Fiberglass lamp shades from Modilumi — pendants, ceiling fixtures & lamps too

Fiberglass “wedding cake” lampshades — the groovy, googie, stacked mid century lamp shades we so love — are favorites among vintage collectors. But, they are increasingly hard to find. Fortunately, there are a few companies that make lovely reproductions brand new. One of them is Modilumi, based in Twin Cities, Minnesota. I talked to owner Lex this week about his company, which continues to grow and innovate.

Thanks to reader Rebecca for this tip, who found Modilumi searching for lamp shades to go with various mid century modern lamps that she has found in thrift stores, ReStores, etc. 

Fiberglass lamp shades, ceiling shades and pendant shades

Owner Lex tells me that he started his Modilumi business about five years ago after he saw a fiberglass pendant light in a bar and loved the look. He has a history in manufacturing that provided him with a relevant skill set, so he did more research and started making lamp shades, pendants and ceiling shades as a sideline now that he is what he calls “semi-retired.” 

He told me that, indeed, the lamp shades are made of fiberglass sheeting. With his process, he creates the color and design digitally then screen prints it onto the fiberglass. His processes allow for (1) very precise, sometimes very fine, lines or dots or whatever for each design, and (2) for consistent application of the field color so that light shines through evenly and as intended.

Delivery time on a custom shade is generally two-to-three weeks, he said. 

Note, Lex told me that unlike the “old” fiberglass, today’s fiberglass sheet does not show the fibers themselves. So…

So…. as show above in this Archibald lamp, he’s found another material that he also is working with — an “embossed polyester” — that has that fiber-y look within its construction. 

Also offering refurbished lamps and new lamp designs

Lex also finds nice old lamp bases, refurbishes, rewires, and tops them with one of his shades. And: A creative soul, he also has created some unique lamp designs of his very own, with more coming. See the lamp selections, with many available for immediate sale, here.

Finally, as if that’s not enough, he’s adding a retail outlet in St. Paul shortly!

What a delight it was to talk to Lex and learn about his business! We wish him well!

For more information on lamp shades, lamps and more available, see the website:

• Modilumi 

And, read more of my stories about fiberglass lamp shades here.