Header: IKEA
IKEA is hitting the reset button on its connected home strategy. The Swedish furniture giant is releasing 21 new products that overhaul its approach to how we light, monitor, and control our living spaces. This is not just a software update, it is a complete physical rebuilding of their range designed to work with Matter, the universal language that allows devices from different brands to talk to one another. The collection moves away from complex tech and leans heavily into simple, physical interactions that feel natural in a modern home.
A fresh foundation for the connected home
The new lineup is the result of years spent watching how people actually live. Instead of focusing on gadgets for the sake of technology, the design team at IKEA of Sweden aimed to solve specific domestic frustrations. The result is a system that feels less like a science experiment and more like standard home furnishing. While the technology under the hood has changed to support the Matter standard, the physical design prioritizes familiarity. The goal is to ensure that setting up a smart home feels as approachable as assembling a bookshelf, making the barrier to entry much lower for the average person.
“This launch is about making the smart home experience better and broader. We’re upgrading our most-appreciated products while also adding new ones to solve even more everyday challenges. Our focus has been on keeping things simple from setup to daily use, so it’s easy for people to start, use and grow a smart home.”
Stjepan Begic, Product Developer at IKEA of Sweden
Lighting that looks good on or off
At the center of this launch is the new KAJPLATS series, which replaces the previous TRÅDFRI bulb range. The design shift here is significant because it acknowledges that light bulbs are often visible design elements, not just utility items. The collection includes eleven variations, but the standouts are the clear-glass decorative bulbs. Available in standard and large globe shapes, these allow the filament to be seen, offering a vintage aesthetic that works well in open fixtures where the bulb is the main attraction.
Beyond the decorative options, the range covers the practical needs of a household. You will find directional spotlights for focused tasks and compact profiles for smaller lamps. The team has improved the quality of the light itself, offering broader intensity spans and richer color options. Whether you need a functional white spectrum for cooking or a softer, dimmable glow for the evening, the hardware is built to provide better visual comfort than its predecessors.
Sensing the environment
The new sensor range moves beyond simple motion detection to cover the overall health of the home. The designs differ based on where they live and what they do. The KLIPPBOK water leakage sensor, for example, is small enough to slide under kitchen sinks or appliances to catch leaks before they cause damage. On the other hand, the ALPSTUGA air quality sensor is meant to be seen. It provides data on indoor air particles, temperature, and humidity, and acts as a visual check-in for your home’s atmosphere.
For movement, the MYGGSPRAY sensor is built with a rugged design that works both indoors and outdoors, perfect for lighting up a driveway or a hallway hands-free. The TIMMERFLOTTE sensor offers a more interactive experience; it features a physical screen that displays temperature and humidity levels when you press a button, giving you immediate feedback without needing to open an app.
A hands-on approach to control
Perhaps the most tactile update comes in the form of the BILRESA remote controls. IKEA has introduced two distinct ways to interact with your devices. The first is a dual-button remote for simple on-off tasks or triggering preset scenes. The second features a scroll wheel, a design choice that mimics the intuitive volume dial on a stereo. This allows users to physically turn the wheel to dim lights or adjust colors, offering a satisfying mechanical response that touchscreens often lack.
To keep these controls from feeling sterile, IKEA is offering them in colorful kits, including red, green, and beige. This splash of color helps distinguish which remote controls which room. Rounding out the control category is the GRILLPLATS smart plug. It updates the standard plug design by adding energy monitoring capabilities, allowing users to turn ordinary lamps into smart devices while keeping an eye on power usage. All these devices connect through a hub like the DIRIGERA, which acts as the bridge to the wider world of Matter-enabled devices.
Making the smart home standard
This collection marks a clear shift in how IKEA views technology. By prioritizing tactile controls, visible aesthetics, and universal compatibility, the company is moving away from the idea of a smart home as a complex tech project. Instead, these devices are designed to sit quietly alongside your sofa or kitchen table, serving a purpose without demanding attention. It is a practical approach that aims to make connected living a standard, stress-free part of everyday life.
