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.
Set of Two Croissant Sofas by Raphael Raffel Leather and Bouclé 1970s
By Raphael Raffel, Maison Honoré
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
$8,600
H 31.75 in W 83 in D 33.25 in
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Leather and Wood Sofa, C 1970s, Signed
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and architectural sofa designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, produced in the United States in the 1970s. Signed with Ward Bennet Designs for Brickel Associates tag...
Wood, Leather
$14,000 / set
H 27.96 in W 55.52 in D 35.83 in
Pair of Two Seat Mohair 'California' Sofas, Jacques Charpentier, Paris, 1970
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Superb and exclusive pair of two seat Mohair Velvet 'CALIFORNIA' sofas freshly reupholstered with Italian luxury Mohair Velvet fabric from Dedar Milano with inset stainless steel bases by Parisian high society designer Jacques Charpentier. This plush mohair pile...
Stainless Steel
$10,500 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.47 in D 94.49 in
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
$18,500
H 20.5 in W 111 in D 63 in
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
$3,733
H 25.2 in W 96.46 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern French Three-Seat Sofa by Gérard Guermonprez, 1970s
By Gerard Guermonprez
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern French three-seat sofa with original velvet fabric designed by Gérard Guermonprez. The sofa presents some wear consistent with age and use. It can become a set ...
Chrome
$11,200
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 39.38 in
Gianfranco Frattini Beige Wool Bouclé Sesann Two-Seater Sofa for Cassina, 1972
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Sesann two-seater sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1970 and produced by the Italian manufacturer Cassina. It features wool bouclé upholstery and a chrome tubular cage as s...
Chrome
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This iconic “Croissant” lounge sofa, originally conceived by French designer Rap...
Leather
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” Sofa, 1970
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa, leather, France, 1970. This iconic “Croissant” lounge sofa, originally conceived by French designer Rap...
Leather
Raphael Raffel Designed Cognac Leather Croissant Sofa in Suede
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 1970's, made-to-order, suede upholstered, Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Design is attributed to the famous Raphael Raffel (1912-2000). Raffel, who trained at the École d...
Suede
$18,867
H 23.63 in W 90.56 in D 53.55 in
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
$15,574Sale Price|34% Off
H 27.56 in W 98.43 in D 41.34 in
Cassina 'Soriana' Four-Seater Sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa in Bouclé, 1970's
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cassina; Scarpa; Mid-Century Modern; Boucle Wool; Afra & Tobia Scarpa; Post-Modern; Postmodern Design; 1970s Design; Italy; Italian Design; Manufactured by Cassina in the 1970s, ...
Chrome
Outdoor Croissant Sofa by Kenneth Cobonpue
By Kenneth Cobonpue
Located in Geneve, CH
Croissant sofa by Kenneth Cobonpue. Materials: Polyethylene, steel. Dimensions: 95cm x 103 cm x H 68cm. The distinctive shape of the Croissant mak...
Steel