Ikea Varmblixt: Smart Donut Lamp Now Available in US

Ikea’s distinctive Varmblixt lamp, affectionately nicknamed the “donut lamp” for its shape, is getting a smart upgrade. First gaining viral attention in 2023 thanks to its bold design, the lamp is now available with Matter-over-Thread compatibility, bringing it into the broader smart home ecosystem. The new version, unveiled at CES 2026, offers color-changing capabilities and remote control, marking a significant departure from the original’s simple, warm orange glow.

From Ambient Glow to Smart Control: How the Varmblixt Evolved

The original Varmblixt lamp, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis, debuted in 2023 and quickly became an Instagram and TikTok sensation. Its appeal lay in its minimalist aesthetic – a donut-shaped glass shade emitting a warm, ambient light. It could function as either a table lamp or a wall sconce, offering a versatile design element for any room. The initial version featured a straightforward on/off switch. Now, Ikea is building on that popularity with a connected version.

The key difference between the original and the smart Varmblixt lies in the light source and control mechanisms. Whereas the original boasts a warm orange glass shade, the smart version features a matte white glass finish and relies on a color-changing bulb to produce its illumination. Instead of a simple switch, the new lamp comes with a remote control allowing users to adjust both color and brightness. More importantly, the smart Varmblixt is a Matter device, meaning it can seamlessly integrate with any Matter-compatible smart home hub, such as those from Apple, Amazon, and Google. Mashable’s hands-on review highlights this interoperability as a major benefit.

Understanding Matter and Thread

For those unfamiliar, Matter is a unified connectivity standard designed to simplify the smart home experience. It aims to allow devices from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly, regardless of the underlying technology. Forbes notes this is a significant step forward for interoperability in a historically fragmented market. Thread is a low-power, mesh networking protocol often used in smart home devices. Matter-over-Thread combines the benefits of both, offering reliable connectivity and interoperability.

Who Benefits from a Smarter Donut?

The appeal of the smart Varmblixt extends beyond existing smart home enthusiasts. The original lamp’s popularity demonstrated a broad consumer interest in unique and aesthetically pleasing lighting. The smart version caters to those who wish to add a touch of design flair to their homes while as well enjoying the convenience and control of a connected device. Users can now adjust the lamp’s color to match their mood or create custom lighting scenes, all without leaving the couch.

But, the upgrade isn’t without trade-offs. Some reviewers, like those at Gizmodo, point out that the new lamp isn’t quite as visually striking as the original, with its white base lacking the immediate impact of the orange glass. The Gizmodo review also notes that color transitions can be abrupt when using third-party ecosystems, a potential drawback for those seeking a more refined experience.

Performance and Practical Considerations

While the smart Varmblixt offers a wider range of color options, some users may find it a little dim for certain applications. The Gizmodo review highlights this as a minor limitation. The lamp’s responsiveness with the pre-paired remote is generally smooth, but integration with other smart home systems can introduce slight delays or inconsistencies. The price point remains consistent with the original Varmblixt, retailing for $99.99 at Ikea.

A Matter of Dimness: Light Output and Use Cases

The lamp is best suited for accent lighting rather than providing primary illumination for a room. Its strength lies in creating a specific ambiance or highlighting particular features within a space. The color-changing capabilities make it ideal for setting the mood for different occasions, from relaxing evenings to lively gatherings.

What’s Next for the Varmblixt and Smart Lighting?

The launch of the smart Varmblixt is part of a broader trend towards increased connectivity in home lighting. Ikea is continuing to expand its smart home offerings, integrating Matter support across its product range. The success of the Varmblixt demonstrates the consumer appetite for stylish and functional smart home devices. Further development will likely focus on refining the user experience, improving integration with various smart home platforms, and potentially exploring new features such as voice control and automated lighting schedules.

The continued adoption of Matter is crucial for the future of smart home interoperability. As more manufacturers embrace the standard, consumers can expect a more seamless and unified experience, regardless of the brands they choose. The Varmblixt’s integration with Matter is a positive step in that direction, paving the way for a more connected and convenient home environment. The long-term impact will depend on how quickly Matter gains widespread adoption and how effectively Ikea addresses the minor limitations identified in early reviews.