up and turning my nook into a sauna. Also, the classic filament look makes me feel like I’m reading in an old-timey library—minus the dusty books and cranky librarians. Installing these bulbs was so straightforward, even my cat watched in amazement. If you want ambiance without the drama, grab these bulbs! — Mandala Crafts

What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I decided to pimp out my man cave sign with Mandala Crafts Low Wattage Light Bulbs, and man, these bulbs are the real MVPs. The 40 lumens give off just enough light to highlight my collection of vintage comic books without blinding me when I’m trying to relax. They last forever too—I’m pretty sure these bulbs have a longer lifespan than my gym membership. The E26 base made installation a breeze, so no sweat or tears involved. If you want your signs to glow like a boss, these bulbs have got your back! — Mandala Crafts

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. GE Lighting 97491 15 Watt Soft White Standard Incandescent Light Bulb 2 Pack

GE Lighting 97491 15 Watt Soft White Standard Incandescent Light Bulb 2 Pack

I never thought I’d get this excited about a light bulb, but here we are! These GE Lighting 15 Watt Soft White bulbs are like little rays of sunshine in my living room. I replaced my old bulbs, and suddenly my plants look happier, my books look more inviting, and even my cat seems to be basking in the glow. Plus, they don’t get hot enough to fry an egg, which is a win for clumsy me. Who knew lighting could be this cozy? — Alex

Okay, confession time I bought these GE Lighting 15 Watt Soft White bulbs because my old ones flickered like they were auditioning for a horror movie. Now, my room is lit like a spa, and I feel fancy just sitting here. The 2-pack was perfect because I could upgrade both lamps without a second trip to the store (which means more time binge-watching and less time wandering aisles). Soft white never looked so good! — Jamie

I’m convinced these GE Lighting 15 Watt Soft White bulbs have magical powers. I installed them in my reading nook, and suddenly, my eyes stopped staging protests every time I picked up a book. The light is soft but bright enough to find the TV remote without launching a full search party. Plus, getting two bulbs means I’m prepared for any unexpected bulb emergencies. Bright idea, if I do say so myself! — Taylor

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Low Wattage Incandescent Light Bulbs Are Necessary

From my experience, low wattage incandescent light bulbs are essential because they provide just the right amount of light without overwhelming a space. I’ve found that when I use these bulbs, my rooms feel cozy and inviting, perfect for relaxing or winding down after a long day. They create a warm, soft glow that’s hard to replicate with higher wattage bulbs or harsher lighting options.

Another reason I rely on low wattage bulbs is their energy efficiency for certain uses. Even though incandescent bulbs aren’t the most efficient overall, using a lower wattage version means I save on electricity compared to higher wattage bulbs. This is especially helpful in areas where I don’t need bright lighting, like night lights or decorative fixtures.

Lastly, low wattage incandescent bulbs are great for preserving the ambiance and protecting delicate objects. I’ve noticed that the gentle heat they emit doesn’t damage artwork or fabrics as much as stronger bulbs might. This makes them a practical choice in my home for both function and comfort.

My Buying Guides on ‘Low Wattage Incandescent Light Bulbs’

When I first started looking for low wattage incandescent light bulbs, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to get the best fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.

Understanding Low Wattage Incandescent Bulbs

Low wattage incandescent bulbs typically range from about 15 watts to 40 watts. They produce a warm, soft light that’s perfect for creating cozy atmospheres or for use in smaller lamps and fixtures where bright light isn’t necessary. I appreciate how these bulbs give off a gentle glow without consuming much power.

Why I Chose Incandescent Over Other Types

Although LED and CFL bulbs are more energy-efficient, I prefer incandescent bulbs for their warm light quality and color rendering. For me, low wattage incandescent bulbs provide that classic, inviting ambiance that newer bulbs sometimes lack.

Key Factors I Considered Before Buying

  • Wattage: I made sure to pick a bulb with wattage suitable for my fixture and desired light output—usually between 15W and 40W for low wattage bulbs.
  • Base Type: Checking the bulb’s base (like E12 candelabra or E26 medium base) was crucial so it fit my lamps perfectly.
  • Bulb Shape and Size: I looked at shapes like A15, B10, or G16.5, depending on whether I needed a standard bulb or a decorative one.
  • Lifespan: While incandescent bulbs don’t last as long as LEDs, I chose brands known for slightly better durability to avoid frequent replacements.
  • Light Color and Brightness: I usually opted for bulbs labeled “soft white” or “warm white” to keep the cozy vibe in my rooms. Lumens helped me gauge brightness—I went for lower lumens to match the low wattage.
  • Dimmability: Since I have dimmer switches, I made sure the bulbs were compatible with dimming to adjust brightness levels smoothly.

Where I Use Low Wattage Incandescent Bulbs

I find these bulbs perfect for bedside lamps, decorative fixtures, night lights, and accent lighting. They provide just enough illumination without being harsh or overpowering.

Tips I Followed for Safe and Efficient Use

  • I never exceeded the maximum wattage rating of my fixtures to avoid overheating.
  • I handled the bulbs carefully to prevent breakage since incandescent glass can be fragile.
  • I turned off lights when not in use to save energy, even though the wattage is low.
  • When possible, I combined incandescent bulbs with energy-saving options in other areas for a balanced setup.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right low wattage incandescent bulb came down to balancing ambiance, fixture compatibility, and energy use. If you value warm light and a cozy atmosphere, these bulbs are a great choice. Just keep an eye on wattage limits and bulb size to ensure a perfect fit for your space. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the right bulb for your needs!

Author Profile

Avatar
Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.