Designed in Toronto,
since 1979.

A window shade started it. A belief carried it forward. Original design belongs in everyday life.

Our Story

Umbra began with a question.
"Could this be better?"

In 1979, childhood friends Paul Rowan and Les Mandelbaum couldn't find a window shade they wanted to live with. So, they designed one.

What started as a single product became a different way of thinking about design.
While many brands focused on statement pieces, Umbra looked at the objects people used every day. The ones that organize a room, shape a routine, or solve a problem so naturally they're often overlooked.

For more than four decades, that perspective has guided everything we create.
Not design for design's sake.
Design that earns its place through use.

Today, Umbra products live in homes around the world, but the original idea remains unchanged:
Everyday objects deserve original design.

Les and Paul, 1979

Design Pillars

The principles behind every product.

Better by design

We question what already exists.

Everyday first

We design for how people actually live.

Built around use

Function isn't added. It's where we begin.

Original thinking

No trends. No imitation. Just new ideas.

Toronto

The Umbra Store

Our flagship store brings together the latest collections, new product launches, and the designers behind them.

A place to see, experience, and live with Umbra in person.