Today, news reached my ears that the smart IKEA donut lamp that everyone was in a frenzy about in January is finally available to buy. This sent me down an IKEA lighting rabbit hole, and let me tell you, things got a little weird.
The donut — sorry, Varmblixt — is a clear standout. From the tactile, curvy shape to the myriad color options (accessible via a companion app) to the fact that it can function as a wall light or a table lamp, I can see why it's so popular. If you don't want all those color options, the amber-hued, non-smart original version is just as cool.
Donuts aren't for everyone, though. Fancy a light that looks like a shower puff or a comically oversized handful of matchsticks? IKEA has you covered. My personal favorites are probably the ultra-affordable, motion-sensor Ankarlägg night light that looks like a cartoon lightbulb, and the Småsnöre bendy, color-change LED lightstrips you can sucker onto your shelves or surfaces. Here's a whistle-stop tour of my top 10 picks.
