Best Vintage Smart Bulbs for Period Homes: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics
The industrial 'steampunk' aesthetic is massive right now, especially here in Leeds with our abundance of exposed brick lofts and Victorian terraces. However, until recently, choosing smart lighting meant sacrificing that vintage look for a white plastic bulb that stuck out like a sore thumb.
Fortunately, the technology has caught up. We can now get 'filament' style LED smart bulbs that offer that warm, amber glow whilst connecting to Alexa or Google Home. But not all are created equal. Some struggle with Wi-Fi interference in solid brick homes, and others flicker terribly when dimmed.
In this review, I'm looking at three distinct options: a versatile budget winner, a premium colour-changing vintage bulb, and a 'problem-solving' option for those who prefer to make the switch smart rather than the bulb.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Wi-Fi Range & Connectivity"
"Manufacturers claim these bulbs work anywhere in the house on standard Wi-Fi."
In Leeds' back-to-back terraces, solid trick walls block 2.4GHz signals. If your router is in the lounge, a Wi-Fi bulb in the attic bedroom may constantly disconnect. Mesh Wi-Fi is often needed.
The Spec: "Vintage 'Filament' Look"
"LED filaments look exactly like old-school incandescent tugsten filaments."
Most look convincing when on, but when off, you can sometimes see the yellow LED strips clearly. The amber coating on the glass helps hide this, but it also reduces total brightness (lumens).
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
WiZ Smart Bulb, E27 Globe LED Bulb, mart Dimming LED 60W, Connected WiFi Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & HomeKit, App Control for Livingroom, Bedroom, Dining Room, Energy Monitoring
WiZ
WiZ is one of the most reliable exciting budget systems I install. Because they operate on Wi-Fi without needing a separate expensive hub, they are perfect for beginners or renters. This globe style looks fantastic in open pendant fittings common in kitchens.
The Good
- No hub required - connects directly to router
- Excellent app with 'Wellbeing' modes that adjust light warmth through the day
- Energy monitoring feature helps track usage
The Bad
- Only white connectable (tunable white), no RGB colours
- Requires strong Wi-Fi signal at the fixture point
Installer Tip:
Do not put this bulb on an existing dimmer switch. Smart bulbs need constant power. Leave the wall switch 'On' and use the app or a compatible WiZ remote. If you use a physical dimmer, the bulb will flicker and eventually fail.
Priced at £11.29 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMOES Alexa Smart Light Bulb E27 Vintage, WiFi RGB LED Lamp, Dimmable, 5W, 2700K-6500K Warm White Cold White, Edison Bulb, 16 Million Colours, Compatible with Alexa Google Home - 2 Pack
MOES
Finding a vintage-style bulb that also does full colour (RGB) is rare. Typically, you have to choose between a retro look OR fun colours. MOES has combined both here. The addition of tunable whites (warm to cool) makes this a versatile choice for main living spaces.
The Good
- Full RGB colour spectrum hidden in a vintage chassis
- Tunable white (2700K-6500K) for task lighting vs relaxing
- Works with the Tuya/Smart Life ecosystem (very common standard)
The Bad
- Initial setup with Tuya app can sometimes be finicky on 5GHz routers
- 5W is decorative brightness, not enough for a primary work light
Installer Tip:
These run on the Tuya platform. If you have other smart devices (plugs, heaters) from different budget brands, they likely use the same 'Smart Life' app. Check this first to avoid having ten different apps on your phone.
Priced at £22.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonVintage Edison E27 Filament Light Bulb 40W ST64 - Retro Incandescent Industrial Style Bulb, Warm White, Decorative 6 Pieces
EYLM
You might wonder why a standard 'dumb' bulb is on a smart list. Here's the electrician's secret: if you want a truly smart home with wall switches that actually work, you install a smart relay (like Shelly or Sonoff) behind the switch and use high-quality standard dimmable bulbs like these. This solves the problem of guests turning off the smart bulb at the wall.
The Good
- Incredible aesthetics - genuine incandescent warm glow
- Zero electronics inside to fail - longevity depends on usage
- Perfect dimming curve compatible with smart dimmer modules
The Bad
- Higher energy consumption (40W) compared to LED
- Gets hot to the touch (unlike LEDs)
Installer Tip:
Use these with a smart dimmer module (like a Shelly Dimmer 2) installed behind your light switch. This setup gives you app/voice control whilst retaining the physical switch function, and avoids the ugly plastic base found on most 'all-in-one' smart bulbs.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I put vintage smart bulbs in any fitting?
Do I need a hub for these bulbs?
Why do my smart bulbs flicker?
Are vintage filament bulbs bright enough for a kitchen?
Do you install smart lighting systems in Leeds?
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