Will it replace my beloved OG Varmblixt lamp?
By Samantha Mangino on March 22, 2026
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In 2023, the internet buzzed over IKEA’s Varmblixt lamp, the viral donut lamp. If you searched for this lamp at IKEA, there’s a new version to consider. At CES 2026, IKEA introduced a smart version of its popular donut lamp, now available in various colors.
As a proud OG Varmblixt lamp owner, I awaited the smart version’s release, and it’s finally here. I had the opportunity to try out the new donut lamp.
About the IKEA Varmblixt lamp
The OG Varmblixt lamp features a donut design in a warm orange glass shade. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The IKEA Varmblixt lamp debuted in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. It can function as a table or wall lamp, crafted from orange glass to provide a warm glow.
Differences between the OG and smart Varmblixt lamp
The new Varmblixt lamp features a glowing white light, unlike the original’s warm orange. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The Varmblixt lamp’s smart upgrade marks a departure from the original. It retains the donut shape and can still be a table or wall lamp but is no longer orange. Instead, the updated version has a matte white glass finish with a color-changing bulb. The old Varmblixt had a simple on/off switch, whereas the new version includes a remote for adjusting color and brightness. Plus, the smart Varmblixt is a Matter device connecting to any smart home hub.
How does the new Varmblixt lamp work?
The remote for the IKEA Varmblixt lamp. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The new Varmblixt might appear plain with its white base, but once activated, the lamp’s color and brightness can be adjusted using the remote. Operating the Varmblixt required some trial and error due to IKEA’s sparse instructions. A smart home hub isn’t required, but it can connect if you have one.
The included remote controls the lamp’s power, color, and brightness. IKEA doesn’t clarify which buttons do what, but through experimenting, the functions became clear. The large and small dots each change color—double-tap for color selection and hold for brightness adjustment.
You can swap the Varmblixt bases
An exciting feature of Varmblixt lamps is their swappable base and shades. You could use the smart base with your existing orange shade, appealing to smart home enthusiasts wanting Varmblixt compatibility with their hub.
How does the new Varmblixt look?
The full smart Varmblixt color range. Credit: IKEA
The smart Varmblixt’s matte white shade appears stark and bright. To adjust the lamp for warmer tones, shift colors towards orange or red. While the color range isn’t as broad as other smart light bulbs, it features cooler pastel shades, deviating from the original’s warmth. Fortunately, the OG orange lamp is still available.
Will I be swapping the new Varmblixt for the old?
While I don’t love the cool tone of the new Varmblixt lamp, I see its potential. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
The smart Varmblixt is an exciting addition, but will I replace my own? Probably not. My household isn’t focused on smart home capabilities, so the connectivity isn’t as beneficial. Although I enjoy the new colors, the OG’s warm orange shade provides a cozy glow I prefer. The smart Varmblixt might find a place in my home, but it won’t overshadow the OG.
Do I think the new light is worth it? Definitely, especially for those intrigued by its smart home potential.
Samantha Mangino
Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.