It’s only January, but IKEA has already wowed us with some stunning smart lights this year – and they’re a super affordable way to add some color and character to your home, for remarkably little cash. Here I’ve rounded up a collection of my favorite lamps and lights, from wireless lanterns through to smart bulbs, all of which will brighten up your space during the dreary months (and beyond).
Battery-powered lanterns are the easiest way to add ambient lighting to any room. The Stråla LED Table Lamp, for example, is shaped like an old-fashioned gas lantern, complete with valve, and is on sale for only $7.99. If you’d prefer something prettier, the Stråla LED Lantern looks like it should be hanging in a country garden, and at $2.99, it’s hard to resist.
The donut-shaped Varmblixt smart light amazed us with its soft, shifting colors at the CES 2026 show in Las Vegas, but it’s not on sale until April. Until then, the classic Varmblixt LED Lamp, with its signature warm orange glow, can be yours for $99.99. It’s an enduring classic, and for good reason, adding a cozy atmosphere anywhere, whether it’s mounted on a wall or placed on a table.
You can also make your existing lights more welcoming by fitting dimmable smart bulbs – and IKEA’s are some of the most affordable ones around. Its Trådfri LED Bulbs come in a variety of types for all your ceiling fixtures and lamps, including color-changing pearlescent bulbs and ones with a retro-style filament. All of them can be controlled using your phone, so you can set the mood with a tap.
Scroll on for all my favorite IKEA lights to give your rooms a cozy glow-up.
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