Sculptural Lighting, Scandinavian Soul – Meet Tom Rossau
people • DESIGNERS
Sculptural lighting, handcrafted in Copenhagen.
For over two decades, Tom Rossau has transformed natural materials into luminous works of art. Rooted in Scandinavian minimalism and subtly influenced by Japanese aesthetics, each piece is designed and hand-built in his open workshop in Frederiksberg. From statement pendants to soft, atmospheric glows, Rossau’s lighting is more than functional — it’s a celebration of form, craftsmanship, and emotion. Discover why designers and collectors around the world are drawn to this uniquely Danish approach to lighting design.
WEBSITE: TomRossau.com INSTAGRAM: @tomrossau
Words: designeers
APRIL 2025
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us about your early beginnings as a designer? What led you to focus on lighting as your creative medium?
Tom Rossau
I used to run a shop on Istedgade in Copenhagen, where I sold a variety of handmade items, including clothing, furniture, and eventually lighting. The transition into lighting design wasn’t a deliberate decision at first; it naturally evolved as I experimented with materials. I first started making lamps around 2003/2004, initially using white plastic. However, as I explored new materials, I became intrigued by a thin, highly flexible wood veneer. What began as an aesthetic preference for a more natural material quickly became the foundation of my design process, sparking my passion for lighting
DESIGNEERS
Tom Rossau has become synonymous with sculptural and atmospheric lighting. What was the vision behind founding the brand, and how has it evolved over the years?
Tom Rossau
There was no grand master plan or overarching vision for the company in the beginning. It all grew organically, starting with a simple idea that evolved naturally. The inspiration came from the material itself, particularly birch veneer, and one thing led to another. Over time, however, a clear vision emerged: the idea of creating light-emitting sculptures. What started as a small seed of inspiration has since grown and taken shape into something much larger.
DESIGNEERS
Your designs often feature natural materials like birch veneer. What role does materiality play in your creative process, and how does it influence the final product?
Tom Rossau
As I mentioned earlier, materiality plays a crucial role in my creative process. Every design begins with the material, it is the driving force behind the entire process. It heavily influences the final product and serves as an endless source of inspiration for me. There are so many possibilities to explore within the material itself, making it an ever-evolving part of my work
DESIGNEERS
Your lighting designs have a distinct organic flow. How would you define the signature Tom Rossau aesthetic, and what are the key principles that guide your design process?
Tom Rossau
The key is to let the material play a significant role in shaping the final design. I see myself more as a facilitator, guiding the material to become what it naturally wants to be, and helping the design come to life. Inspiration comes directly from the material itself, and our process is essentially a collaboration with it. We work with the material, holding it mechanically in place where it naturally wants to rest, creating a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and gravity. Rather than forcing it into something unnatural, we embrace its inherent qualities and let them shape the design.
“The key is to let the material play a significant role in shaping the final design. I see myself more as a facilitator, guiding the material to become what it naturally wants to be, and helping the design come to life.”
Tom Rossau
DESIGNEERS
Are there any particular pieces in your collection that you consider truly iconic? What inspired their creation?
Tom Rossau
The TR7 is one of our most iconic lamps, along with the TR5. Both are entirely inspired by the natural behaviour of the material. By applying pressure to both ends, bending it one way with one hand and the opposite way with the other, the material naturally forms the distinctive shape of the TR7. Over the years, these designs have become true classics.
DESIGNEERS
Being based in Copenhagen, how does Scandinavian design heritage and culture influence your work?
Tom Rossau
When it comes to lighting design in veneer, Tom Rossau stands on the shoulders of giants, drawing inspiration from design pioneers like Arne Jacobsen, for example. Wood veneer lighting is deeply connected to both Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions, celebrated for their emphasis on simplicity, natural materials, and craftsmanship. While these influences are evident, each design remains distinctly unique, blending tradition with innovation. Additionally, all production takes place in Copenhagen, ensuring a commitment to quality and a strong connection to Danish design heritage.
DESIGNEERS
With sustainability being a key conversation in design, how does Tom integrate eco-conscious practices into production, materials, and design longevity?
Tom Rossau
This entire collection was developed with sustainability in mind, starting with the choice of materials. The birch veneer we use comes from Finland, and while we've incorporated other materials like steel and plastic over time, our focus has always been on responsible sourcing. The key to longevity is understanding where sustainable materials should be prioritized and ensuring that different components can be separated at the product’s end of life. A lamp should last at least 20 years, but sustainability extends beyond just the product itself. To minimise environmental impact, we removed all plastics from our packaging five years ago, switching entirely to cardboard. While this presents challenges in ensuring safe delivery, we continuously refine our designs, packaging, and overall approach to create a more sustainable future.
DESIGNEERS
What do you think makes lighting such an essential element in interior design? How do you envision your pieces transforming a space?
Tom Rossau
That’s exactly what our pieces are designed to do; they transform a space, create atmosphere, and set a mood. As human beings, we are highly sensitive to light and the way it influences our emotions and daily lives, whether it’s natural light from dawn to dusk or artificial lighting. Perhaps it’s my Danish heritage, but I’ve always been drawn to warm, golden light, the kind that embodies the essence of“hygge”, rather than harsh, white light. This sense of coziness is at the heart of all our lamps, making them more than just lighting fixtures; they create a feeling of warmth and comfort in any space
DESIGNEERS
Have you collaborated with any architects, designers, or hospitality projects? What are some of the most exciting projects your lighting has been featured in?
Tom Rossau
We have recently begun collaborating with renowned architects, starting with Michael Christensen from CCO Architects, as part of a new initiative to create limited-edition lamps. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey, with many more partnerships to follow. Over the years, we have worked on a variety of bespoke lighting projects, including designing custom pieces for the restaurant in the Copenhagen Opera House and, most recently, completing a project for the new Georg Jensen store in London. With 20 years of experience, we bring both flexibility and expertise to our collaborations, allowing us to craft unique, high-quality lighting solutions without the delays often associated with outsourcing production. Our ability to work closely with architects and designers ensures that each piece is not only aesthetically striking but also seamlessly integrated into its environment. Looking ahead, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline and are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of lighting design through these creative partnerships.
DESIGNEERS
What’s next for Tom Rossau? Are there any upcoming collections, material explanations, or creative directions you’re excited about?
Tom Rossau
Absolutely, there are always new lamps in the making. My creative mind never stops, and there’s almost never enough time to bring all my ideas to life. This constant drive to create is what fuels everything I do. It’s the core of my work and the reason we’ve brought on a CEO—to allow me to focus entirely on designing and developing new projects. For me, the process of creation is endless, and I’m always looking ahead to the next design, the next challenge, and the next opportunity to push the boundaries of lighting.
