Key Points
The original IKEA donut lamp, or VARMBLIXT, released just over three years ago.The original lamp comes in an amber-toned glass with an orange-ish glow and will still be available.In April 2026, IKEA is releasing a smart version of the VARMBLIXT that can change colors.

I’ll be honest: When I first saw the IKEA “donut lamp” making the rounds on TikTok and Instagram, I wasn’t completely sold. It wasn’t until I saw the IKEA VARMBLIXT in a real home on vacation that I was sold: This is a stylish lamp that looks designer, and it’s becoming an icon in its own right.

According to IKEA’s in-house sales data, since the product’s debut just over three years ago, a VARMBLIXT lamp has sold every five minutes in the U.S.

The circular lamp used to come in just one color with amber-hued glass. Once I saw the color IRL in the Airbnb, I loved it. It’s warm and works well as a neutral in any space. But those who might feel limited by the somewhat orange-y tone are in for some exciting news. Here’s how the VARMBLIXT is changing.

How IKEA Upgraded the VARMBLIXT for 2026

Credit:

IKEA

The donut lamp is now coming in multiple flavors—or colorways. In addition to the original glass version, which will still be available, designer Sabine Marcelis has created a smart version of the lamp with a matte exterior and an inside that can be programmed with different colors.

With the lamp’s included BILRESA remote, the VARMBLIXT will be able to switch between 12 preset colors (a range including red, pink, lavender, turquoise, and yellow) picked by Marcelis.

“We spent a lot of time fine tuning the transitions between the curated colors,” Marcelis said in a press release announcing the product. “What makes this lamp unique is that switching between colors is not a sudden change, but a very smooth journey.”

In other words, the latest iteration of this lamp leans into curating just the right soothing mood.

This is great news for some IKEA hackers out there who have disassembled and modified the existing amber lamp’s bulb using tape and even nail polish. The new lamp means there’s no disassembly (or DIY experimentation) necessary.

Like some of IKEA’s other funky lamps, such as the TRADO, the smart VARMBLIXT will be pairable with IKEA’s Home Smart App, and there, even more colors—about 40 hues—are available.

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When Is the Upgraded VARMBLIXT Available?

The programmable VARMBLIXTs will be available in April 2026, and IKEA has even more lighting products combining design and tech, designed by Marcelis, on the way in 2027, though at this stage, exact offering details are limited.

How to Style the VARMBLIXT in Your Home

Credit:

Sarah Everett

In addition to the new versatility in color, the VARMBLIXT remains versatile in that you can place it on a coffee table or nightstand as a table lamp, or you can mount it on the wall as a sconce using screws and anchors that are best for your wall type.

Some Etsy sellers have even created stands to display the lamp upright, but on a table. Note that the lamp is not designed to be mounted on the ceiling.

Consider opting for a warm orange glow to match the vibe if you have candles lit in the room, try out a festive pink glow for a party (sort of like a neon sign), or a white glow if you’re looking to brighten a dark space.