Wineke, from the Netherlands, appreciated the sound quality of the IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth Speaker but is not entirely fond of its appearance.
The IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp has a unique and unconventional appearance that may be endearing to some. Depending on one’s perspective, it may resemble Darth Vader’s helmet or a mushroom house from The Smurfs.
“It’s a great outdoor speaker, but the looks? I changed it from — as my husband says — a German helmet into something sweet.”
She crocheted a nice hat for the little speaker, leaving holes for the original handlebar to pass through. Wineke made the hat from synthetic material, so it can still be used outdoors.
As it exudes the 70’s vibe, she may eventually hang a few glass pearls at the edge of the hat.
The cost was low, using whatever she had in her stash, probably about 2 euros worth of yarn. And it took about 2-3 hours to make to finish the project.
Pattern-wise, she freely flowed and followed the form. She did give a few hints. “I started with yarn for a crochet nr. 4, set up ten chain stitches, then two series of double crochets. But to be honest,” she laughs, “I don’t even know (the English) names for the stitches I used.”
So, what is it about this speaker lamp that it deserves a hat?
Light and Sound in one surprisingly compact package
While not as renowned as the SONOS-SYMFONISK, IKEA’s low-priced Bluetooth speakers are worth a second look, as they may surprise you in sound quality and function.
The most affordable is the IKEA VAPPEBY range, which includes an ultra-portable $15 waterproof speaker designed for use in the bathroom or shower. Another option is the peanut-shaped VAPPEBY which not only plays music but also functions as a night light.
The latest addition to the range is an innovative product that combines the functionality of a speaker and a lantern in one. The concept is not new and will draw a comparison to the SYMFONISK speaker lamp. However, the portable VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is 1/3 the price of the former and works as a regular Bluetooth speaker, unlike a SONOS speaker streaming music over Wi-Fi. Rechargeable batteries power it, so it doesn’t need to be connected to power to work.
“We see VAPPEBY as an essential companion for the balcony, in the garden, or wherever it is needed. Sound and light go hand in hand when creating magical everyday moments with friends and family. Two different light modes, long battery life, and good durability, will help set a proper mode”, says Stjepan Begic, product owner at IKEA of Sweden.
Surround sound for outdoors
The VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is designed for indoor and outdoor use with an IP65 water-resistant rating. This means the portable speaker lamp is water splash-resistant and can withstand a drizzle.
Portable audio with light
The VAPPEBY speaker lamp is designed for portability and ease of use. It stands 10″ tall and weighs less than 4 lbs. Use the supplied USB-C cable (USB power adapter sold separately) to juice up its built-in rechargeable batteries and bring it wherever you go.
The built-in LED bulb has two different light modes. Pressing the light switch at the back of the lamp will dim the lamp down by 50 percent. The handle means you can hook it up and hang it on a branch to diffuse a pleasant glow. Perfect for garden parties or balcony dinners.
Dimming the lamp at 50% or turning the LED lights off will save battery power and provide up to 13 hours of wireless music streaming.
Sounds good?
The lamp shade works as a speaker dome to deliver 360-degree sound, a decent audio experience for its price range. It may not be the best Bluetooth speaker, but its sound quality is suitable for casual listening and outdoor use, but audiophiles may find it lacking in bass and depth.
The VAPPEBY also boasts the feature of Spotify Tap, which allows users to connect music from their phone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. With a tap on the power button instead of wireless earbuds or headphones, you can stream your favorite music from where you left off. Additionally, a second button press will bring up another recommended selection tailored to your music tastes.
Overall, the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamp is an excellent option for anyone looking to add music and light to their outdoor space. Its unique design and features make it stand out from other outdoor speakers. Its affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.
FAQ on the IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speakers
How do I connect my IKEA VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker to my device?
First, to connect your VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker to your device, ensure your device’s Bluetooth is turned on. Then, press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button on the VAPPEBY speaker until the LED status light starts flashing. Open Bluetooth settings on your device, and it should detect the VAPPEBY speaker and prompt you to connect.
Is the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker water-resistant?
The VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker with lamp is water-resistant with an IP65 rating, which means it is dustproof and can withstand water splashes. It can be safely used outdoors and in wet environments.
Can I use the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker as a bedside lamp?
Yes, the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker has a built-in LED bulb with two different light modes, making it suitable as a bedside lamp.
Can I pair two VAPPEBY Bluetooth speakers together?
No, unfortunately, you cannot pair two VAPPEBY Bluetooth speakers together.
How long does the battery last on the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker?
On a full charge, the battery on the VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lasts up to 11-13 hours of playback with the setting of -50% display brightness. It can be recharged using a USB-C cable and a separately sold USB power adapter.
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