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

Table of contents

In 2023, the internet was on fire with IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, aka the viral donut lamp. If you were part of the crowd heading to IKEA trying to find the donut lamp in stock, we have 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-shaped lamp. Now you can enjoy the same lamp shape in a whole new range of colors.

As an OG Varmblixt light owner, I’ve been waiting for the smart version to come out, and it’s finally here. And I have to test the new donut lamp to see what it’s all about.

About the IKEA Varmblixt lamp

The OG Varmblixt lamp has a donut-shaped design, wrapped in a warm orange glass shade.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp debuted in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Functioning as a table lamp or wall light, the Varmblixt is made from orange glass, bringing a gorgeous ambient glow to any room.

Differences between the OG lamp and the Varmblixt smart lamp

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

With the Varmblixt lamp getting the smart upgrade, it’s a slight departure from the original. The Varmblixt still has the same donut shape and can still be installed as a table lamp or wall lamp. However, unlike the OG, it is no longer orange. Instead, the updated Smart Varmblixt has a matte white glass finish. Rather, the color comes from within thanks to a light bulb that 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. Additionally, 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 as exciting from the outside with its white base. But once you turn on the lamp, you can adjust the color and brightness with the included remote control.

Using the Varmblixt required a little more trial and error than expected because, as I should have expected, IKEA’s instructions were sparse. You don’t need a smart home hub to operate the Varmblixt, although it will connect to yours if you have one.

In classic IKEA fashion, the remote did not come with any explanation of its commands.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you don’t have a smart hub (or even if you do), use the included remote to turn the lamp on or off, adjust the color, and adjust the brightness. IKEA does not provide instructions on which buttons on the remote do what. Lucky for you, I did some trial and error, so you don’t need it.

The remote control 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 moves you forward in 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 down; To increase the brightness, hold down the big button.

You can exchange Varmblixt bases

A nice feature of all Varmblixt lamps is that the base and glass shades are interchangeable. So, potentially, I could move the smart base to my existing orange shade, a huge boon for smart home aficionados who want to power up the Varmblixt with their smart home hub.

What does the new Varmblixt look like?

While the OG Varmblixt lamp has adopted warm, orange tones, the new smart version is significantly cooler. The matte white shade is quite austere and bright, so to warm it up, adjust the color towards orange or red hues.

The full range of Varmblixt smart colors.
Credit: IKEA

The Varmblixt’s color palette isn’t as extensive as other smart bulbs that let you choose from millions of shades. IKEA colors are pre-programmed and tend to be cooler pastel tones. It’s a definite change from the warmth of the original Varmblixt. Luckily, if you don’t like cool pastels, the OG orange lamp is available.

Will I exchange the new Varmblixt for the old one?

Even though I don’t like the cold tone of the new Varmblixt lamp, I see its potential.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The new Varmblixt smart lamp is a fun progression in the lamp range, but will I swap mine? Probably not. We’re not big on smart home in my house, so I’m not taking advantage of its Matter connectivity. And while I love the new colors, I still prefer the OG’s warm orange hue which adds an ambient glow to my home. Even if I see myself integrating the new smart Varmblixt elsewhere in my home, it’s not going to attract the attention of the OG.

Do I think the new light is worth it? Certainly. Especially for those excited about its smart home potential.