I went down an Ikea lighting rabbit hole — here are 15 unique lamps to instantly brighten up your space
Summary
Ikea's new donut light has captured widespread attention, but the publication highlights several alternative lighting options that also deserve recognition. Explore these creative choices to brighten your space and elevate your home decor.
Key Insights
What is the difference between the original IKEA VARMBLIXT donut lamp and the new smart version?
The original VARMBLIXT is a non-smart orange glass lamp with a glossy finish that emits a warm glow using fixed LED lighting, while the new smart version features a matte white glass surface, color-changing capabilities with 12 preset colors via remote (expandable to over 40 via app), dimming, and Matter compatibility for smart home integration, available starting April 2026 at $100.
What is the Matter standard and how does it relate to the new IKEA donut lamp?
Matter is a universal smart home standard that enables devices from different brands to communicate and integrate seamlessly across ecosystems; the new VARMBLIXT smart donut lamp supports Matter, allowing it to connect with IKEA's Dirigera hub, the IKEA Home Smart app, and other major smart home platforms for advanced control.