Hi
My understanding about LED lamps is that they use constant-current power supplies as the voltage drop across the lED is actually quite high. This means adding series diodes does nothing to the brightness.
IKEA sells small desk lamps and other things that are low-brightness as LEDs go. We have some that are 80 lumens that we use as reading lamps. The bulbs are small, so you need a small socket for them.
An alternative that fits standard lamp bases are those "vintage" look LED lamps. They have a very yellow light and are the same weight as an incandescent bulb, so work great in arm-style lamps. Yes, they are expensive but if you want a seriously "incandescent" feel, they are really nice. One nice thing about them is that their light distribution pattern is just like an incandescent, that light goes out in all directions and is not blocked by the usual large base, rather just the tiny standard lamp base. So, in an arm-light that has vents around the top, you get the same pattern of light on the ceiling as with an old bulb. In a bathroom vanity light strip, the glow is not so harsh but it might still be too bright for you.
if you want to dim LEDs make a variable current clamp.