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Umbra | Where Modern Design Meets Functionality

Umbra | Where Modern Design Meets Functionality

Hollie WattsxMon Sep 04 2023

Umbra isn't just any brand – it's a household favourite that effortlessly combines style and practicality. It's our most complete brand offering, and we think you'll love decorating your home with Umbra! When it comes to home decor that's as functional as it is fashionable, few brands do it better than Umbra.

From its early beginnings in Canada to its current global reach, Umbra has always been a leader in innovative home design solutions. In this blog, we'll dive into everything you need to know about this exceptional brand, from its origins to the quality of its products and top-selling items. Whether you're new to Umbra or already a fan, we've got you covered. Discover why Umbra is an essential addition to every room in your home.

A little History

Umbra (Latin for “shade”) was founded in 1979 in Toronto, Canada, with a mission to bring intelligent design to everyday items. The brand quickly gained recognition for its modern, aesthetic, and uniquely functional household products. Today, Umbra stands as a global powerhouse in the home decor industry, extending its reach to over 120 countries worldwide. With strategically located offices in key regions like Europe, Canada, the United States, Brazil, and China, Umbra is making its products accessible on an international scale! Despite this expansive global presence, Umbra remains deeply rooted in Canada, the birthplace of their innovative vision.

Transform your home with Umbra

entrance way with hanging photo frames and decor

Let Umbra turn your home into a sanctuary where modern design meets everyday functionality. Imagine turning that empty wall into a gallery of memories with their artful photo frames, or transforming a cluttered entryway with sleek hooks that make you smile as you walk in. Picture your kitchen, where innovative dish racks and utensil holders don't just do their job but also look stunning while doing it.

From furniture that combines elegance with utility to mirrors that make a room feel more spacious, Umbra puts the 'extra' in ordinary, making every corner of your home a masterpiece of form and function. So, if you're anything like us and find joy in the details—from craftsmanship to sustainability—then Umbra is your go-to for a contemporary home makeover.

Enhance all your spaces

bathroom with wall mirrors, stool and shower oranisers

Umbra has it all! Find the perfect piece for every room in your home, and enhance both functionality and style.

  • Living Room: Umbra provides furniture, photo frames, mirrors, and unique storage solutions that can serve as focal points or complementary pieces in your living space.
  • Kitchen: From sleek dish racks and utensil holders to innovative storage containers and wall hooks, Umbra has numerous products designed to keep your kitchen organised and stylish.
  • Bedroom: Umbra's range includes modern and functional nightstands, mirrors, jewellery organisers, stools, planters and even hair tool organisers to keep your space organised and tidy.
  • Bathroom: Umbra offers a variety of bathroom accessories, including soap dispensers, shower caddies, waste baskets, and towel bars that are both functional and stylish.
  • Home Office: With desk organisers, wall-mounted storage systems, and even sleek waste baskets, Umbra's products can make your home office a more efficient and pleasant workspace.
  • Entranceway: Umbra's creative hooks, coat racks, and shoe storage solutions help to keep your entryway or mudroom tidy and welcoming.
  • Outdoor Space: Although primarily focused on indoor items, some of Umbra's products like planters can also be used to enhance patios, balconies, or terraces.

By offering a wide range of products for different rooms, Umbra allows you to maintain a consistent, modern aesthetic throughout your home while also addressing the specific functional needs of each space.

Sustainable Practices

hanging planter pots with home decor on sideboard

Umbra focuses on crafting modern yet functional items that are not only thoughtful but also durable, aiming to minimise its long-term environmental footprint. Umbra also aims to create well-made items that reflect its unique style and high standards, with the goal that customers will use and enjoy these products for a lifetime, thereby reducing waste and landfill contributions.

Umbra is actively working on sustainability across its product lines. Check out their efforts thus far:

  • Over 55% of their plastic products now contain recycled material, with a goal to reach 80%.
  • More than 65% of their wood products come from fast-growing, replenishable species, aiming for 100% renewable sourcing.
  • The brand has transitioned 85% of the surface finishing on metal items to eco-friendly methods, significantly reducing waste to groundwater systems.
  • Single-use plastic and packing foam have been eliminated from 80% of their packaging, with a target to use 100% recyclable materials.

