• Shaped like a classic five-point star, the lamp features a bold blue finish, giving it a playful yet Scandinavian-clean appearance.
• The face of the star is punctured with small round holes that allow light to radiate outwards in a “starry” effect, casting tiny pinpoints of light around the wall when lit.
• With its whimsical shape and soft glow, it’s well suited for a kid’s bedroom, nursery or any area where you’d like a decorative night-light feel.
• The design is notably from the 1990s era of IKEA children’s wall lighting (listed as “Children’s wall‐mounted lamps” including this model) and has a vintage charm.
Key Specifications & Features
• Diameter: approximately 28 cm (about 10.75" inches) across the star’s points.
• Depth (projection from wall): approx. 7 cm.
• Wire length: about 2.2 m (for cord with switch) in one listing.
• Lamp holder / bulb specification: uses a standard candle-shaped (E14) socket (depending on region), maximum about 25 W for original incandescent spec.
• Materials: The shell is made of plastic (polypropylene) making it lightweight—one reference lists “polypropylene” material.
• Safety: Was originally “tested and approved for children” in one listing; note: there was a recall of a series of IKEA “Smila” children’s wall lamps for strangulation hazard tied to cords.
Installation & Use
• Wall-mounted: The lamp is fixed to the wall via screws or wall-mount hardware.
• It has a power cord with an inline on/off switch in the cord (for plug-in models) in many cases.
• Ideal placement: At a child’s bed level or as accent lighting in a reading corner, hallway, or stroller/console area.
• Because of its design (star shape with holes), when lit it creates a soft ambient glow rather than bright task lighting — perfect for night-light use.
• It’s lightweight and relatively compact, so easy to install without large drilling, and the soft light helps maintain a calm environment.
Practical Considerations for Your Use Case
• Noise: As a basic plug-in wall lamp with no built-in fan or loud ballast, it will be effectively silent (ideal for apartment use and quiet nights).
• Space / Living-room vs bedroom: While originally designed for children, its clean shape and minimalist finish make it compatible with many modern interiors—especially if you like nostalgic/retro Scandinavian design.
• Bulb choice: To maintain a cozy, soft ambiance and low energy use, consider replacing the original incandescent spec with a warm-white LED (E14/candle type) of low wattage (e.g., LED equivalent of ~4-5 W) to reduce heat, power draw, and ensure longevity.
• Mounting & cord management: Ensure the cord is routed neatly and secured to the wall (especially important if used in a child’s room).
• Condition & sourcing: This model appears discontinued (vintage) and is commonly found second-hand. Check condition of mounting clips/hardware and wiring insulation when buying used.
• Apartment living tip: For minimal wall damage, you might mount into drywall with appropriate anchors or use a removable adhesive cord-clip system if drilling is restricted. Also consider using a timer or smart plug to turn off automatically when not needed for additional convenience.
Summary
The IKEA SMILA STJÄRNA Blue Star Wall Lamp offers a charming, softly lit star-shaped wall fixture with nostalgic appeal. It’s ideally suited as a calming night light or accent lamp in a kids’ room or secondary space. For your apartment setting, it’s a smart pick because it is compact, silent, and lends design personality without overwhelming the space. If sourcing a used unit, just verify condition and wiring, replace the bulb with an LED of your choice, and ensure cord safety.