IKEA VARMBLIXT WLED Mod

README

Overview

I wanted to improve the dim and unsatisfying light output of my IKEA VARMBLIXT lamp after seeing others undertake similar modifications. The total cost was around $40 (not including the power supply and the unused led strip). I have plenty of LED strip left for future projects. As a bonus, you can repurpose the original IKEA LED strip from the lamp for other DIY projects.

Check out this print for the stand used in the picture: https://www.printables.com/model/1100129-ikea-varmblixt-donut-light-stand

Bill of Materials

Printing / Mounting

• White filament (I used matte PLA)
• Double-sided tape
• Electrical tape (preferably white for better reflectivity)
• Glue or double-sided tape (for securing the diffuser)

Wiring / Assembly

• Soldering iron and supplies
• 4-pin JST-SM connectors (male and female)
• DC barrel jack (male/female) or compatible power supply
  • I used a 5.5mm outer / 2.1mm inner diameter jack from AliExpress
• Power wires
• Heat shrink tubing

WLED

• GLEDOPTO ESP32 WLED digital controller flush-mounted with or without MIC
  • https://www.gledopto.eu/wled-ip65-controller-gl-c-012wl_3
• 12V power supply with ~3A output (must match the LED strip requirements)
• 12V WLED-compatible LED strips
  • I used BTF-LIGHTING WS2815, my preferred individually addressable strip

Notes

I initially planned to have the lamp only shine toward the center, but the individual LEDs were too visible. To address this, I added a diffuser (LEDs on the picutres are hidden behind the diffuser on the inside). For additional brightness, you can add a second strip around the outside of the printed cylinder — this outer strip shouldn't require a diffuser since it's far enough from the shade.

I added white electrical tape to hide the wires inside the housing and to imrove reflectivity.

The lamp may not be perfectly radially symmetrical, which could result in the added part being slightly off-center due to the cutouts not considering this. However, this does not affect the lamp's final appearance.

Lamp Disassembly Instructions

1. Remove the foam foot closest to the power cable to reveal two screws.
2. Pry up the plastic enclosure — it's press-fit with plastic pins in each corner.
3. Remove the second screw and take out all internal wiring and the original LED strip.

WLED Configuration

Please refer to this tutorial for instructions on wiring and WLED setup (won't be covered here):