Best known in the world of design as simply Raphaël, Raphaël Raffel was one of the most influential French mid-century modern designers and decorators. His style inspirations ranged from 18th-century Parisian design to 1960s American and Italian Space Age chic.
Born in 1912 in Paris, Raffel studied design at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1934, he began an interior decorating business, counting legendary French-American dancer Josephine Baker among his first clients.
During the 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Raffel was regarded as one of France’s illustrious “ensembliers-décorateurs,” designers who not only created furniture but focused on every element of interior space, from wall decorations to lighting.
By the 1950s, Raffel’s decorating and design talents had gained the attention of the French public service. Several commissions were awarded to Raffel to decorate embassies, university residences, post offices, the National Assembly and the ground floor and a wing of the Hôtel de Ville de Paris. Additionally, in 1952, Raffel worked with French designer, sculptor and architect André Arbus to decorate a section of the luxury ocean liner Bretagne. That same year, Raffel’s work was shown with designs by French ceramist Georges Jouve at the Salon des Arts Ménagers. In 1958, Raffel exhibited at the Brussels World’s Fair.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Raffel was inspired by the era’s popular Space Age style, evident in his plush, croissant-shaped sofas and pod-shaped lounge chairs, club chairs and armchairs, which he designed for furniture makers such as Maison Honoré and Herman Miller. Raffel also combined lacquer, glasswork, distinct colors and gilt bronze in his elegant, French neoclassical coffee and cocktail tables, side tables and desks.
Towards the end of the 1970s, Raffel’s business began to wane, finally closing in 1983. Raffel continued to work on design and decorating commissions until he died in 2000.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Raphaël Raffel seating and tables.
Croissant Sofa by Raphael Raffel for Honore Paris, Pure Alpaca, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare croissant sofa by Raphaël Raffel for Maison Honoré Paris and produced in the mid 1970s. The sofa has been restored and is newly ...
Alpaca
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa in Brown Leather, Honoré Paris, 1970s
By Honoré Paris, Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Raphael Raffel designed, 1970's, made-to-order natural leather Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Raphael Raffel (1912-2000), who trained at the École des Beaux Arts, was a well-know...
Leather
Post-Modern Sofa by Raphael Raffel, Cowhide, France, Circa 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in TOURS, FR
Raphael Raffel sofa, France, 1970's
Cowhide
Space Age Lounge Chair by Raphaël Raffel, France 1960s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 1960s Space Age lounge chair by French designer Raphaël Raffel. This Modernist chair features a molded smoked acrylic shell that graceful...
Leather, Acrylic
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, black leather, France 1970s. This exceptional "Croissant" lounge sofa, designed by the avant-gardist Ra...
Leather
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This exceptional "Croissant" lounge sofa, designed by the avant-gardist Raphael ...
Leather
Raphaël Raffel croissant sofa in Mohair velvet 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful sofa by Raphaël Raffel for Maison Honoré Paris produced in the mid-1970s. The sofa has been fully restored and newly upholstered with a beautiful light beige mohair velvet ...
Velvet
Pair of Raphael Raffel poufs for Honore Paris, 1970's, France
By Honoré Paris, Raphael Raffel
Located in TOURS, FR
Pair of large Raphael Raffel poufs / ottomans
Leather
Vintage Space Age-Style Smoked Opaque Acrylic Lounge Chair by Raphael Raffel
By Raphael Raffel
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Beautiful lounge chair designed by French designer Raphel Raffel circa 1970s. Chair is fabricated from smoked opaque acrylic and has a seat cushion and back cushion for increased com...
Acrylic
Space Age Vintage Green Ivory Plastic Lounge Chair Raphael Raffel 1970 France
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage green and ivory lounge chair from plastic and upholstery by Raphael Raffel (Rafael), France, 1970s An amazing freestanding lo...
Fabric, Plastic
$19,765Sale Price / set|40% Off
Set of Two Croissant Sofas by Raphael Raffel Leather and Bouclé 1970s
By Maison Honoré, Raphael Raffel
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare set of two small croissant sofas by Raphaël Raffel for Maison Honoré Paris made in the mid 1970s. The sofas have been fully resto...
Leather, Bouclé
Raphael Raphel Bookcase in Lacquered Wood & Glass, France 1950's
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional triple floating bookcase in beka lacquer with bronze accents on saint gobain glass legs.
Bronze
$14,000 / set
Pair of Fine French 1950s Armchairs by Raphael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (1912-2000) - A pair of fine French Mid-century solid ash armchairs - living room or office chairs - Bibliography: Mobilier et Decoration, April 1952, page 17
Ash
$38,000 / set
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s Dining Chairs by Raphael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Long Island City, NY
RAPHAËL Raffel (1912-2000) - A set of six fine French Mid-Century side chairs in Beka lacquer, with original leather upholstery and bronze sabots on tapered legs.
