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In 2023, the internet lit up with IKEA’s Vermblixt lamp, aka the viral donut lamp. If you were among the crowd trekking to Ikea and trying to find the Donut Lamp in stock, we have some news for you – there’s a new version of the lamp for your wish. At CES 2026, IKEA unveiled a smart version of its viral donut lamp. Now you can enjoy the same size lamps in a whole new range of colours.
As an owner of the OG Wormblixt lamp, I’ve been waiting for the smart version to arrive, and it’s finally here. And I had to get hands-on with the new Donut Lamp to see what it’s all about.
About the IKEA Vermblixt lamp
The OG Vermblixt lamp features a donut design, encased in a warm orange glass shade.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
The IKEA Vermblixt lamp first launched in 2023, designed by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. Functioning as a table or wall lamp, the Vermblixt is crafted from orange glass, bringing a gorgeous ambient glow to any room.
Difference Between OG and Smart Warmblix Lamp
The new Wormblixt lamp has a bright white light compared to the warm orange light of the original lamp.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
With the Wormblixt lamp getting a smart upgrade, it’s a little different from the original. The Wormblixt still has the same donut shape and can still be installed as a table or wall lamp. However, unlike the OG, it is no longer orange. Instead, the updated Smart VermBlixt has a matte white glass finish. Instead the color comes with a color changing bulb inside. The older Wormblixt has a simple on/off switch, while the newer version has a remote to adjust the color and brightness of the lamp. Plus, the Smart Wormblixt is a Miter device, meaning it will connect to any smart home hub.
How does the new Wormblixt lamp work?
The new Wormblixt doesn’t look that exciting from the outside with its white base. But once you turn on the lamp, you can adjust the color and brightness with the included remote.
Using the Wormblixt required a little more trial and error than I expected because, as I should have expected, Ikea’s instructions were sparse. You don’t need a smart home hub to operate the Wormblixt, although it will connect to yours if you have one.
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In classic IKEA fashion, the remote did not come with an explanation of its controls.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
If you don’t have a smart hub (or even if you do), use the included remote to turn the lamp on or off, adjust color, and adjust brightness. IKEA does not provide instructions on which remote buttons do what. Luckily for you, I had to deal with some trial-and-error, so you don’t have to.
The remote has two buttons marked with a large dot and a small dot. To change the lamp color, double-click the large or small button. The larger button takes you forward through the color cycle, but you can go back if you skip your favorite color using the smaller button. To dim the lights, press and hold the small button; Press and hold the big button to increase brightness.
You can swap Wormblixt bases
A nice feature of all Vermblixt lamps is that the base and glass shade are swappable. So, potentially, I could move the Smart Base to its existing orange color, which is a huge boon for smart home lovers who want to go wormblix with their smart home hub.
What does the new Wormblixt look like?
While the OG Warmblixt lamp adopted warm, orange tones, the new smart version is notably cooler. Matte white is quite dark and bright, so to warm it up, adjust the color toward orange or red.
Full smart wormblixt color range.
Credit: Ikea
The color palette of the Wormblixt is not as extensive as you will find in other smart light bulbs that let you choose from millions of colors. Ikea colors are pre-programmed and tend to be light pastel colors. This is a definite departure from the warmth of the original Wormblixt. Luckily, if you’re not interested in nice pastels, the OG orange lamp is available.
Would I exchange the new Wormblixt for the old one?
Although I don’t like the cool tone of the new Wormblixt lamp, I see its potential.
Credit: Samantha Mangino/Mashable
The new Smart Wormblixt Lamp is a fun advancement in the Lamp line, but would I be swapping out my own? Probably not. In my house we’re not big into smart home, so I don’t get the benefit of its Mate connectivity. And while I love the new colors, I still prefer the warm orange shade of OG that adds an ambient glow to my home. Although I can see myself incorporating the new smart Wormblix elsewhere in my home, it’s not going to take the OG spotlight.
Do I think the new light is worth it? Definitely. Especially for those who are excited about its smart home capabilities.
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