'Most people won't buy it 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 loved and best-selling homeware 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, Range Manager for Lighting and Home Electronics at IKEA of Sweden, about the second-gen 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, functional home furnishing at very affordable prices. Even when we succeed really well – as in the VARMBLIXT collection – there are always things we can improve," says David. "Updating the donut lamp actually takes us closer to what the original intent was, to not only create a beautiful lamp but also really let the light set the mood of your home."

The original donut lamp, launched three years ago, has proved extremely popular. And the updated version adds new features – it can change color, cycling gently though a broad range of hues, plus there are options to adjust 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 Smart Home novices, IKEA has added a pre-paired remote in the box for instant access to the extra features, and there's also the option to connect up to the IKEA Home Smart app for more precise control.

For David, the smart features are a welcome support to the design elements. "Most people won't buy this updated VARMBLIXT because they want a smart device, but because it’s a beautiful lamp, where you can change the atmosphere of a room with a click of a button," he comments.

"VARMBLIXT is one of our most loved and best-selling lighting products, so it felt like a really good place to show how smart features can genuinely improve everyday life."

A softer option

IKEA purposely hasn't messed with the donut shape, but it has opted for a matte finish rather than glossy, to give this new iteration a "soft and diffused" effect. The new light adjustment options should make it even more versatile.

When quizzed on why the original struck such a cord with people, David had this to say: "I think it’s a good example of where unique design is combined with an affordable price. It's a very strong design piece, and so simple in its form. You can put it in any room and it works. And it doesn’t depend on a specific interior style, which I think makes it easy for people to connect with it."

The updated VARMBLIXT is due to go on sale from April 2026.

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