IKEA Adds Matter to its Updated Varmblixt Collection
IKEA has introduced smart versions of its VARMBLIXT lighting range, adding colour-changing and dimmable functionality while retaining the sculptural forms that made the collection widely recognisable.
Originally launched just over three years ago, VARMBLIXT was created in collaboration with designer Sabine Marcelis and has since become one of IKEA’s most distinctive lighting collections. The updated range introduces smart controls designed to let users adjust colour temperature, brightness, and ambience, without altering the overall design language of the lamps.
SMART DONUT LAMP ADDS COLOUR CONTROL
The updated VARMBLIXT donut lamp features a matte white glass finish, replacing the original glossy surface. According to Marcelis, the change allows light to glow from within the lamp rather than reflect externally, subtly altering how the light interacts with a room.
The lamp ships with a BILRESA remote and supports twelve preset colours curated by Marcelis. These move gradually through different white temperatures, amber, red, pink, lavender, turquoise, yellow, and back to white, with smooth transitions rather than abrupt colour changes.
When paired with the IKEA Home Smart app via the DIRIGERA hub, the donut lamp unlocks extended controls, including more than 40 colour shades, brightness adjustment, and dimming.
PENDANT FOCUSES ON WHITE LIGHT
Alongside the donut lamp, IKEA is also launching a VARMBLIXT smart pendant. This model focuses exclusively on white light, transitioning from cooler daylight tones to warmer, candle-like light. Like the donut, it can be controlled using the included remote or integrated into a broader smart-home setup.
APPLE HOME AND MATTER SUPPORT
Both VARMBLIXT smart lamps are built on Matter, allowing them to integrate with Apple Home alongside other Matter-enabled platforms. When added to Apple Home, the lamps can be controlled using the Home app and Siri, included in scenes and automations, and synchronised with other compatible lighting and accessories.
As with IKEA’s other Matter-based products, advanced features such as colour control and dimming are exposed through Apple Home without requiring cloud accounts or proprietary bridges beyond DIRIGERA. Control is designed to run locally within the home, aligning with Apple’s privacy-first smart-home model.
THREAD OR WI-FI?
IKEA has not explicitly stated whether the VARMBLIXT smart lamps use Thread or Wi‑Fi as their underlying transport for Matter, based on IKEA’s recent Matter releases and the option to add the lamp to their Dirigera hub, the lamps is likely able to communicate via the Thread rather than connecting directly to Wi-Fi.