Leather, Lacquer
Mid Century French Brown Leather Lounge Chairs by Raphael Raffel 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Detroit, MI
This stunning pair of vintage mid century modern lounge chairs were designed by Raphael Raffel and made in France circa 1970. These matching arm chairs are exceptionally well-made wi...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Set of Four Raphael "Wishbone" Chairs in Leather & Stainless Steel, France 1950s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Raphael dining or side chairs on stainless steel bases.
Stainless Steel
Scarce pair pf armchairs by Raphael Raffel for Anthony universty
By Raphael Raffel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare paire de fauteuils par Raphael Raffel
Metal
$823 / item
Raphael Raffel leather armchair
By Raphael Raffel
Located in PARIS, FR
Designer Raphael Raffel chair from the 1970s. The seat and backrest are in white leather, and the base is made of metal. In very good condition. LP974-LP975-LP976
Leather
Sycamore Desk by Raphael Raffel with Gilt Bronze Rope Mounts
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Stamford, CT
This striking desk is part of a large group of Sycamore furniture designed by Raphael and feature in the 1939 Salon Des Arts Mengers. This show was seen as solidifying Raphaels place...
Bronze
$1,129Sale Price|60% Off
French Neoclassical Raphael Brass and Opaline Coffee Table, 1960s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Paris, IDF
The black opaline surface of this coffee table appears reflective, calling to mind a still POOL of deep water, the result being a luxurious, timeless piece that, coupled with the int...
Brass
Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel, France, c. 1955
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York City, NY
Solid Oak Desk by Raphael Raffel for Maison Internationale Paris, France, c. 1955. This elegant desk consists of a solid oak construction, dark for...
Metal
Raphael Walnut Armchairs, France 1950's
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Architectural armchairs by Raphael with walnut frames finished in a nuanced brown lacquer 32x24x35 Seat height 16, Seat 20x20, Arm 20
Walnut, Upholstery
$2,549Sale Price|40% Off
Mid-Century Modern Red Leather Space Age Club Chair Raphael Raffel, France, 1965
By Raphael Raffel
Located in London, GB
A Mid-Century Modern space age club chair by Raphael Raffel, France 1965. The club chair features a tulip form with a rounded seat, covered in its original red leather upholstery. The plastic base in very good condition, and the leather covered tulip seat...
Leather, Plastic
$9,500 / set
Pair of 1974 Raphael Raffel Armchairs
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1974 Raphael Raffel armchairs. The chairs have an off-white linen blend upholstery with a stainless steel tripod shaped frame.
Stainless Steel
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa - Maison Honoré, Paris, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Raphael Raffel Sofa, 1970s Newly reupholstered in an ivory wool bouclé by Pierre Frey.
Foam
Price Upon Request
Fine French Mid-Century Lacquered Desk by Raphael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raphael (Raphael Raffel, 1912-2000) Rare Beka lacquer pedestal desk with three drawers, a black lacquered base and bronze details.
Bronze
$3,800 / set
H 35.44 in W 37.41 in D 39.38 in
Space Age Mohair “Orchidée” Lounge Chairs Michel Cadestin, Airborne, France 1968
By Airborne International, Michel Cadestin
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Luxurious Mohair velvet upholstered Orchidée "lady & senior" lounge chairs by Michel Cadestin for Airborne International, France, 1968 “Orchidée” was one of the Cadestin models that were ordered by the Centre Pompidou Museum in Paris We fully restored these chairs with high quality 100% mohair wool velvet fabric "Musco" by De Ploeg In this process we preserved the old and original Airborne marked old upholstery from under the cushions and used it again The large model has 4 caster wheels to move the chair around in a space About the designer: Michel Cadestin was born in France in 1942. He is an interior designer and architect and through his work, he wishes to offer a functional and fun design accessible to the majority. A prolific designer, he has experienced with diverse forms and materials during his career. His creations are varied as evidenced by the furniture intended for the Center Georges Pompidou, such as the Karate armchair...
Mohair, Foam, Fiberglass
Raphael Raffel Croissant Sofa - Maison Honoré, Paris, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Raphael Raffel Sofa, 1970s Newly reupholstered in an ivory wool bouclé by Pierre Frey.
Foam
1980s Curved Post Modern Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa by Directional. Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the original owner ...
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Maralunga sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in creamy white fabric designed by Vico Magistretti, Model: Maralunga. Seat height: 44 cm. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
Post Modern 6 Piece Modular Sofa
By Rolf Benz
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Great 6 piece Post Modern modular sectional sofa attributed to Rolf Benz. A gorgeous sofa that will make a massive statement. Sofa is being...
Fabric
Set Of Two Space Age Longue Chair 1960s
By Space Age Products
Located in Čelinac, BA
Space Age Longue Chair 1960s
Fabric, Wood
$2,200
H 29.53 in W 56.3 in D 32.29 in
Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 2-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Mogens Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern two-seater sofa upholstered in brown leather, resting on legs made from solid beech. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, and timeless comfort, the pie...
