What Conrad Shades does

Conrad Shades (legal entity Conrad Imports, Inc.) is a US-based manufacturer of custom handwoven window coverings founded in 1956 by Edie Conrad and headquartered in the San Francisco Design District. The company produces Roman Shades, Roll-Up Shades, and Sliding Panel Shade Systems using sustainable natural fibers — including abaca, flax, hemp, vetiver, and bamboo — woven on traditional handlooms by skilled artisans. Its product catalog exceeds 100 original designs organized into four collections (GRANDEUR, LEGACY, CLASSIC, and DESIGNERLINE), each shade marked with a CONRAD Original plaque identifying it as authentic handcrafted product.

The company operates a trade-only distribution model, selling exclusively through HOLLY HUNT showrooms (10 locations in major US design markets and London) and a network of partner showrooms (Jim Thompson, Kneedler|Fauchère, John Brooks, Jennifer West, Soleil Studio). All orders are routed through interior designers, architects, and fine window covering studios that participate in a formal trade program requiring resale ID. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Product add-ons include motorization (with Native by Design integration to Lutron QS and QS Wireless systems), control loop operation, double-density weaving, roller shade backers (SheerWeave Regular at 14% openness and SheerWeave Plus at 5% openness), and commercial flame retardancy treatment meeting NFPA-701.

Conrad Shades operates as part of the MillerKnoll collective, alongside Herman Miller, Knoll, Holly Hunt, and HAY, and is privately held under MillerKnoll, Inc. as parent. The company holds NFPA-701 and ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 certifications, addressing commercial flame retardancy and child safety standards respectively. End customers include high-end residential interior designers, architects specifying luxury homes, and select hospitality/commercial projects.

Name

Conrad Shades

Legal name

Conrad Imports, Inc.

Website

https://conradshades.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Conrad Shades, founded in 1956 and part of the MillerKnoll collective, designs and handweaves custom natural-fiber window coverings (Roman, Roll-Up, and Sliding Panel shades) sold exclusively through HOLLY HUNT and partner showrooms to interior designers, architects, and select hospitality clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Handwoven Window Coverings

NAICS

Blind and Shade Manufacturing (33792), Window Treatment Retailers (449122), Curtain and Linen Mills (31412)

akta.pro primary industry

Window Coverings Manufacturing (Curtains/Drapes/Sheers/Valances) (IMAOAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Window Shades Retail (Roller, Roman, Cellular/Honeycomb, Solar) (CRAIAKAB)

Keywords

• Handwoven window shades
• Natural fiber window coverings
• Custom Roman shades
• Roller window shades
• Sliding panel shades

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Custom Handwoven Window Coverings: Conrad Shades generates revenue through custom-ordered handwoven window coverings sold exclusively through Holly Hunt showrooms and partner showrooms. Products are ordered through design professionals (interior designers, architects) with pricing provided via quote through showrooms. Revenue is derived from product sales with no public pricing available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Conrad Shades designs, manufactures, and supplies custom handwoven window coverings made from rapidly renewable natural fibers (abaca, flax, hemp, vetiver, bamboo, and other plant materials) on traditional handlooms. The offering centers on three core shade formats—Roman Shades, Roll-Up Shades, and Sliding Panel Shade Systems—available across the LEGACY, GRANDEUR, CLASSIC, and DESIGNERLINE collections, with optional motorization (Lutron integration), specialty shapes, and sun-control/privacy options. Products are sold exclusively to the design trade through HOLLY HUNT and CONRAD partner showrooms in the US and UK.

