IKEA’s viral donut lamp just got smarter – what you need to know about the Matter-over-Thread lamp Varmblixt

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In 2023, the internet was ablaze with IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, dubbed the viral donut lamp. Uma ubuphakathi kwesixuku esihamba ngezinyawo siya e-IKEA, sizama ukuthola isibani se-donut esitokweni, sikuphathele izindaba ezithile – kukhona inguqulo entsha yesibani ongayihalela. At CES 2026, IKEA unveiled a smart version of its viral donut lamp. Now you can enjoy the lamp of the same shape in a new range of colors.

As an owner of the OG Varmblixt lamp, I’ve been waiting for the smart version to drop, and it’s finally here. And I got to meet the new donut lamp to see what it’s all about.

About the IKEA Varmblixt lamp

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp first appeared in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Isebenza njengetafula noma isibani sodonga, i-Varmblixt yakhiwe ngengilazi ewolintshi, iletha ukukhanya okuhle kwe-ambient kunoma yiliphi igumbi.

The difference between the OG and the smart Varmblixt lamp

The new Varmblixt lamp has a bright white light, compared to the warm orange of the original lamp.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As the Varmblixt lamp gets a smart upgrade, it is a slight departure from the original. Varmblixt still has the same donut shape and can be installed as a table or wall lamp. However, unlike the OG, it is no longer orange. Instead, the updated smart Varmblixt has a white glass finish. The color instead comes from within and the bulb changes color. The old Varmblixt has a simple on/off switch, while the new version has a remote control to adjust the color and brightness of the lamp. Also, the smart Varmblixt is a Matter device, which means it will connect to any smart home hub.

How does the new Varmblixt lamp work?

The new Varmblixt doesn’t look that exciting on the outside with its white base. But when you turn on the lamp, you can adjust the color and brightness with the included remote control.

Ukusebenzisa i-Varmblixt kudinga ukuzama nephutha okwengeziwe kunalokho engangikulindele ngoba, njengoba ngangilindele, imiyalelo ye-IKEA yayimbalwa. You don’t need a smart home hub to use Varmblixt, although it will connect to yours if you have one.

In classic IKEA fashion, the remote control did not come with a description of its controls.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Uma ungenayo ihabhu elihlakaniphile (noma ngabe unayo), sebenzisa isilawuli kude esifakiwe ukuze uvule noma ucime isibani, ulungise umbala, futhi ulungise ukukhanya. IKEA does not provide instructions on which remote buttons do what. Luckily for you, I’ve struggled through trial and error, so you don’t have to.

The remote has two buttons, marked with a large dot and a small dot. To change the color of the lamp, double-click the large or small button. The big button takes you forward on the color wheel, but you can go back if you skip a color you like, using the small button. To dim the light, hold the small button; To increase the brightness, hold the big button.

You can exchange Varmblixt bases

A great feature of all Varmblixt lamps is that the base and glass shades are interchangeable. Ngakho-ke, mhlawumbe, ngingakwazi ukuhambisa isisekelo esihlakaniphile emthunzini wami osawolintshi okhona, isibusiso esikhulu sabathandi bekhaya abahlakaniphile abafuna ukuvula i-Varmblixt ngehabhu yabo yasekhaya ehlakaniphile.

What does the new Varmblixt look like?

While the OG Varmblixt lamp adopted warm, orange tones, the new smart version is noticeably cooler. The matte white shade is bright and bright, so to warm it up, adjust the color to orange or red colors.

The full range of smart Varmblixt colors.
Credit: IKEA

The Varmblixt color palette isn’t as wide as you’ll find on other smart lights, allowing you to choose from millions of hues. IKEA colors are pre-programmed and tend to be cool pastel colors. A definite departure from the warmth of the original Varmblixt. Luckily, if you’re not into cool pastels, the OG orange lamp is available.

Will I be exchanging the new Varmblixt for the old one?

While I don’t like the cool tone of the new Varmblixt lamp, I can see its potential.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The new Varmblixt smart bulb is an exciting progression in the bulb range, but will I be replacing mine? Probably not. We haven’t seen it as big as a smart home in my house, so I don’t get the benefit of its Matter connection. And while I love the new colors, I still prefer the OG warm orange shade that adds an ambient light to my house. Although I could see myself incorporating the new smart Varmblixt elsewhere in my home, it won’t take the OG light.

Do I think the new light is worth it? Of course. Especially for those who are excited about its smart home capabilities.