Umbra is a global housewares design brand originally founded in Toronto, Canada by co-founders Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan. At the heart of Umbra's operations lies a commitment to bringing thoughtfulness and creativity into everyday household items - for
bathroom,
kitchen and
hallway, as well as into
furniture,
accessories and decor. The design philosophy prioritizes functionality alongside style, ensuring that products serve practical purposes while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Curiosity, creativity, and a passion for design characterize the company's workforce globally, fostering an environment where innovation in home goods can flourish. The company name derives from the Latin word for shade, reflecting its origins in lighting and window treatments before expanding into broader home goods. With approximately forty years of history, Umbra has grown from its Canadian roots into an international design leader distributing products across more than 120 countries worldwide.
The organization maintains offices across multiple continents including Europe, Canada, the United States, Brazil, and China, supported by an international team of designers who contribute to the company's creative direction. Umbra's core mission centers on creating original, modern, and casual design solutions for every room in the home. The company emphasizes accessibility in both price and attitude, seeking to make well-designed products available to a broad consumer base rather than positioning itself as exclusively luxury or high-end.
Umbra maintains a flagship retail store in downtown Toronto, which serves as both a commercial space and a point of connection between the company and its customers. This location allows visitors to interact directly with designers and preview new collections before wider release. Through this physical presence combined with its extensive international distribution network, Umbra continues to pursue its vision of providing original design solutions that enhance everyday living spaces for consumers around the world.
