IKEA announced updates to its Varmblixt collection, adding native Matter support to two of its most recognizable lighting designs. Following the recent release of 21 other Matter-enabled products, the furniture retailer is now integrating the connectivity standard directly into its decorative lighting. The new versions of the Varmblixt donut lamp and pendant light will feature updated hardware to support color shifting and dimming while maintaining compatibility with major smart home platforms.
Varmblixt smart donut lamp
The updated Varmblixt smart donut lamp retains its distinct circular shape but introduces a new soft, matte white glass surface. If you are a frequent visitor to IKEA, you likely know this iconic design well.
(Original Varmblixt with Nanoleaf Essential Matter Lightstrip.)
Nanoleaf Matter Lightstrip
I personally have one of the original models mounted on my wall. In fact, I modified it by replacing the dumb light source with a Nanoleaf one just to control it via Matter. And it adds great atmosphere to my bedroom. This new launch from IKEA officially makes my expectation a reality without the need for custom modifications.
Internally, the lamp has been upgraded to support a broad color spectrum. Users can control the light using the included “BILRESA” Matter remote, which allows them to cycle through twelve preset colors curated by designer Sabine Marcelis. The lighting sequence transitions through different temperatures, moving from standard white light into warm amber and red tones, then shifting to soft pink, cool lavender, and turquoise before returning to yellow and white.
BILRESA scroll wheel
A tactile scroll-wheel remote that lets you adjust light brightness, colour, and scenes with a simple turn or press.
BILRESA Remote Control with Dual Button
A simple, two-button remote that lets you control smart lighting functions like power, brightness, colour, and scenes from anywhere nearby.
IKEA notes that color control would be blended with a transition instead of a sudden change spotted in some Matter lights, making it a better option for ambiance lighting.
Varmblixt smart pendant
The Varmblixt smart pendant also receives connectivity upgrades, though it focuses specifically on the nuances of white light rather than color. This model allows users to adjust the color temperature from a crisp, cool daylight setting to a warm, candle-like yellow glow. Like the donut lamp, it can be controlled immediately with the included remote or added to a smart home network for automation and app control.
Matter integration and availability
Both new lamps are built on the Matter standard. This ensures they can communicate locally with other smart home devices and platforms, such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Home Assistant, without requiring a specific IKEA gateway for basic functionality. This release continues IKEA’s strategy of embedding smart home technology into its core furnishing products rather than treating them as separate categories.
During CES 2026, Samsung SmartThings announced plans to support IKEA’s expanding lineup of Matter devices. Adopting the latest Matter and Thread specifications, the platform, in its press release, demonstrated a series of use cases of IKEA’s new Matter products within its powerful ecosystem, utilizing features like SmartThings Pet Care and Family Care.
The platform will soon release an update specifically designed to enable compatibility with the “BILRESA” remote’s scroll wheel function, ensuring the unique control mechanism works smoothly within the SmartThings ecosystem.
IKEA confirmed that the updated Varmblixt versions will be available in stores starting in April. Additionally, the company announced that its collaboration with Sabine Marcelis will continue, with a new collection of products combining design and light for “everyday spaces and atmosphere,” planned for release in 2027.
(Source: SmartThings, IKEA)
