Will a dimmable LED allow me to shine a light similar in intensity to a candleflame?
Here's what I did:

I went to a certain big box store known for its 'Treasure Hunt' atmosphere and, pre-pandemic, free samples

I bought a 'feit electric dimmer switch 2 pack'

I installed them. It was really easy, though it does require a neutral.

I purchased the a large box of 'feit electric soft white led dimmable bulbs.  The new ones light up to the base (similar to the old incandescent bulbs and look much better).  Conveniently, my local utility was subsidizing them, so I think that they were really cheap.


Here's a similar product: https://www.feit.com/product/800-lumen-2700k-dimmable-led-8/
Total cost was less than $50, and I think that some of these parts have gotten cheaper since.
Note:  I've reliability issues with the LED bulbs with the plastic bases -- perhaps my fixtures are too hot, but I find that they often flicker or crack and die.
On another note:  I have a few boxes of incandescent bulbs that I'd be happy to get rid of -- I run a bunch of hallway lights 24/7, and installing LED lights is a huge win, even over compact fluorescent.