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
$580 / 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
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
$520Sale Price|20% Off
H 21.26 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in
Midcentury Italian Blown Drinking Glasses and Walnut Wood Holder Set, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Excellent midcentury blown drinking glasses and walnut wood holder set. This fantastic set was produced in Italy during the 1970s. This piece...
Glass, Blown Glass, Wood
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
$320 / set
H 3.55 in Dm 2.37 in
Vereco, France. A set of six drinking glasses in smoked art glass. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Vereco, France. A set of six drinking glasses in smoked art glass. 1970s. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 9.8 cm x 6.5 cm.
Glass
Jug and Two Vases in Orange Art Glass, 1960s-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Jug and two vases in orange art glass, 1960s-1970s. In very good condition. The jug measures: 24.5 x 13 cm. Largest vase measures: 19 x 9.4 cm.
$560 / set
H 7 in Dm 2.25 in
14 Carlo Moretti Solid Aperitif Bar Bullet Drinking Glasses, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Moretti
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of Italian Mid-Century cocktail or long drink glasses from the 1970s, designed by Carlo Moretti. The set consists of 2 x 7 glasses in two different sizes, 5.5" and 7" tall. The...
Glass
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
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
Flower Power Set of 6 Glasses and Jug by Casarialto
By Casarialto
Located in Milan, IT
This set of six, highly original glasses and matching jug feature a variety of colored flowering, glass cactuses sprouting from their inner base. This whimsical style will add a crea...
Glass
Set Of Six Cut Glass Drinking Glasses In Pale Blue
Located in Kent, Dover
A set of six Italian drinking glasses in pale blue, with floral design.
Art Glass
Set vintage drink glasses Finnish glass , 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Set vintage drink glasses Finnish glass , 1970s Dimensions: 13,5cm Height 7,5cm Diameter 10cm Height , 8cm Diameter 8cm Height , 7cm Diameter...
Glass