IKEA’s LED Christmas tree and matchstick lamp have landed for festive duty

IKEA has introduced a fresh selection of Christmas lights and lamps for the upcoming festive season. The collection includes a distinctive Christmas tree and a matchstick floor lamp, both of which can be enhanced with smart plugs for added functionality. For those who prefer not to deal with a real Christmas tree after the holiday season, the new LED Christmas tree, called STRÅLA, might be an appealing alternative.

This tree features a central spine and a series of string LED lights that descend from the top to the ground, eliminating the need for branches and pine needles. It measures 150cm and costs around $40, £25, or AU$50.

The STRÅLA Christmas tree is designed to be both indoor and outdoor-friendly, offering a minimalist and modern take on the traditional Christmas tree. With 180 diodes, the tree can be used creatively within various living spaces. In addition to the Christmas tree, IKEA has also launched a unique floor lamp called STRÅLA matchstick lamp.

This lamp is constructed from three large wooden matchsticks, with red tips serving as soft lamps for living areas. The lamp is dimmable in two steps, making it a cozy and accent light rather than a primary lighting feature.

While the STRÅLA lights do not have built-in smart home capabilities, they can be integrated with smart plugs for enhanced control. IKEA's GRILLPLATS smart plugs, compatible with the Matter smart home protocol and the IKEA Home app, can be used alongside the lights. For true smart home integration, a smart home hub is required, such as IKEA's DIRIGERA hub or a compatible Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple Home hub.

By adding these smart plugs and a hub, users can schedule light timings, switch lights on or off remotely, and implement voice commands using their preferred assistant, adding a modern touch to their holiday decorations.