Hartmann and Forbes Natural Fiber Shades for Marin County

Hartmann and Forbes crafts hand-tied natural fiber shades from sustainable materials including jute, bamboo, sea grass, and abaca. Each shade is woven to order at their Portland, Oregon workshop using artisanal techniques that mass-market manufacturers cannot replicate. With over 500 hand-woven patterns, it is the largest collection of artisan natural fiber window treatments from any single manufacturer. Bay Blinds is an authorized Hartmann and Forbes dealer serving Mill Valley, the Lucas Valley, and all of Marin County with free in-home and on-site consultations.

When architects at firms like Olson Kundig specify window treatments for high-end residential projects, they look beyond catalog options. They need materials with genuine character, finishes that respond to natural light in beautiful ways, and a fabrication process that accommodates non-standard dimensions and custom detailing. Hartmann and Forbes shades appear in architect-designed estates throughout the North Bay because the weaves are tight and consistent where they need to be, the edge binding is hand-finished, and the natural fiber textures introduce warmth without competing with the architecture. Bay Blinds partners directly with design professionals on new construction and whole-home renovation projects, and for machine-woven alternatives you can compare the Hunter Douglas collection during your consultation.

Where mass-market woven wood shades offer a fixed set of patterns, Hartmann and Forbes builds every shade to your specification. Open weave patterns allow the most light to pass through, creating a soft, filtered glow that reveals the texture of each individual fiber. Semi-open weaves balance privacy with light control and work well in living areas that face neighboring properties. Tight weaves provide the highest level of privacy and light blocking among natural fiber options and can be paired with a blackout liner for bedrooms and media rooms.

Edge binding is where Hartmann and Forbes truly separates itself. With over 100 fabric tape options, you can match a binding to your drapery fabric, wall covering, or woodwork down to the exact tone, and custom color matching is available for finishes outside the standard library. Every edge is hand-finished at the Portland workshop, ensuring clean lines and durable construction that holds up to decades of daily use. For motorized installations with Lutron or Somfy, the edge binding wraps cleanly around the roller mechanism so the finished shade looks intentional from every angle.