Our Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered
At MushLume Lighting, curiosity is at the heart of what we do. From how we grow our lampshades with living mycelium to the resiliency embodied in every piece, we’re often asked thoughtful questions about our process, materials, and mission. We’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions to shed light on what makes MushLume Lighting products so unique—from the science and sustainability behind our designs to how each lamp embodies a deeper connection between nature, craft, and innovation.
Founder Danielle Trofe in the Gowanus, Brooklyn Studio
Grown to Last
Each MushLume lampshade is grown to last—literally. Over the past twelve years, our mycelium-based lamps have proven their durability in homes, hotels, and public spaces around the world. Though they begin as living materials, once fully grown, dried and heat-treated, the lampshades are stable and inert with incredible strength, are lightweight, and resilient. Their up-cycled hemp structure, binded by millions of mycelium hyphae, creates a sturdy, long-lasting form that resists warping and aging. How strong are they? To answer this we stood on a Hemi Pendant Medium lampshade to demonstrate its strength. Not convinced yet, how about a 6ft drop test with no damage! Watch our strength video below:
After more than a decade of real-world use, MushLume Lighting continues to illuminate spaces beautifully, standing as a testament to the strength and longevity of nature’s own design.
Installation & Care
Our lamps are designed for easy installation—all pendants come with a standard cord and ceiling canopy set that can be hardwired by an electrician or plugged in (depending on the model purchased). We recommend using LED bulbs only, as they emit minimal heat and are energy-efficient. Add on a stylish Tala LED bulb to your purchase for installation ease and knowing that you’re pairing your fixture with a designer-specified bulb for that particular lamp.
To care for your MushLume lampshade, simply dust with a feather duster or spot clean with a damp towel (patting dry afterwards). Avoid using too much moisture and never use harsh cleaning products, as the lampshades are not waterproof and can be damaged with chemical use.
Climate-controlled environments with less than 30% humidity, 80% of the time is the most favorable interior setting. If those conditions are not attainable, consider a one of our mineral-based paint finishes for the exterior of the lampshade that will add moisture resistance and increased durability.
With simple, mindful care, your mycelium-grown lamp will maintain its natural beauty and integrity for many years.
Paint the Lampshade or Leave Natural?
We know that color and texture is a very personal preference, that’s why we offer a range of natural finishes and paint options to help you create the exact look you envision. Here’s what to expect as your mycelium lampshade ages, evolves, and develops its own beautiful, one-of-a-kind character over time.
Our lampshades retain the honest beauty of their natural mycelium skin—soft, organic, and ever so slightly alive in character. Freshly grown, the surface is a creamy white, and over time it may gently warm into a soft golden tone, much like natural materials found in the home. Every shade is unique: some develop a velvety, lamb’s-ear texture, while others reveal more of the hemp structure beneath.
For those who prefer a consistent finish or want a bit more protection in kitchens or bathrooms, we offer natural mineral-based paint options—including earthy limewash tones and bright white or jet-black eco-friendly pigments. These coatings seal the exterior while leaving the interior untreated, so the warm, soft glow of the mycelium is always visible. Each lamp stays true to our ethos: natural, non-toxic, and designed to gracefully evolve with time.
Have a custom color in mind?
We can color match! Contact us at info@mushlumelighting.com
See all our Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about our products and process, please visit our About page and FAQ page. Should you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!