Grau design lamps

Grau - innovative lighting design since 1984

Founded in Hamburg in 1984 by Tobias Grau, Grau is one of the most innovative manufacturers of designer lighting in Germany. Studies at Parson School of Design, New York, and an internship at Knoll International, lauched Tobias Grau on his design journey; a journey which quickly saw him make a name for himself with lamp designs such as Tai, Bill or Oh China, lamps which established Tobias Grau's reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, minimalist lamp designs.

Still based near Hamburg Grau today employ a staff of some 150 and prizes such as the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award stand testiment for the success of the lighting manufacturer.

Grau activates emotions with light. Since its founding Grau has established its unique design philosophy in the form of smart lights and uncompromising product quality. From sculptural living room lights to high-tech lighting for workplaces: Grau has always found new ways to enrich life with light.

The Grau collection features a wide range of lighting solutions for living spaces and work environments, whereby important aspects of the Grau design language are dynamic shapes, fine surfaces and contemporary lighting experiences, their durability and high quality realisation. In terms of the latter, all Grau lamps and systems are designed and produced at the Grau Campus near Hamburg.

Sunset Dimming - super warm light without blue content

Sunset Dimming from Grau is an innovative lighting technology that was developed to replicate the natural lighting conditions of sunset, and allows the colour temperature and brightness of LED lights to be gradually changed, similar to how the light gradually gets warmer and dimmer during a real sunset. It supports the release of melatonin in the evening and has a calming effect on the body and mind. Thus, Grau lights bring the sensual quality of the sun, a fireplace or a candle into the home in the form of smart yet playful lights.

Grau: A family business

Tobias Grau ran the company, together with his wife Franziska, until 2021 when their sons Timon and Melchior Grau took over as joint CEOs and opened a new chapter with a rebranding, including the changing the name from Tobias Grau to Grau.

Innovation creates sustainability: 50% energy savings thanks to LED technology and sensors

Since 2008 Grau has been focusing on the possibilities of LED lighting with woks such as Falling and Falling In Love and on radical, modern minimalism, which today defines Grau's brand identity.

Sustainability, environmental protection and maximum comfort always play a key role in the development of the lighting designs at Grau; as is the continuous pursuit of long-lasting and energy-efficient products. Through employing contemporay LED technology and sensor control systems the average energy consumption of the Grau lamp collection has been reduced by more than 50% over the last 20 years. Innovative technologies such as the OSA system and beam lens technology contribute to the high energy efficiency and longevity of Grau lighting.

In addition LED technology enables a special light quality with the best coloir rendering and specially developed glare control methods.

The Grau portfolio?

Grau's portfolio focuses on designs for living and working areas with ambient and work lights. Extensive lighting collections such as the XT-A or Team lights address a wide range of requirements in work contexts in the form of desk, floor and ceiling lights. Grau's ambient lights also focus on diversity and minimalist design with wall, ceiling, pendant and floor lamps as well as spotlights. With the Salt table lamp and the Parrot floor lamp, Grau also presents two powerful wireless battery-operated lights.

An ongoing commitment to sustainability

Grau is actively committed to reducing its ecological footprint and continuously optimises its processes and products, documenting its comprehensive environmental commitment with an annual sustainability report. The Grau Campus in Hamburg, designed by architects Bothe Richter Teherani and Tobias Grau, is considered an example of sustainable architecture and has received several awards. The building features over 270 square meters of photovoltaics and a combined heat and power plant to reduce CO2 and save energy. Grau only purchases green electricity and plans to switch to biomethane. Other building blocks of sustainable action are the vegan, organic-certified employee restaurant and the promotion of e-mobility.

Your lighting project with Grau and smow

Innovative lighting technology for offices and public areas: Should you be planning a lighting project we are waiting to discuss how Grau can enhance your ideas and provide you with individual support - from planning to implementation. Whether it's a reception hall or workplace lighting, simply share your ideas with our planning department at project@smow.com