As the calendar turns to a new year, we often embrace fresh starts and bold intentions. In design, there’s no color that embodies this spirit quite like black. It is daring, timeless, and undeniably sophisticated. Black windowcoverings offer a powerful way to make a statement, adding depth and dimension to any interior.

WHY BLACK IS THE NEW BOLD

Black is far more than a color – it is an experience. It creates contrast, grounds a space, and amplifies the beauty of its surroundings. Whether paired with light, neutral tones for balance or layered with bold jewel tones for drama, black windowcoverings make an impactful addition to your next design.

To showcase the transformative power of black, we’ve curated some of our favorite designs that demonstrate how black windowcoverings can shape and define a room. From striking contrasts to subtle sophistication, these interiors reveal the versatility and elegance that black brings to modern spaces.

Photography by Christopher Stark

In this striking bathroom by Tineke Triggs for the 2023 San Francisco Decorator Showhouse, the LEEV52-87 Dockside–Jetty shades from the Erinn V. Collection enrich the space with texture and depth. The intricate weave not only enhances the moody, sophisticated palette but also provides essential privacy, transforming the room into a tranquil retreat.

Grounded by sleek black tones and softened by natural wood accents, the black shades embody the perfect balance of form and function—bringing strength, order, and quiet elegance to this personal sanctuary.

Photography by Realty Photo NW

In this inviting reading nook, designed by Tiffany Home Design for the NW Natural Street of Dreams Showhouse, Hartmann&Forbes’ LE3387 Aura–Chakra handwoven grassweave shades bring a perfect balance of style and function. The textured ramie softens the natural light, enhancing the room’s cozy ambiance. Framed by crisp white shiplap and layered with warm, earthy tones, the black shades elevate the design with subtle sophistication.

Photography by Toni Deis Creative

In Mimi & Hill’s Nevelhaus Project, the LEMH500-87 Gingham–Black shades from the Max Humphrey Collection do more than dress the windows – they anchor the entire design of this sleepover room. The bold black gingham pattern provides a striking visual focal point, tying together the room’s textured layers and cozy upstate charm.

The shades add depth and contrast against the light faux bois wall treatment while echoing the rich black tones of the leather headboards and bedding. This balance of bold pattern and neutral surroundings ensures the space feels cohesive, inviting, and quintessentially Hudson Valley.

START THE YEAR BOLDLY

Let the power of black inspire your spaces. Explore our collection of handwoven windowcoverings, each designed to bring timeless elegance and bold artistry to your projects. Discover how black can bring balance, depth, and sophistication to your interiors.

EXPLORE OUR BLACK WINDOWCOVERINGS

As the holiday season approaches, we understand the importance of precise timing and planning. At Hartmann&Forbes, we proudly offer flexible lead times that align with your project schedules — without sacrificing the craftsmanship and quality you expect.

We recognize that design is as unique as the visionaries behind it. That’s why we provide two weaving methods — Woven-to-Size and Tailored-to-Size — each offering distinct benefits while ensuring unmatched luxury and detail.

Lead times vary with your selections. Some designs are in stock and available for express tailoring, while others are custom handwoven to your exact specifications, up to 15' wide without seams, representing true artisanal luxury.

Holiday Season Shade Order Dates

Please note the following order dates for timely delivery and installation to meet your deadlines. Rush orders are often possible, so please reach out to us if you need to meet a specific date:

To be shipped by 11/13/24:

• 10/30/24 – Performance Fabrics
• 11/11/24 – Wallcoverings and By-the-Yard Textiles

To be shipped by 12/09/24:

• 10/28/24 – Woven-to-Size Papyrusweave 
• 11/11/24 – Tailored-to-Size Grassweave & Papyrusweave
• 11/11/24 – Woven-to Size Panels
• 11/25/24 – Performance Fabrics
• 12/05/24 – Wallcoverings and By-the-Yard Textiles

We thank you for your continued trust in Hartmann&Forbes. We know you have many choices, and we’re honored to be part of your creative process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SHADE-MAKING PROCESS

The Reception Lounge Designed by Tineke Triggs | Photography by Christopher Stark

The 45th San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which debuted this past spring, brought attention to a culturally and historically significant residence with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Located on the prestigious “Billionaire’s Row” in Pacific Heights, this 11,155-square-foot Dutch Colonial mansion spans five floors and has been featured in four major Hollywood films. Originally built in 1899 by famed architects Walter D. Bliss and Walter Paville for Bliss’s parents, the home is a true architectural gem.

Proceeds from the Showcase benefit the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program. Since its inception, the event has raised over $18 million, providing hundreds of deserving Bay Area students access to a world-class college preparatory education.

Hartmann&Forbes was honored to be a part of this extraordinary project and to support such a meaningful cause.

Design Space: A Threshold of Welcome! The Reception Lounge
Designer: Tineke Triggs | Tineke Triggs Interiors
Photographer: Christopher Stark
Windowcovering: Old Style Roman Shades in LEEV50-57 At Sea - Ocean, from the Erinn V. Collection of Woven-to-Size Grassweave Windowcoverings.

One of the standout spaces in the Showcase was the reception lounge, designed by Tineke Triggs. With a vision that goes beyond mere aesthetics, Triggs sought to create a space that serves as the heart of hospitality — the threshold of welcome. The receiving room, as she describes it, is the first whisper of what lies beyond, offering visitors a warm embrace and inviting them to unwind.

Every detail of the room was meticulously curated to evoke an atmosphere of intrigue and conviviality. Adorned with heirlooms and mementos, the room feels alive with the stories of those who have passed through, a testament to the memories that linger long after guests have departed. It is a space designed not just for entertaining but for cultivating meaningful moments and connections that endure.

In Triggs’ words, the reception lounge is “a canvas upon which stories unfold.” Her thoughtful design honors the past while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for making new memories.

The mirrored ceiling in Trigg’s Reception Lounge

Design Space: The Observatory
Designer: Jon de la Cruz | DLC – ID de la Cruz Interior Design
Photographer: John Merkl
Windowcovering: Old Style Roman Shades in CW74 Classic - Sierra, from the Colourweave Collection of Tailored-to-Size Windowcoverings.

Another breathtaking space in the Showcase was the Observatory Room, designed by Jon de la Cruz of DLC-ID. Transforming one of the home’s largest rooms into a garden-inspired game room, de la Cruz brought the outdoors inside, creating a space that feels more like a conservatory than a traditional family room. With panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, de la Cruz amplified the natural beauty beyond the walls by designing an interior that mirrors the lush landscape outside.

De la Cruz embraced the room’s 14-foot panoramic view by incorporating mathematical lines into the design, using architectural perspective rules to emphasize the space’s symmetry and amplify its connection to the surrounding environment. The result is a family room that feels like a tranquil escape, where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur beautifully.

The Observatory Designed by Jon de la Cruz | Photography by John Merkl