Umbra uses a double-leaf icon on certain products and packaging to indicate items that are designed and manufactured with enhanced sustainability practices. In 2022, Umbra switched from bleached white corrugate boxes to eco-friendly alternatives. This transition has significantly reduced single-use plastic and unnecessary secondary packaging, eliminating thousands of kilograms of waste.

Our Top 5 Umbra Categories

living space with wall photo frames, coffee table and side table
  • Umbra Hooks: Umbra has so many hooks to choose from! This category captures the essence of multi-functional design with modern decor.
  • Umbra Mirrors: Mirrors that serve as statement pieces and add a luxurious feel to your space. From your living area to your bathroom - you will find the ideal mirror to transform any room in your home.
  • Umbra Photo Displays: Perfect for cherishing memories in a stylish way.
  • Umbra Jewellery Organisers: Keep your trinkets organised with flair. From ring holders to necklace hangers, there is a jewellery organiser for all options.
  • Umbra Furniture: A blend of style and functionality that is hard to beat.

Umbra's Popular Collections

Umbra's Popular Collections

Umbra excels in transforming ordinary household products into artful yet functional pieces that enrich the home. It's not just about aesthetics; Umbra places a strong emphasis on the practical utility of its products. Whether it's multi-functional furniture, stylish storage solutions, or elegantly designed mirrors and photo frames, each item is created with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Learn more about our favourites from Umbra's standout collections below.

Umbra Bellwood

The Bellwood collection is synonymous with style and functionality. It offers a timeless blend of natural wood and modern design elements.

Umbra Buddy

Meet your new "buddies" with the Buddy collection. Featuring playful and functional designs that make everyday chores fun.

Umbra Hub

The Hub collection is all about making a statement. Its large, functional pieces are designed to be the focal point of any room.

Umbra Prisma

Transform your space with the Prisma collection. Its geometric designs offer a modern twist to traditional home decor items.

Frequently Ask Questions

bathroom sink with Umbra mirror

What is Umbra’s Warranty?

Umbra is committed to the design and manufacture of original, high-quality products for your home. As a part of Umbra's commitment, every Umbra product (with the exception of furniture) is backed by a 5 Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty. Furniture is backed by a 1-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Is Umbra Good Quality?

Umbra is synonymous with quality. Their products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last. Materials are carefully chosen to be both durable and eco-friendly, meeting the highest industry standards. But don't just take our word for it; numerous design awards over the years speak volumes about their commitment to quality.

Is Umbra a Good Brand?

As a brand, Umbra has garnered a reputation for combining form and function in ways that enhance the everyday living experience. If you're looking for products that make your life easier while adding a touch of modern style, then Umbra is undoubtedly a good brand to consider.

Who Owns Umbra?

Umbra is a privately held company, founded by childhood friends Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan. Their collaborative approach to design and business has made Umbra what it is today: a global leader in home design products.

Can I get replacement parts for Umbra items?

Yes! You can purchase replacement parts directly to extend the longevity of your cherished Umbra products. Umbra believes in harnessing sustainability and extending the life-span of your Umbra product.

How do I care for my Umbra mirror?

Following a few simple care instructions will keep your Umbra mirror glistening for years to come. 

  • Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
  • Clean the glass using a cloth and glass cleaner. To achieve a streak-free finish, wipe the mirror in a circular motion.
  • Keep the mirror dry and well-ventilated.
  • Check mounting hardware periodically for security.

Love Umbra yet?

Umbra items in a living space

In a nutshell, Umbra creates original products with purpose to enrich your home's personality. With a wide array of collections and categories to choose from, there's something for everyone's style and taste. Don't miss out on transforming your home into a functional work of art. Shop Umbra online at Laine Home and find your next must-have piece.