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.
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
Unique Raphaël Raffel Sideboard in Beka Lacquer and Gold Leaf, France 1963
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Hellouw, NL
A buffet or Sideboard by Raphaël Raffel carries a particular kind of presence; poised, architectural, and quietly theatrical. Made to order most probably in 1963, this piece brings t...
Gold Leaf
$5,198
H 38.59 in W 61.03 in D 18.12 in
Decorative Vintage Chinese Gold Leaf Floral Painted and Lacquered Sideboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nicely made, Chinese floral gold leaf painted and lacquered sideboard cupboard This is a very good-loo...
Wood
$10,444
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 13.78 in
Franco Albini LB7 Bookcase in Teak Wood by Poggi Pavia 1950s Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Cascina, Pisa
LB7 bookcase composed of a single module with shelves and a storage unit with two doors, made in veneered solid teak wood, and black lacquered metal details. Designed by Franco Alb...
Metal
$23,000
H 30 in W 55 in D 18 in
Raphaël Décorateur Beka Modeled Lacquer & Bronze Desk & Vanity, France, 1950's
By Raphaël Décorateur
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vanity by Raphael. A concealed mirror, and an abundance of drawers make this piece a convenient item. Original gilt bronze hardware and lacque...
Bronze
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase Etagere Vitrine circa 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase, probably Chinese, circa 1950s. Sculptural lattice shelves offer lots of display space. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etage...
Wood
$14,506
H 36.23 in W 88.98 in D 18.9 in
Italian Art Deco Lacquer, Walnut and Gold Leaf Sideboard attr. Borsani, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Meda, MB
Elegant Italian sideboard from the 1950s, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani. The structure is fully finished in glossy black lacquer, with fluted walnut doors that add rhythm and depth t...
Brass, Gold Leaf
$11,372
H 32.68 in W 68.51 in D 19.3 in
1940s French Art Deco Sideboard in Black Piano Lacquer with Drawers and Doors
Located in Ulm, DE
Sideboard with two hinged doors and six drawers piano lacquer, high-gloss black Art Deco, France 1940s Dimensions: Width: 174 cm Height: 83 cm Depth: 49 cm.
Wood
$10,432
H 87.8 in W 76.38 in D 21.66 in
French Louis-Philippe Style Handcrafted Glass Bookcase in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This bookcase is made with 2 parts is made of French cherrywood and also available in oak. - The Upper part has 3 glass doors and 3 removable shelves on wooden racks. - The Lower ...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Sideboard Jazz in Oak Wood, Brass and Lacquer
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Jazz sideboard is a high quality product by Mambo Unlimited Ideas, crafted in polished or matte oak wood veneer structure and feet, brass applications and lacquered doors. It feature...
Brass
$34,814
H 35.04 in W 74.81 in D 20.87 in
Unique Golden Lacquer Brass Maison Jansen Sideboard Commode, 1970s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, IDF
An exciting example of French design firm Maison Jansen’s commissioned pieces. This large sideboard is made from solid oak, lacquered in a rich dark brown and bronze–golden finish. T...
Brass
Unique 16th century French geometric sideboard in oak
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A remarkable early French oak sideboard dating to around 1550, displaying the quiet power, authenticity, and time‑worn beauty that define true rustic antiques. Crafted nearly five ce...
Wood, Oak
Black Lacquered Sideboard Cabinet with Gold Leaf Detailing
Located in North York, ON
This striking black lacquered sideboard showcases sleek modern styling accented with bold gold leaf geometric detailing. A beveled smoked glass top adds a sophisticated touch, while ...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$4,700
H 40.16 in W 69.69 in D 16.93 in
Sculptural Bookcase in Black Lacquered Wood with Decorative Carvings
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bookcase, lacquered wood, France, 1970s Crafted with unparalleled artistry, this cabinet with shelves epitomizes exquisite craftsmanship with meticulously carved details that draw i...
Wood
Raphael Important Lacquered Credenza with Textured Bronze Doors 1960s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and important long credenza, case with parchment color lacquer and accordion doors in unique volcanic Beka lacquer in a bronze finish with chic brass pulls on glass bases with brass sabots, by Raphael...
Brass