How to make IKEA and Philips Hue smart lights play nicely together, from simple hub pairing to fun DIY hardware hacks

Date:
Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Description:
From simple hub pairing to adventurous DIY hacks, here are four ways to use your Philips Hue and IKEA smart lights together in perfect harmony.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter IKEA is really making a name
for itself in smart home tech. Its mobile app is clear and easy to navigate, its selection of smart switches (which my colleague Ruth Hamilton called "
the understated hit of IKEA's new gadget range ") are versatile and cheap,
and its stylish smart lamps made a real splash at this year's CES technology show.

But what if you don't want to be limited to IKEA's own app? What if you like IKEA's lights, but already have a Philips Hue setup, or want to incorporate lights and devices from other brands as well? Thankfully, there are lots of options to explore, from simple software solutions to crafty hardware hacks. Here are four ways to get all your smart lights to play along nicely. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: 1. Use the Matter standard Last week, IKEA launched a new driver for its integrated lights (including the
type of strips and spots you would install in cupboards and cabinets) that
not only lets you control them remotely via the IKEA Home app, but is also compatible with the Matter smart home standard. That means you can combine these integrated lights into a larger smart home setup.

You can then control them using a Matter-compatible smart speaker, set a schedule, dim them, and much more. You aren't limited to IKEA's integrated lights, either. The brand also offers other Matter-compatible lights, including the color-shifting, donut-shaped Varmblixt, and Kajplats bulbs and you can throw in lights from other brands like Nanoleaf , Govee, and (of course) Philips Hue, too. You may like IKEA's new Dubbelkisel device lets you integrate your cabinet lights into your smart home 6 low-cost, big impact Philips Hue accessories to upgrade your smart lighting setup Layered lighting will bring your home to life here's how to try it

But what if you don't want to use the Matter standard? What if you already have a Philips Hue setup and want to continue using the Hue app to control
all your lights? 2. Connect everything to your Hue Bridge IKEA smart lights (such as the Varmblixt and Kajplats) support Zigbee Light Link, which is the same wireless protocol used by Philips Hue bulbs. You can therefore connect your IKEA lights directly to a Philips Hue Bridge by following these instructions: Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me
with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Ensure your IKEA smart light has software version 1.2.x or later Keep the IKEA smart light close to the Philips Hue Bridge Search for new devices in the Philips Hue app Do a factory reset of the smart light by toggling the main switch six times Connecting your IKEA smart lights this way will let you control their basic functions through the Hue app, set schedules, add them to groups, and trigger them with Hue sensors and switches.

However, you won't get the same degree of control you would through a native Hue smart light. You won't be able to dim your IKEA lights using a Hue Tap Dial switch, for example, or incorporate them into a Philips Hue Play entertainment setup. For that, you'll need to get more creative. 3. Try a hardware hack If you like the look of an IKEA smart light, but want the full functionality of Philips Hue and are feeling brave, you could try a crafty hardware hack. What to read next Skip the pricey Sync Box this new Philips Hue system uses a camera to sync lights with your screen The best smart
lights in 2026: smart lighting for every home All the new Philips Hue lights that deserve a place in your home

The Varmblixt lamp is a particularly popular choice for smart lighting
DIYers, who have discovered that its frosted glass case is ideal for concealing a Philips Hue light strip. Reddit user K1uppy described the
process of opening the IKEA lamp, removing its innards, and replacing them with a coiled Hue strip. IKEA VARMBLIXT + Repurposed Hue Lightstrip from
r/Hue It's an interesting idea, and another Redditor's experiment with a non-Hue LED strip demonstrates how dramatic the effect could be with a gradient. Donut Lamp with WLed from r/WLED However, you should remember that
a coiled light strip could overheat, damaging the LEDs. 4. Pick the right lamps A safer (though less imaginative) alternative is to use Hue bulbs with IKEA lamps designed for standard light bulbs. Look out for ones that will diffuse light, such as the Fado table lamp, the ruffled Vindkast, or the striking multi-bulb Simrishamn. You can use the Philips Hue app to create a 'group' of these three bulbs, and control them together or apply a scene so they co-ordinate for an interesting effect.

There are Philips Hue bulbs for virtually all light fixtures, so you will be able to find one that fits your chosen IKEA lamp. Reddit users have suggested dialing down the brightness of your Hue bulbs to around 50% to create soft ambient lighting. You'll find a collection of suitable IKEA pendant, table, and floor lamps below. IKEA Fado IKEA 19 Shop Now IKEA Vindkast Table Lamp IKEA 19 Shop Now IKEA Vindkast floor lamp IKEA 35 Shop Now IKEA Simrishamn Floor Lamp IKEA 80 Shop Now IKEA Simrishamn Pendant Lamp IKEA 70 Shop Now
IKEA Varmblixt Smart Lamp IKEA 55 Shop Now Follow TechRadar on Google News
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-lights/how-to-make-ikea-and-philips-hue-s mart-lights-play-nicely-together-from-simple-hub-pairing-to-fun-diy-hardware-h acks


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