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

Content

In 2023, the internet was ablaze with IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, dubbed the viral donut lamp. If you’ve been among the crowd walking to IKEA, trying to find a donut lamp in stock, we’ve got some news for you – there’s a new version of the lamp to covet. 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. Functional as a table or wall lamp, Varmblixt is made of orange glass, bringing beautiful ambient light to any room.

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.

Using the Varmblixt required more trial and error than I expected because, as I expected, the IKEA instructions were few. 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

If you don’t have a smart hub (or even if you do), use the included remote to turn the light on or off, adjust the color, and adjust the brightness. 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. So, maybe, I can move the smart base to my existing orange shade, a big boon for smart home enthusiasts who want to turn on Varmblixt with their smart home hub.

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.