Product overview

Conrad Shades is a manufacturer of custom handwoven window coverings made from sustainable natural fibers, offering over 100 original shade designs. The product portfolio centers on three core shade types: Roman Shades (which fold into horizontal segments when raised), Roll-Up Shades (where fabric rolls around an aluminum tube), and Sliding Panel Shade Systems (for floor-to-ceiling applications). These core products are organized into distinct collections including GRANDEUR (luxury large-scale weaves), LEGACY (signature premium line), CLASSIC (foundational designs), and DESIGNERLINE (contemporary Quick Ship options). The offering is extended through modular add-ons including motorization (with Lutron integration via the Native by Design program), various operating mechanisms (control loop, front operation, top-down), headerboard treatments (custom cornices, valances, bamboo treatments), sun control options (double density, fabric lining, roller shades), and specialty window solutions. Products are distributed exclusively through HOLLY HUNT showrooms and partner showrooms to design professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Roman Shade Custom handwoven natural-fiber Roman shade designed for interior designers and architects specifying window treatments for residential and commercial interiors; folds into horizontal segments when raised and supports multiple operating and motorization options.
• Roll-Up Shade Custom handwoven Roll-Up Shade that rolls fabric around an aluminum tube; available in manual or motorized versions and suited for wide window expanses. Targeted at design professionals specifying contemporary residential and commercial interiors.
• Sliding Panel Shade System Sliding Panel Shade System for floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and large window expanses; can function as a room divider (soft architecture) in large-scale spaces. Sold through the design trade for residential and commercial interiors.
• LEGACY Conrad Original Shades LEGACY collection of signature Conrad Original handwoven natural-fiber shades representing the company's premium, time-tested design line. Sold through the design trade.
• GRANDEUR Conrad Original Shades GRANDEUR collection of luxury large-scale weave handwoven shades in exclusive colorways, sold through the design trade for upscale residential and commercial projects.
• CLASSIC Conrad Original Shades CLASSIC collection of foundational handwoven natural-fiber shades representing the core Conrad Original aesthetic. Sold through the design trade.
• DESIGNERLINE Window Shades DESIGNERLINE collection of contemporary handwoven window shades for modern interiors, with an optional Quick Ship program for select colorways for faster delivery.
• Quick Ship Program Expedited Quick Ship offering for select DESIGNERLINE handwoven shades, providing faster delivery for time-sensitive design projects accessed through the trade program.
• Lutron Native by Design Motorization Integration Native motorization offering for Conrad shades integrating Lutron QS and QS Wireless systems for both Roman Fold and Roll-Up styles; delivers whisper-quiet drives with home automation compatibility for interior designers and architects specifying smart shades.
• Commercial Flame Retardancy Treatment NFPA-701 compliant commercial flame retardancy treatment for Conrad shades, including a California certificate of flame resistance, designed for hospitality and commercial installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Shades treated with flame retardancy meet NFPA-701 requirements
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• LutroncoreTechnology or IntegrationOver a decade-long partnership through Lutron's Native by Design program. Conrad's handwoven natural-fiber shades integrate with Lutron QS and QS Wireless systems for both Roman Fold and Roll-Up styles. Shade drives may be obtained through CONRAD or directly through a Lutron dealer. Features whisper-quiet operation and home automation integration.
• HOLLY HUNTflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distribution partner with 10 showrooms across the US and UK. All products available exclusively through Holly Hunt showrooms and partner showrooms. Design professionals request catalogues, sampling, pricing and ordering assistance through their local showroom.
• MillerKnoll CollectiveflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerConrad Shades is part of the MillerKnoll collective which includes Herman Miller, Knoll, Holly Hunt, HAY, and other design brands. MillerKnoll controls subsidiaries and affiliates globally including design industry brands.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Shade Store: Custom window treatment retailer offering made-to-measure shades, blinds, and drapery across showrooms and online. Comparable target market (design-conscious residential customers and interior designers) with broader product range but lower artisanal positioning.
• Smith & Noble: Custom window coverings brand offering made-to-measure shades, blinds, drapery, and motorization. Direct peer in custom window treatments with a comparable designer/specifier-friendly model and similar product breadth.
• Lafayette Interior Fashions: Premium custom window treatment manufacturer offering handcrafted and designer shades to the interior design trade. Directly comparable business model serving designers and architects with custom, high-end window coverings through showroom distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Hunter Douglas: Global leader in custom window coverings including motorized and specialty shades. Comparable as a window shade manufacturer/retailer across multiple product tiers, but with mass-market scale that dwarfs Conrad's artisanal handwoven focus.
• Graber (Springs Window Fashions): Mass-market custom window treatments brand offering blinds, shades, and motorization. Comparable product category but mid-market positioning versus Conrad's luxury, handwoven specialty focus.
• Bali (Springs Window Fashions): Window treatments brand offering a broad range of blinds, shades, and shutters through retail channels. Overlaps in product category but competes in value and mid-tier segments, not Conrad's luxury designer-trade space.

Emerging players

• Lutron Electronics: Motorized shade and home automation provider and Conrad's Native by Design integration partner. Comparable in the motorized shade category and increasingly competitive as Lutron expands its own automated shade systems, but operates from a technology rather than artisanal craft angle.

Others

• Holly Hunt: Sister brand within the MillerKnoll collective and Conrad's exclusive distribution partner. Not a direct competitor but operates the showrooms that carry Conrad's products, and is comparable as a high-end interior design trade brand within the same MillerKnoll portfolio.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ConradShades
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/conrad-imports-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Conrad Shades