IKEA Lighting Is Just as Worthy of Hacking as the Billy Bookcase

The IKEA VARMBLIXT lamp, affectionately known as the "IKEA donut lamp," gained significant popularity last year, even outselling the BILLY bookshelf in Apartment Therapy's tours and going viral on TikTok, leading to temporary sell-outs. This lamp is recognized for its distinctive round shape and an orange glass exterior that evokes a vintage aesthetic. Its versatility allows it to be either wall-mounted or placed on a surface like a console table or dresser, adapting to various home decor styles. DIY enthusiast Malcom, known as @mindofmalcolm on Instagram, integrated the VARMBLIXT lamp into his living room, positioning it on a glass end table. While he appreciated the lamp's orange hue when off, he noticed that the light emitted a yellow glow when switched on, which did not align with his desired ambiance. To address this, Malcom embarked on a customization project, opening the lamp to modify its LED light. His solution involved painting the LED light red, aiming to achieve a warmer glow when the lamp is illuminated. Malcom's transformation involved applying a red tint to the LED. He specifically mentioned using nail polish for this purpose, noting that the silicone tube encasing the LED prevented any overheating issues. However, for those looking for a safer alternative, the article suggests using transparent tail light repair tape. The modification was achieved by accessing a small switch located on the side of the lamp, which allowed him to open it. Malcom reported that this alteration successfully produced the desired warmer glow in his living room, without altering the aesthetic of the lamp's exterior glass. Beyond the VARMBLIXT lamp, the article highlights that other IKEA lighting fixtures can also be personalized through similar tinting techniques. For instance, DIYer Wiebke Lea, who also owns a donut lamp, customized her IKEA GULLSUDARE lampshade to create a warmer illumination. She achieved this by spraying coffee on the lampshade, which dyed the paper a darker shade. This process transformed the lampshade from a crisp white to a more subdued tan, resulting in a more orange-tinted light when the lamp is active. This method adds to the trend of creating a cozy, orange-toned ambiance, particularly relevant as certain seasons encourage such decor. #IKEAVARMBLIXT #IKEADonutLamp #IKEAHacks #HomeDecorDIY #LampCustomization #LightingDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #DIYProjects

Ikea is a popular destination for home furnishings and decor, known for its extensive showrooms, focus on sustainability, solutions for small spaces, and competitive pricing. However, the perception of Ikea's quality is often debated, with some customers questioning the durability of its budget-friendly furniture. Despite these concerns, significant value can be found across Ikea's eight main shopping categories, provided consumers know what to look for and what to avoid. In the furniture category, several items consistently receive praise for their design and value. The Docksta Table, inspired by Eero Saarinen's tulip table, offers a sleek design at a fraction of the original's cost. Similarly, the Poang Chair, a modern take on Alvar Aalto's "Armchair 406," provides comfort and style at an affordable price, with its cost steadily decreasing over time. The Lack Side Table, known for its clean lines and versatility, is a popular choice for its low price and suitability for "Ikea hacking." The Kallax Shelving Unit, formerly Expedit, is lauded for its sturdy construction and customizable options, while the Ivar Shelving Unit, made of solid pine, offers an even wider range of configurations. The Billy Bookcase, while versatile, has mixed reviews regarding its particle-board construction, though many users find it to be a good value for its price and longevity. Conversely, certain furniture items are best avoided. The Malm dresser has been subject to multiple recalls due to safety concerns, prompting recommendations to steer clear of most Ikea dressers or to ensure they are properly anchored. Upholstered pieces, with the exception of the higher-quality Soderhamn line, are often criticized for sagging and squeaking over time. Generally, furniture made from particleboard is less durable and harder to reassemble than solid wood alternatives. For mattresses, Ikea previously offered well-regarded latex foam options but has since discontinued them. Current memory foam and spring mattresses receive lower satisfaction ratings, with durability issues like sagging and unpleasant chemical odors being common complaints. Their non-standard sizing can also complicate finding compatible sheets. Better mattress bargains are often found online from other retailers. Ikea's kitchen cabinets receive mixed reviews; while some praise their sturdy construction, style, and ease of installation, others find the particle-board units flimsy and the ordering process cumbersome. Opting for higher-end solid wood or glass doors can enhance satisfaction, especially for those with DIY skills and proximity to a store. Ikea appliances, though affordable and backed by a five-year warranty, receive mixed performance reviews, with better alternatives often available from other brands. However, Ikea excels in other kitchen goods, offering excellent value in items like Pruta food containers, Oumbarlig cookware, Adelsten mortar and pestle, Korken bottles and jars, Ikea 365+ dinnerware and carafes, and the Variera pot lid organizer. These items are frequently recommended for their quality and affordability. In the textiles section, Ikea offers a diverse range of rugs that are often praised for their style and value, with many designs appearing in interior decor features. Kitchen towels, particularly the all-cotton Hildegun dish towel, are considered excellent bargains for their sturdiness and low cost. However, Ikea's bedding and bath towels are generally advised against due to their scratchy texture and lack of durability, with better options available elsewhere, such as Target's Threshold line. Curtains, especially the Ritva cotton curtains, are a good buy for their appearance and price, though buyers should inspect them for length discrepancies. Ikea's lighting section provides modern and funky fixtures like the Ranarp Spotlight and Floor Lamp, and the Ottava Pendant, which offer good value. However, Ikea's LED light bulbs are generally more expensive and less bright than those found at other home centers. Finally, a variety of miscellaneous items represent excellent buys at Ikea, including Ribba picture frames, kids' toys made from natural materials, office organizers, closet storage solutions like Bumerang hangers, inexpensive candles and candleholders, Ladda rechargeable batteries (manufactured by Fujitsu), and the iconic Frakta shopping bags. The Raskog utility cart is also highly praised for its versatility and compact design. To maximize value at Ikea, it is advisable to shop strategically, identifying specific needs and researching the best-performing Ikea products in each category. Taking advantage of the store's card for special deals, emptying car trunks for purchases, exploring marked-down merchandise in the as-is room, and utilizing perks like the restaurant and kids' play area can further enhance the shopping experience. By focusing on products that offer the best value and quality, consumers can effectively furnish their homes within budget. #Ikea #HomeFurnishings #FurnitureShopping #HomeDecor #BudgetDecor #Kitchenware #Textiles #LightingSolutions #SmartShopping