In Dutch, “raak” means “to hit” or “to hit the nail on the head.” Lighting company RAAK certainly accomplished that with its unique mid-century modern designs of futuristic, Space Age metal lamps, pendants and other lighting creations.
RAAK was founded in 1954 by Carel O. Lockhorn (1923–2004), a former employee of the Philips Lighting company in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Under the tagline “Illuminated Architecture,” RAAK focused on producing elegant, sophisticated and modern lighting that would blend seamlessly with high-concept interiors.
During the 1960s, one of RAAK’s most well-known designs came from its in-house designer, Frank Ligtelijn, who created the Globe 2000 series of glass and chrome floor lamps, pendants and wall lights. Another key collaboration was with Dutch artist and glassmaker Willem van Oyen, who produced the iconic Chartres wall lights in 1964. Van Oyen’s Brutalist design evoked melted paintings and was inspired by the stained glass windows in the Chartres Cathedral in France.
In the 1970s, RAAK worked with several influential international artists, such as Italian designers Sergio Asti, Giotto Stoppino and Cesare Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, and Finnish designers Maija Liisa Komulainen (best known for her metallic, cylindrical Fuga lamp) and Tapio Wirkkala, creator of the handblown crystal Suomi pendant lamps.
Through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, RAAK enjoyed enormous success throughout Europe and worldwide for its modern lamps and decorative lighting. In 1974, Lockhorn sold RAAK to the furniture company ITT but remained its director until 1977. In 1980, RAAK merged with BIS Lighting and was renamed BISRAAK. Then, in 1999, the company entered into another merger, this time with Artilite B.V. and Indoor B.V., and became the Center for Light Architecture. It declared bankruptcy in 2011.
RAAK lighting continues to be highly coveted today among interior designers and avid vintage furniture collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage RAAK lighting, decorative objects and more.
Cylindrical Vase in Green Glass and Copper by Nanny Still for RAAK, 1970s
By RAAK, Nanny Still
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Glass and copper vase Producer: RAAK, Netherlands Designer: Nanny Still Decade: 1960s Description: Original super rare vintage Vase design...
Copper
$21,740 / set
H 13.39 in Dm 2.37 in
Midcentury Modern Glass Vessels by Nanny Still, Finland, 1950s, set of 11
By Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Nanny Still
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of eleven amazing glass vessels by Nanny Still. Clean design with beautiful proportions, the simplicity and diluted colors giving them a strong yet tranquil presence. Three of th...
Glass
$695
H 7.49 in W 5.63 in D 1.86 in
Green Nanny Still 'Grapponia' Glass Art Vase by Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968.
By Tapio Wirkkala, Nanny Still, Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful mouth-blown 'Grapponia' midcentury glass vase in the rare green color. Designed by Nanny Still for Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968. In production 1968-1975. Great conditi...
Glass
Set of 12 Glass Bottles by Nanny Still, Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1960s
By Nanny Still, Riihimäen Lasi Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
This striking set of twelve glass bottles, designed by Nanny Still for Riihimäen Lasi, exemplifies the bold yet refined spirit of mid-century Finnish glass design. Each bottle featur...
Glass
Danish Brutalist Copper Vase in Copper, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A sculptural cylindrical vase in hand embossed patinated copper. It displays all the right elements of Scandinavian Brutalism. The floral relief pattern resembles some of Axel Salto'...
Copper
$395
H 7.49 in W 5.63 in D 1.86 in
Nanny Still 'Grapponia' Glass Art Vase by Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968.
By Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Timo Sarpaneva, Nanny Still, Iittala, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful mouth-blown 'Grapponia' midcentury glass vase. Designed by Nanny Still for Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968. In production 1968-1975. Great condition. The Riihimaki glass...
Glass
Cobalt Blue Glass Vase, Nanny Still Style, Handcrafted in Romania, 1970s
By Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Nanny Still
Located in Glasgow, GB
A bold 1970s cobalt blue glass vase, handcrafted in Romania, distinguished by its tall, narrow form and sculptural hooped centre. This vintage hooped glass vase...
Art Glass
$371Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.86 in W 4.53 in D 4.53 in
MCM Rare Art Glass Vase by Nanny Still, Finland 1960's
By Nanny Still
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Scandinavian Design Rare Art Glass Vase by Nanny Still, made in Finland 1960's. Orange to red fade pressed glass vase with ball sphere shapes and hooped bot...
Glass
$312Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.81 in W 4.93 in D 2.76 in
1970s Mid-century Modern Vase by Nanny Still for Heinrich & Co., Germany
By Heinrich & Co. 1, Nanny Still McKinney, Nanny Still
Located in Skien, NO
This elegant Mid-century Modern vase Model 1897, designed by Finnish artist Nanny Still (Helsinki, Finland 1926 -Brussels, Belgium 2009 ), was created in the 1970s for the renowned G...
Porcelain
Nanny Still for Riihimäen Lasi, Finnish Grapponia Glass Art Vase
Located in København, Copenhagen
Nanny still for Riihimäen Lasi, Finnish Grapponia glass art vase. In perfect condition. Clear glass. 1960s-1970s, Measures: 22 x 9.5 cm.
Decorative Glass cylinder Vase, Amber shades and bubbles, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative Glass Vase - Collectible Vintage Glass This piece is a fantastic example of the "Sommerso" (submerged) technique, featuring a deep, suspended core of rich amber/sepia gla...
Glass, Art Glass
Candle Table Light in Blister Glass by Nanny Still, 1970s
By Nanny Still
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Spacey looking candle table lamp for tea light, bloc or ball candles. It has a base of clear hand blown glass and a shade of clear blister glass. Designed by Nanny Still during the l...
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Green glass vase / bottle Nanny Still Style
By Nanny Still
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vase decoration - Glass - design Transparent green glass - a chip under the base - no crack Measures : Ø 7cm H:25cm
Art Glass
Sold
H 9.06 in Dm 2.76 in
Cylindrical Vase in Green Glass and Copper by Nanny Still for RAAK, 1970s No. 2
By RAAK, Nanny Still
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Glass and copper vase Producer: RAAK, Netherlands Designer: Nanny Still Decade: 1960s Description: Original super rare vintage Vase design...
Copper
Cylindrical Vase in Turquoise Glass and Oxidized Copper by Nanny Still
By RAAK, Nanny Still McKinney
Located in London, GB
Cylindrical vase with turquoise glass blown into a metal frame develops a pattern of glass bubbles. Still was a well-known Finnish lighting designer who worked for Riihimäki Lasi in...
Copper