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.
Bubble Glass Juice Jug and Drinking Glasses Set by Driburg Krystal, 1970s
By RAAK, Nanny Still
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very rarely with four drinking glasses. Driburg Krystal from Germany they can been seen on display in the Driburg museum. Very good condition. There is a small blemish on the ju...
Copper
$951Sale Price|20% Off
Karaffe + 10 Gläser NANNY STILL für RAAK 1960er Kupfer
By RAAK, Nanny Still
Located in Aachen, DE
Karaffe und 10 Gläser von Nanny Still / Raak (NL). Die Karaffe hat eine Höhe von 23cm und ist völlig unbeschädigt. Die hohen Gläser (6 Stück) sind 13cm hoch, der Durchmesser beträgt...
Copper
Set of Six 1960's Glass Wine Goblets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indulge in the charm of vintage tableware with our set of 6 glass wine goblets, perfectly designed to enhance your wine-drinking experience. These g...
Glass
$587 / set
H 4.34 in Dm 3.94 in
Set of 6 Vintage Green Bubble Stem Cocktail Murano Glasses, Italy, 1970s
By Murano 5
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage set of 6 Murano glass cocktail glasses from 1970s Italy captures the playful elegance of Mid Century design. Each glass is crafted from clear handblown glass with striki...
Murano Glass
Hammered Alpaca Cocktail Shaker, Italy, 1960
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant Italian cocktail shaker from the 1960s, crafted in alpaca (nickel silver) with a refined hammered finish. This three-piece shaker features a slender cylindrical silhouette an...
Alpaca
Murano glass ashtray around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Murano glass ashtray around 1960s Brown with clear glass Partly cut glass Original condition
Murano Glass
Set of 6 Black glass Square Footed Cocktail Glasses 1970s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Set of 6 Black glass Square Footed Cocktail Glasses. This series was a part of promotional campaign for Amaretto Di Saronno Signed by Bormioli. Made in Italy, 1970s and 1980s. Elegan...
Glass
10" Waterford Crystal Decanter
By Waterford Crystal
Located in Pasadena, TX
This decanter is mad of cut crystal. The crystal is finely incised/etched. It has a removable stopper.
Crystal
Bamboo Portable Bar, France, 1960s
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Vivai del Sud
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A refined portable bar crafted in bamboo, produced in France in the 1960s. Both sculptural and functional, this piece reflects the period’s enduring fascination with organic materi...
Bamboo
Set of 6 Vintage Drinking Glasses from Luminarc, 1970s
By Luminarc
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Drinking Glasses from Luminarc, 1970s, Set of 6, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer recor...
Glass
$461Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of eight Glasses 1970s Italy
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Discover this unique set of eight vintage glasses in a stunning shade of green. Perfect for serving water, beer, milkshakes, long drinks, or cocktails, these versatile glasses will e...
Glass
$2,400Sale Price|25% Off
H 1.5 in W 17.75 in D 13.75 in
Piero Fornasetti Tray with Still Life, Natura Morta Pattern, Early, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti: Oval Tray with Still Life, 'Natura Morta' Pattern, Early 1950s This wonderful oval tray from the early 1950s is a captivating example of Piero Fornasetti's genius ...
Metal, Aluminum
Ice Bucket with Six Fur Glasses
Located in Wien, AT
Ice bucket with six fur glasses, Original condition Measures: Glass H 13cm, diameter 6 cm. Ice bucket: H 14 cm, diameter 11cm.
Fur, Glass
Vintage Set of 10 "Snap-On Tools" Silvered Highball Glasses
Located in Nantucket, MA
Ten Mid-Century Modern silver on clear glass highball glasses made in the form of Snap-On Tools 7/16" ratchet sockets.
Glass