IKEA Refreshes VARMBLIXT with Smart Lighting & Extends Sabine Marcelis Collaboration
IKEA is giving new life to its much-loved VARMBLIXT collection, introducing smart versions of its most iconic lamps while confirming that the creative partnership with designer Sabine Marcelis will continue with a new collection planned for 2027.
First launched just over three years ago, VARMBLIXT quickly became one of IKEA’s most talked-about lighting ranges. Known for their sculptural presence and atmospheric glow, the lamps have found a loyal following among design lovers.
Now, IKEA is taking the concept a step further by adding smart lighting technology that lets users dim the lamps and adjust their color to suit different moods and moments.
Evolving An Icon Through Light
The updated collection stays true to the instantly recognizable forms of VARMBLIXT, particularly the donut-shaped lamp, while rethinking how light is experienced.
“This time we focused on what we could explore further within the iconic shape of the donut lamp,” says Sabine Marcelis. “Color variations are part of that, but fundamentally VARMBLIXT has always been about how you experience light. In the original version, external light played on the glossy surface.
In the new lamp, a matte surface allows the light to glow softly from within. It’s a natural technological evolution of the idea.”
The original VARMBLIXT lamps will remain in the range and are now joined by a smart donut lamp made from soft, matte white glass. The new version introduces a broad color spectrum designed to subtly transform a room’s atmosphere through light.
Designed Color Journeys
Using the included remote control, users can choose from twelve preset colors curated by Marcelis herself.
The sequence moves through different temperatures of white light, glowing amber and warm red, soft pink, cool lavender and turquoise, gentle yellow tones, and back to white. Each color transitions smoothly into the next, creating a slow, continuous shift rather than abrupt changes.
“We spent a lot of time fine-tuning the transitions,” Marcelis explains. “What makes this lamp special is the smooth journey through the shades. The light moves gradually, and in doing so, it transforms the entire room.”
When connected to IKEA’s smart home system via its hub and app, the donut lamp offers even more flexibility, with access to over forty shades across the full color spectrum.
Smart Lighting, Refined
Alongside the donut lamp, the VARMBLIXT smart pendant lamp focuses on the subtleties of white light. It transitions seamlessly from crisp, cool daylight to a warm, candle-like glow. Like the donut lamp, it can be controlled via the remote or integrated into a broader smart-home setup.
“VARMBLIXT is one of those designs people instantly recognize,” says Chiara Ripalti, Product Developer for Lighting at IKEA of Sweden. “It has always been about the emotional side of light and Sabine’s way of creating atmosphere. With these new versions, we’re expanding that idea, allowing people to explore emotions across the full spectrum, from cool tones to warm light.”
Both lamps are built to the Matter standard, making them compatible with a wide range of smart home systems and easy to integrate into existing setups. The launch follows IKEA’s broader push toward a simpler, more open smart home ecosystem by embedding smart features into everyday products where they add real value.
The Next Collaboration Will Be Launched in 2027
The refreshed VARMBLIXT range also signals a longer-term commitment to the collaboration between IKEA and Sabine Marcelis. Together, they will continue to explore new interpretations of light and its emotional impact on the home, blending design and technology in future products.
The next joint collection is planned for launch in 2027. The updated VARMBLIXT smart lamps will be available from April 2026 online and in stores. Click here to find the latest IKEA collections.
