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 Nanny Still, RAAK
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
$628Sale 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
1960s Green Glass Pitcher American Collectible Barware
By Blendo Glass 1
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage pastel green glass ware pitcher, American collectible. 1960s Green Glass Pitcher American Collectible Barware. Gorgeous 1960s Blendo green lar...
Glass
Vintage Mid Century Ice Bucket, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Every good party needs cold ice and this is just the bucket to keep it that way! This beauty fits in with any decor. Mid Century sleek. Perfect for your next soiree or party of one! ...
Metal
Hermes, Paris - Golf Ball Bottle Opener c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
About as stylish as they come to open your favourite bottle made by the creme de la creme of French designer retailer's, Hermes, Paris. The hefty golf ball handle is made from silve...
Silver Plate, Steel
Bamboo Portable Bar, France, 1960s
By Vivai del Sud, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
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
Hermes, Paris - Rare Cordage Corkscrew c.1960
By Hermès
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and highly sought-after corkscrew in silver plated bronze from the "Cordage" range of homeware produced by this iconic fashion house c.1960. Marked "Hermès Paris" remaining i...
Silver Plate, Bronze
$727Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 12.6 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Set of Seven Glass and Pitcher by Bohemia Glass, 1970s
By Bohemia
Located in Praha, CZ
The items made of enamelled, and gilded green glass. On items are slices of gold. Dimensions of goblets 14x6x6 cm. are The set made in Czechoslovakia. Original condition.
Glass
$558 / 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
Kaj Franck, Finland, Seven Drinking Glasses, 1960s-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Kaj Franck (Finnish, 1911-1989), Finland. Seven drinking glasses in purple art glass, 1960s-1970s. In perfect condition. Large glass measures: 12 cm. x 8.5 cm. Small glass measure...
Art Glass
Vintage 1970s Set of Six Amber-Toned Drinking Glasses
Located in PARIS, FR
This refined set of six vintage glasses stands out for its sculptural silhouette and sophisticated material contrast. Crafted in the 1970s, each glass combines warm amber-tinted glas...
Metal
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
Set of 6 Domina Drinking Glasses
By Creart
Located in Milan, IT
The rim of each of the glasses in this set bares a unique color of its own. Each handmade glass also has an ombre effect transforming the bright rim color into a smoky transparent sh...
Glass
Six beautiful Fur Glasses
Located in Wien, Au
Six beautiful Fur Glasses Original condition.
Fur, Glass
Set of 11 Vintage Crystal Drinking Glasses, Italy, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage set of 11 crystal drinking glasses from 1970s Italy showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Their clean, balanced form and subtle brilliance make them ide...
Crystal
Set of Six Vintage Hobnail Juice Glasses
Located in Chicago, IL
A playful set of six vintage American hobnail juice glasses with opaque white rims fading to a clear glass at the bottom. Perfect for your next garden or b...
Glass
Vintage Drinking Glasses from Luminarc, 1970s, Set of 3
By Luminarc
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Drinking Glasses from Luminarc, 1970s, Set of 3 The blue one is probably from another manufacturer.
Glass