IKEAs upgraded donut lamp is already my favorite smart home device of the
year here are 5 reasons why

Date:
Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Description:
I can't stop thinking about IKEA's new Varmblixt smart lamp, and these are
the 5 reasons I seriously want to upgrade.

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Ever since IKEA's astonishing debut at CES 2026 , all I can think about is
the array of new devices it showcased and I simply cannot get the new Varmblixt smart lamp out of my head.

Building on the iconic donut lamp it launched in 2022, IKEA is growing its legacy with a new version of its popular lighting product with a handful of smart upgrades. I happen to own its orange donut predecessor, but its new sibling is even more practical yet still stylish, and I'm ever so tempted to upgrade.

Looks aside, the revised Varmblixt lamp is one of my favorite smart home devices of the year already for five particular reasons, all of which I've gathered below. I don't need another lamp, so this one is purely a 'want'.

Along with the new donut smart lamp, IKEA unveiled five new gadgets at CES that you should definitely check out but after you've read this roundup, of course. 1. Its reasonable price tag (Image credit: IKEA)

While its never a wise idea to purchase a smart home device solely on the basis of it being cheap or affordable, its something that everyone considers in the process. When it comes to the new smart Varmblixt lamp, theres no ridiculous price hike.

Its standard edition is currently priced at $99.99 / 55 / AU$99, and when its smarter upgrade lands in April, it will be priced at $99.99 in the US (which works out to about 80 / AU$150), while the new LED Pendant Light will be slightly more pricey ($149.99 / 110 / AU$220).

Although it will come with a slight price increase in certain regions, which was inevitable given its new smart functions, its US price remains the same
as the original model, which would not have been the case if it were any
other smart home brand. 2. New smarts dont sacrifice its iconic design (Image credit: Future)

One of the reasons why I fell in love with the original Varmblixt lamp in the first place was because of its unique donut-shaped design, tapping into that mid-century modern interior style thats taken over, and Im happy that IKEA
has kept it.

Despite its smart home selling points, it doesnt take away from the original lamps purpose, which is to serve as a beautiful, decorative piece to brighten your home space. Now it's added smart home tricks give it even more depth.

The only design difference between the 2022 original and the new smart
version is that it now features a white matte glass lamp shade, instead of
its original warm orange hue but Im willing to let that one slide. 3.
Display versatility (Image credit: IKEA)

Just like its iconic shape, display versatility is here to stay, too. Whether you decide to place the Varmblixt lamp next to your sleeping space, on a
media unit, or mount it to fill empty wall space, theres always a way for you to integrate it into your home, no matter your setup.

It also challenges you to get creative, which is something Ive come to love with smart home tech. Ive seen a handful of owners online use the Varmblixt lamp to accompany the best turntables in their audio setups, and even coffee bars for their morning caffeine fix. 4. Matter support ties it in nicely with your existing setup (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

It's quite frustrating when you come across a smart home device with a lot of potential, but then discover its not Matter-supported. This isnt the case for IKEAs smart lamp.

Now that the Varmblixt lamp is built on the Matter standard, it means that it can fit in easily with your existing smart home ecosystem, so you can ditch the new Bilresa remote if you want to. 5. A wide color spectrum to set any mood (Image credit: IKEA)

As mentioned, the Varmblixt smart lamp comes with the new Bilresa remote control which allows you to click between the 12 different color presets selected by IKEA collaborator Sabine Marcelis. Each shade is designed to
blend seamlessly from one to the other, but theres a way to unlock even more.

When you connect the lamp to the IKEA Home Smart app through the Dirigera
hub, itll give you the power to choose from a large color spectrum of 40 different shades and allow you to find the right light to set the perfect tone. If you dont own the Dirigera hub dont worry, thats what Matter support is for, and you can control its 40 added shades right from the smart hubs
that youre already using.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/ikeas-upgraded-donut-lamp-is-already -my-favorite-smart-home-device-of-the-year-here-are-5-reasons-why


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