IKEA’s viral donut lamp just got smarter —...

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In 2023, the web was ablaze with IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, aka the viral donut lamp. In the event you had been among the many crowd trekking to IKEA, searching for the donut lamp in inventory, we have some information for you — there is a new model of the lamp to covet. At CES 2026, IKEA unveiled a wise model of its viral donut lamp. Now you possibly can take pleasure in the identical form lamp in an entire new array of colours.

Because the proprietor of an OG Varmblixt lamp, I have been ready for the good model to drop, and it is lastly right here. And I acquired to go hands-on with the brand new donut lamp to see what it is all about.

In regards to the IKEA Varmblixt lamp

The OG Varmblixt lamp has the donut design, encased in a heat orange glass shade.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The IKEA Varmblixt lamp first debuted in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Working as both a desk or wall lamp, the Varmblixt is crafted from orange glass, bringing beautiful ambient glow to any room.

Variations between the OG and good Varmblixt lamp

The brand new Varmblixt lamp has a glowing white mild, in comparison with the nice and cozy orange of the unique lamp.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

With the Varmblixt lamp getting the good improve, it is a slight departure from the unique. The Varmblixt nonetheless has the identical donut form and may nonetheless be put in as a desk or wall lamp. Nevertheless, not like the OG, it is now not orange. As an alternative, the up to date good Varmblixt has a matte white glass end. The colour as a substitute comes from the within with a color-changing bulb. The outdated Varmblixt has a easy on/off change, whereas the brand new model has a distant to regulate the lamp’s colour and brightness. Plus, the good Varmblixt is a Matter system, that means it can connect with any good house hub.

How does the brand new Varmblixt lamp work?

The brand new Varmblixt would not look as thrilling from the surface with its white base. However when you activate the lamp, you possibly can modify the colour and brightness with the included distant.

Utilizing the Varmblixt required a bit extra trial and error than I anticipated as a result of, as I ought to have anticipated, IKEA’s directions had been sparse. You do not want a wise house hub to function the Varmblixt, though it can connect with yours in case you have one.

In traditional IKEA trend, the distant did not include rationalization of its controls.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you do not have a wise hub (and even if you happen to do), use the included distant to show the lamp on or off, modify the colour, and modify the brightness. IKEA would not present directions on which distant buttons do what. Fortunately for you, I struggled by means of some trial-and-error, so that you needn’t.

The distant has two buttons, marked by a big dot and a small dot. To vary the lamp’s colour, double-click the massive or small button. The massive button strikes you ahead by means of the colour wheel, however you possibly can transfer again if you happen to skip over a colour you want, utilizing the small button. To dim the sunshine, maintain the small button; to extend the brightness, maintain the massive button.

You possibly can swap the Varmblixt bases

A cool characteristic of all Varmblixt lamps is that the bottom and glass shades are swappable. So, doubtlessly, I may transfer the good base to my present orange shade, an enormous boon for good house aficionados who need to activate the Varmblixt with their good house hub.

How does the brand new Varmblixt look?

Whereas the OG Varmblixt lamp embraced the nice and cozy, orange tones, the brand new good model is notably cooler. The matte white shade is kind of stark and vibrant, so to heat it up, modify the colour towards orange or purple hues.

The complete good Varmblixt colour vary.
Credit score: IKEA

The colour palette of the Varmblixt just isn’t as in depth as you may discover in different good mild bulbs that allow you to select from thousands and thousands of hues. The IKEA colours are preprogrammed and are usually cooler pastel shades. It is a particular departure from the heat of the unique Varmblixt. Fortunately, if you happen to’re not into the cool pastels, the OG orange lamp is on the market.

Will I be swapping the brand new Varmblixt for the outdated?

Whereas I do not love the cool tone of the brand new Varmblixt lamp, I see its potential.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The brand new good Varmblixt lamp is a enjoyable development within the lamp’s lineup, however will I be swapping out my very own? Most likely not. We’re not huge into smart home in my home, so I do not get the good thing about its Matter connectivity. And whereas I like the brand new colours, I nonetheless choose the OG’s heat orange shade that provides an ambient glow to my home. Whereas I may see myself incorporating the brand new good Varmblixt elsewhere in my house, it is not going to take the OG’s highlight.

Do I feel the brand new mild is value it? Definitely. Particularly for these enthusiastic about its good house potential.