IKEA’s viral donut lamp simply obtained smarter — what to know in regards to the Matter-over-Thread Varmblixt lamp

IKEA’s viral donut lamp simply obtained smarter — what to know in regards to the Matter-over-Thread Varmblixt lamp

Last Updated: March 22, 2026By

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In 2023, the web was ablaze with IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, aka the viral donut lamp. When you have been among the many crowd trekking to IKEA, looking for the donut lamp in inventory, we have some information for you — there is a new model of the lamp to covet. At CES 2026, IKEA unveiled a wise model of its viral donut lamp. Now you possibly can take pleasure in the identical form lamp in an entire new array of colours.

Because the proprietor of an OG Varmblixt lamp, I have been ready for the good model to drop, and it is lastly right here. And I obtained to go hands-on with the brand new donut lamp to see what it is all about.

In regards to the IKEA Varmblixt lamp

The OG Varmblixt lamp has the donut design, encased in a heat orange glass shade.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp first debuted in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Working as both a desk or wall lamp, the Varmblixt is crafted from orange glass, bringing beautiful ambient glow to any room.

Variations between the OG and good Varmblixt lamp

On the left the OG orange Varmblixt and on the right, the new smart Varmblixt.

The brand new Varmblixt lamp has a glowing white mild, in comparison with the nice and cozy orange of the unique lamp.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

With the Varmblixt lamp getting the good improve, it is a slight departure from the unique. The Varmblixt nonetheless has the identical donut form and may nonetheless be put in as a desk or wall lamp. Nevertheless, in contrast to the OG, it is now not orange. As an alternative, the up to date good Varmblixt has a matte white glass end. The colour as an alternative comes from the within with a color-changing bulb. The outdated Varmblixt has a easy on/off swap, whereas the brand new model has a distant to regulate the lamp’s shade and brightness. Plus, the good Varmblixt is a Matter gadget, that means it should connect with any good residence hub.

How does the brand new Varmblixt lamp work?

The brand new Varmblixt would not look as thrilling from the surface with its white base. However when you activate the lamp, you possibly can modify the colour and brightness with the included distant.

Utilizing the Varmblixt required a bit extra trial and error than I anticipated as a result of, as I ought to have anticipated, IKEA’s directions have been sparse. You do not want a wise residence hub to function the Varmblixt, though it should connect with yours when you have one.

The remote for the IKEA Varmblixt lamp.

In basic IKEA trend, the distant did not include clarification of its controls.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you do not have a wise hub (and even if you happen to do), use the included distant to show the lamp on or off, modify the colour, and modify the brightness. IKEA would not present directions on which distant buttons do what. Fortunately for you, I struggled by way of some trial-and-error, so that you needn’t.

The distant has two buttons, marked by a big dot and a small dot. To vary the lamp’s shade, double-click the big or small button. The massive button strikes you ahead by way of the colour wheel, however you possibly can transfer again if you happen to skip over a shade you want, utilizing the small button. To dim the sunshine, maintain the small button; to extend the brightness, maintain the big button.

You possibly can swap the Varmblixt bases

A cool function of all Varmblixt lamps is that the bottom and glass shades are swappable. So, probably, I might transfer the good base to my current orange shade, an enormous boon for good residence aficionados who need to activate the Varmblixt with their good residence hub.

How does the brand new Varmblixt look?

Whereas the OG Varmblixt lamp embraced the nice and cozy, orange tones, the brand new good model is notably cooler. The matte white shade is sort of stark and vibrant, so to heat it up, modify the colour towards orange or crimson hues.

Eight Varmblixt lamps on a wall

The total good Varmblixt shade vary.
Credit score: IKEA

The colour palette of the Varmblixt shouldn’t be as in depth as you may discover in different good mild bulbs that allow you to select from thousands and thousands of hues. The IKEA colours are preprogrammed and are usually cooler pastel shades. It is a particular departure from the heat of the unique Varmblixt. Fortunately, if you happen to’re not into the cool pastels, the OG orange lamp is offered.

Will I be swapping the brand new Varmblixt for the outdated?

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp on a table

Whereas I do not love the cool tone of the brand new Varmblixt lamp, I see its potential.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The brand new good Varmblixt lamp is a enjoyable development within the lamp’s lineup, however will I be swapping out my very own? Most likely not. We’re not large into smart home in my home, so I do not get the advantage of its Matter connectivity. And whereas I like the brand new colours, I nonetheless choose the OG’s heat orange shade that provides an ambient glow to my home. Whereas I might see myself incorporating the brand new good Varmblixt elsewhere in my residence, it isn’t going to take the OG’s highlight.

Do I believe the brand new mild is price it? Definitely. Particularly for these enthusiastic about its good residence potential.


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