IKEA's Iconic VARMBLIXT Lamp Just Got a Smart Home Makeover, and It's Even Better Now — Here's My Review of the Viral 'Donut' Light
I tried Sabine Marcelis' rework of this lamp, and there's only one aspect holding me back from a perfect score
The reworked VARMBLIXT is a stylish corded lamp that offers multiple colors in varied brightness to suit every mood. To unlock further color customization beyond the preset colors, it requires pairing with a home hub. However, overall, the lamp rates highly for style, function, and affordability.
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Dimmable
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Frosted finish
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Easy use
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DIRIGERA hub required for extra customization
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Corded
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IKEA's original glossy orange lamp has been a main character in the realm of internet viral interior finds since its release in 2023. And now, the Scandi brand has released a new, frosted, smart version that claims to be much more customizable. So, I put the IKEA VARMBLIXT to the test, and it did not disappoint.
While I would put it up there with some of the best IKEA products, there are a couple of specifics about the lamp you should know before you adopt it into your home. Simply put, it's more diverse than the original donut and a stylish addition to homes built around sensory design and vibe-y aesthetics.
However, it's not as flexible without a home hub to pair with. But before I get into the technicalities, let's start with the lamp's quality.
IKEA's VARMBLIXT is rather undeniably good looking. The frosted finish and simple cord allow for it to switch from wall mounting to table styling with ease. And the mixed warm and cool palette of color ensures that it can transition from mood to moment with the click of a button.
Is IKEA's VARMBLIXT Lamp Good Quality?
From just holding the lamp you can instantly tell that it's crafted to be a high quality homeware.
IKEA is beloved for providing high-quality homewares on a humble budget. And as far as table lamps are concerned, the VARMBLIXT is no exception. The lamp itself is fairly heavy, which in part is due to its durable glass top.
Although I'm partial to cordless lamps, I will admit that the cord on the VARMBLIXT also boasts a more premium finish than typical plastic-clad wiring. Additionally, the lamp also comes with a mini remote control that adds to the overall user quality of the light.
"We spent a lot of time fine-tuning the transitions between the curated colors," says Sabine Marcelis, interior designer, artist, and creative behind the VARMBLIXT revamp. "What makes this lamp unique is that switching between colours is not a sudden change, but a very smooth journey through all the hues to get to the next color."
This updated function in the VARMBLIXT is another factor that elevates its experience in defining the way your space glows, and speaks to the quality of its functioning.
Does IKEA's VARMBLIXT Lamp Work Well?
This striking red is surprisingly vibe-y and perfect for a cocktail hour.
Image credit: Future / Amiya Baratan
I love the idea of having this purple inking the walls in a listening room.
Image credit: Future / Amiya Baratan
Reminiscent of the original VARMBLIXT, this orange works beautifully post sunset in a living room.
Image credit: Future / Amiya Baratan
This light yellow is a lovely morning lamp to wake up and switch on as you warm up for the day.
Image credit: Future / Amiya Baratan
Moving on to the actual working of IKEA's VARMBLIXT, I'm impressed and not in the least bit surprised that this donut lamp is a contemporary favorite. Although the comment section under the product features some users feeling frustrated by the setup, I found the instruction guide quite straightforward.
Living in a furnished studio with lighting designed into the space, I haven't found the need for a smart system to control my space. This means that I don't get to reap the benefits of the hyper-customization you can unlock with the DIRIGERA hub or a larger recognized home networking hub.
Having said that, I'm quite content with the preset color options, including white, amber, warm red, pink, lavender, turquoise, and yellow tones. And the ability to dim the light with the battery-controlled remote allows you to control the ambiance with a click.
How Does IKEA's VARMBLIXT Lamp Rank on Style?
Having been such a fan of the original glossy finish on the VARMBLIXT, I had some reservations about the frosted finish. But I stand corrected, as this mellow finish has made it a soothing addition to my bedroom lighting scheme.
With regards to the silhouette of the VARMBLIXT, the iconic donut shape adds a softness to my space. And the base is cleverly designed to be well concealed, so you don't have to worry about it stealing the shine away from the glass top.
So, if you ask me, the VARMBLIXT definitely has a style factor to it. The cord is the only thing tainting the vision ever-so-slightly. However, I've spotted some interior enthusiasts braiding and beading around the wire to conceal it.
Is IKEA's VARMBLIXT Lamp Worth It?
Whether you prop it on a table or mount it on the wall, the lamp elevates every space with its gorgeous light.
Yes, IKEA's VAMRBLIXT is absolutely worth it. It's stylish, high-quality, and easy to work with. Plus, it has a lifetime of around 25,000 years. So, if you keep your VARMBLIXT on for three hours a day, it'll happily live on for 20 years or so.
If your home is already kitted out with other IKEA products like the smart sensors and motion sensor lights, then you probably have a hub. Which means that you'll have access to a whole new level of color customization. This is also possible if you have another Matter-compatible smart home framework, from Alexa to Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
At £55, I'd go as far as to say the VARMBLIXT is a steal. But if it's out of stock or you want to explore other options, then here are some alternatives.
Voila, the original VARMBLIXT that took so many cool modern flats by storm. If you're not a fan of frosted glass, this finish will do the trick.
Speaking of iconic IKEA lamps that got a new look, the original FADO is now available in a pink speckled version that looks interesting even when turned off.
This speaker-light combo sports a mushroomed silhouette and a gorgeous rust color that brings a burst of personality.
If you're looking for a more muted way to illuminate your space, IKEA's Ilse Crawford collection is a must to snoop through. And for more reviews of the latest homewares, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.
