‘Most people won’t buy this updated VARMBLIXT because they want a smart device, but because it’s a beautiful lamp’ – IKEA exec on the secrets behind the new version of the brand’s iconic donut lamp

IKEA has updated one of its most popular home products: the iconic donut lamp – or, to give it its official name, the VARMBLIXT LED table/wall lamp. After getting a preview of the new, smarter VARMBLIXT at CES, I spoke to David Granath, lighting and home electronics line manager at IKEA of Sweden, about the second-generation donut lamp, the driving force behind the changes, and why he thinks this version is going to be even more popular than the original.

“In general, we want to offer well-designed and functional home furniture at very affordable prices. Even when we do very well – like in the VARMBLIXT collection – there are always things we can improve,” explains David. “Updating the donut lamp actually brings us closer to the original intention of not only creating a beautiful lamp, but letting the light set the mood for your home.”

The original donut lamp, launched three years ago, has proven extremely popular. And the updated version adds new features: it can change colors, smoothly switching through a wide range of shades, and there are also options for adjusting the intensity and brightness of the light.

It’s also smart. It’s built on the Matter standard, which means it can be connected to a range of smart home ecosystems. For those new to Smart Home, IKEA has added a pre-paired remote control in the box for instant access to additional features, and there’s also the option to connect to the IKEA Home Smart app for more precise control.