Leather, Beech
Space Age Leather Cantilever Lounge Chair, 1960's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
This 1960's lounge chair embodies the sleek, futuristic aesthetics of space-age design. Upholstered in premium grey eco-leather, it features a sculptural, ergonomic form that offers ...
Metal
De Sede DS31 Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful dark brown leather sofa model DS31 designed and produced by De Sede. One of our personal favorites from De Sede. Well designed polished aluminum legs. The sofa has been ...
Leather
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa
By Preview
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Preview Post Modern Kidney Shape Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 44 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 27 inches Excellent Vintage Condition. W...
Upholstery
$2,125Sale Price|50% Off
H 28 in W 80 in D 35 in
Post modern beautiful beige leather 3 seat sofa by Busnelli
By Busnelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful soft Beige Leather 3 seat Sofa by Busnelli. Rare time capsule sofa in amazing condition. Great post modern design. circa 1980. Made in Italy. Located in Brooklyn NYC 28” H...
Leather
$1,588 / set
H 26.78 in W 29.53 in D 31.5 in
Space age Orbis lounge chairs by Luigi Colani for Cor, 1960s
By Luigi Colani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare pair of space age 'orbis' lounge chairs designed by Luigi Colani and produced by Cor in the 1970s. The chairs have a white wooden frame and the original fabric cushions. 1960s...
Fabric, Wood
Personnal diabolo coffee table by Raphaël Raffel
By Raphael Raffel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très rare table basse par Raphael Raffel, crée pour son l’intérieur de son appartement à Paris vers 1975.
Metal
Sold
H 30.71 in W 102.37 in D 39.38 in
French brown leather couch sofa Croissant by Raphael Raffel, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in MIlano, IT
French brown leather couch or sofa Croissant by Raphael Raffel, 1970s Vintage and fantastic sofa model Croissant with soft and rounded silhouette, fully padded and upholstered in bro...
Leather
Pair of armchairs by Raphael Raffel
By Raphael Raffel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie paire de fauteuils par Raphael Raffel en plexiglas fumé et assise refaites. Le plexiglass présente quelques traces du temps : griffures. Raphaël Raffel était un designer et ...
Fabric, Plastic
Raphael Raffel Leather Lounge Sofa Honore Paris 1970s
By Raphael Raffel, Honoré Paris
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing lounge sofa in original burgundy full grain leather with two poofs, designed by Raphael Raffel and produced by Honoré Paris in France in 1970. A bespoke piece, which was mad...
Leather
Sold
H 23.23 in W 94.49 in D 49.22 in
Croissant Sofa in Cognac Leather by Raphael Raffel for Honore Paris, 1970s
By Raphael Raffel, Honoré Paris
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible and rare croissant sofa in original cognac leather by Raphaël Raffel for Maison Honoré Paris, 1970s. This bespoke piece, which was made to order between the 1970s and 198...
Leather
Fauteuil vintage Raphaël Raffel en cuir et acier des années 70
By Raphael Raffel
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Fauteuil lounge vintage des années 70, de Raphaël Raffel, dossier, assise et accoudoirs en cuir fauve, structure et piétement Y en acier, joli design,...
Metal
Sold
H 27.75 in W 66 in D 46 in
Raphael Raffel Cognac Leather Mini Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris, 1970's
By Honoré Paris, Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Raphael Raffel cognac leather mini Croissant sofa for Honore Paris, 1970's. This piece is a soft form sofa filled with bean bag material for a comfortable and cozy seat. Innovative a...
Leather
1970's Space age armchair by Raphael Rafael
By Raphael Raffel
Located in London, Lambeth
Ivory plastic club chair designed by Rachel Raffel produced in France in 1970's in tulip style rounded seat
Plastic
Raphael Raffel Croissant sofa for Maison Honoré, Paris 1970s
By Maison Honoré, Raphael Raffel
Located in London, GB
Raphaël Raffel (1912-2000) studied at the École des Beaux Arts and became a renown interior designer from the 1940s to the end of the twentieth century. His shop in Paris attracted a...
Leather
Sold
H 27 in W 31 in D 28.5 in
Pair of 1960s Space Age Modern Molded Plastic Lounge Chairs by Raphaël Raffel
By Raphael Raffel, Herman Miller, Eero Aarnio
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of 1960s Space Age Modern molded plastic lounge chairs by mid-century modern french designer Raphaël Raffel for Herman Miller. Raphaé...
Upholstery, Plastic, Faux Leather
Raphael Raffel Cognac Leather Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris, 1970's
By Raphael Raffel, Honoré Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Mid century, Raphael Raffel designed, 1970's, beautiful cognac leather Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Raphael Raffel (1912-2000), who trained at the École des Beaux Arts, was a w...
Leather
Raphael Raffel Game Table in Green & Black Beka Lacquer, France 1950's
By Raphael Raffel
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional game table by Raphael, the legs are black lacquered with brass sabots, and the top is done in Raphael's signature Beka green ombré lacquer with the chessboard design embe...
Brass