Imagine a lamp so captivating it became an overnight sensation, selling out faster than you can say 'viral trend.' That's exactly what happened with Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis's iconic 'doughnut lamp' for IKEA. But here's where it gets even more exciting: IKEA has just unveiled a mesmerizing, color-shifting upgrade at CES, and it's bound to spark conversations.
Marcelis, known for her innovative designs, has reimagined her wildly popular Varmblixt lamp, originally launched in 2023 as part of a 20-piece collection. The lamp’s playful, doughnut-shaped silhouette and tactile appeal quickly turned it into a social media darling, with TikTok users obsessing over its unique design. Now, IKEA is taking it to the next level with a matte white finish and a smart bulb that lets you cycle through 12 preset colors using a handheld remote.
And this is the part most people miss: The real magic lies in the lamp’s ability to transition seamlessly between hues, from soft whites to pulsating ambers, gentle pinks, and lavenders. Marcelis explains, ‘My goal was to create smooth, almost ethereal transitions between colors. The original glossy surface reflected external light beautifully, but this matte finish allows the light to glow softly from within, creating a natural, technical evolution in how we experience light.’
This isn’t just a lamp—it’s a statement piece that blends art and technology. But here’s the controversial part: Is this new version a brilliant evolution or a departure from the original’s charm? Some purists might argue that the matte finish loses the glossy allure that made the first version so iconic. What do you think?
IKEA isn’t stopping there. At their first-ever CES presentation, they’re also showcasing a smart pendant lamp from the Varmblixt collection, featuring a cluster of curved tubes that focus on the nuances of white light—from cool whites to warm, candle-like yellows. David Granath, IKEA’s global range manager, credits the ‘doughnut lamp’s’ viral success to its affordability and genuine design appeal. ‘It’s a shape and light effect that’s easy to love, and people couldn’t help but share it,’ he notes.
With one Varmblixt lamp sold every five minutes in the U.S. alone, it’s clear this design has struck a chord. But as IKEA dives deeper into smart home products, the question remains: Are we sacrificing simplicity for tech-driven innovation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
CES 2026, held in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, is buzzing with other innovations too, from privacy-focused smartphones to smart Lego bricks. For IKEA, this is a chance to showcase how smart functionality is becoming an integral part of everyday home furnishing. As Granath puts it, ‘It’s about improving how products are used and experienced at home.’
So, what’s your take? Is the color-shifting doughnut lamp a must-have upgrade, or do you prefer the original? And as smart home tech becomes more accessible, where do we draw the line between innovation and overcomplication? The conversation starts here—let’s hear your thoughts!
