Umbra: Where Creativity Meets Everyday Life

There’s something magical about everyday objects when they are designed with intention, innovation, and artistry. It’s easy to overlook the small things—hooks, mirrors, storage bins, and wall décor—but when these essentials blend beauty with function, they become more than just objects; they become experiences. This is the Umbra philosophy.

Born from a passion for original design, Umbra is not just a brand; it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of creativity woven into the fabric of daily life, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

A Simple Window Shade That Started It All

The Umbra story began in 1979, with a simple yet profound realization. Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan, two visionaries with a deep appreciation for design, saw an opportunity—modern home accessories were either too expensive or lacked personality. They knew that good design should be accessible, affordable, and inspiring.

The journey started with a single window shade, but what they were building was so much more. They were redefining the way people engage with the objects in their homes—making everyday items not only practical but delightful.

From that first shade to the global design powerhouse Umbra is today, the brand has stayed true to its mission: creating thoughtful, stylish, and functional products that make life better.

Design That Thinks Outside the Box

At the core of Umbra’s DNA is a relentless pursuit of originality. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a footprint in over 120 countries, Umbra’s international team of designers pushes the boundaries of traditional home décor.

Every product starts with a question:
"How can we make this better?"

The answer often leads to designs that challenge expectations and solve problems in ways that feel fresh, intuitive, and exciting.

• Storage solutions that don’t just organize, but enhance your space.
• Hooks and racks that function like sculptural art.
• Mirrors that reflect more than just a face—they expand light and perspective.

Umbra doesn’t just design products. It reimagines them with an approach that blends modern aesthetics with everyday functionality.

Beyond Products: A Commitment to Giving Back

Great design isn’t just about what we create—it’s about the impact we leave behind.

Umbra believes in designing a better world, not just through products, but through meaningful contributions to the community.

From supporting Habitat for Humanity, which helps build homes for those in need, to working with SickKids, the Toronto Humane Society, and the Canadian Cancer Society, Umbra is dedicated to making a difference.

This commitment to social and economic development is more than philanthropy—it’s an extension of the Umbra philosophy:
Design with purpose. Create with heart. Give with intention.

The Umbra Store: A Space to Experience Design

For those who want to see, touch, and feel the magic of Umbra, there’s no better place than The Umbra Store, located in the vibrant Queen West District of Toronto.

More than just a retail space, The Umbra Store is an immersive experience—a place where visitors can:

• Explore the full Umbra and Umbra Shift collections
• Interact with product designers in the upstairs design studio
• Discover new and innovative designs before they hit the market

For Toronto locals, it’s also a hub for exclusive events, new product launches, and creative workshops.

Inspired by Life. Designed for You.

At the end of the day, Umbra’s mission isn’t just about making great products—it’s about making everyday life more inspiring.

Every mirror, hook, frame, and storage solution is designed with a purpose:
To bring beauty, function, and creativity into your home.

Because your space isn’t just where you live—it’s where you dream, create, and thrive. And it deserves nothing less than extraordinary.

Umbra: Elevating the Everyday, One Design at a Time.