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.
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
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
$1,136Sale 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
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
$9,660 / item
H 31 in W 71 in D 38 in
Piano Desk by Panorammma, Black Lacquered Wood, Post-Modern Design
By Panorammma
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
A sleek, black-polished, sculptural piece conjuring the presence of a grand piano. Piano Desk evokes an intricate fusion of the grace in artistic expression and the discipline of w...
Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk or Writing Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful and simply designed teak desk from Scandinavia circa 1970's. It features teak construction with finished back. Clean & ready to use condition. No drawer keys present but ...
Teak
Teak Mid Century Danish Modern Double Sided Desk or Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern Scandinavian design from Denmark circa 1970's. This desk features all teak wood construction that is double sided to be used in the middle of a room. Sleek minimalist...
Teak
French Designer, Partners Desk, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A large oak desk or partners desk designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural wood cracking and patina buildup. Missing smal...
Oak
Rúna White Oiled Solid Oak Desk by Warm Nordic
Located in Geneve, CH
Rúna White Oiled Solid Oak Desk by Warm Nordic Dimensions: D130 x W65 x H74 cm Material: White oiled solid oak Weight: 37 kg Also available in different finishes. Please contact ...
Oak
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean, In-stock
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detai...
Hardwood, Oak
1950s French oak writing desk
Located in London, Lambeth
Simple designed writing desk with 4 storage draws with centre locking draw.With Concealed handles design, showing excellent execution of function and form. oak frame tapered legs .C...
Oak
French Square Wooden Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
French; sofa set; living room set; leather cushions; 1960s; armchair; club chair; lounge chair; loveseat; two-seater; footstool; ottoman; coffee table; french design; square; A Fr...
Wood
Solid Oak and Walnut Jameson Desk by Lynnea Jean
By Lynnea Jean
Located in Aitkin, MN
This custom wood desk is hand-made in the United States with all hardwood construction. This modern design is characterized by its solid white oak body, minimalist walnut inlay detail, and unique split leg detail. Convenient and accessible storage drawers feature integrated hardware and a soft-closing mechanism. This contemporary design can look beautiful floating in a room as an executive desk or anchored against a wall or other furniture piece. The natural finish brings out the beautiful golden tones of white oak. This piece can be ordered in 4 finishes: Oak, Walnut, Ash and Matte Black. Jameson Collection by Lynnea Jean...
Oak, Hardwood
$27,500
H 29.34 in W 58.86 in D 35.44 in
Rare Carved Desk in Solid Oak by Breton Artist Jacques Philippe
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacques Philippe, desk, solid oak, France, late 1920s Designed by the French Breton sculptor and cabinetmaker Jacques Philippe (1896-1958), this desk from the late 1920s is a testam...
Oak
Woven Wicker and Rattan Emmanuelle Peacock Coffee Table, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Round coffee table handcrafted in wicker and rattan in the manner of the Emmanuelle chair, Spain, 1960s. This lovely round low table features an intricate of rattan and wicker canes...
Wicker, Rattan, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has two spacious drawers. This would be...
Wood, Walnut
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
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
Sold
H 16.15 in W 17.72 in D 33.86 in
French Neoclassical Brass and Opaline Coffee Table by Raphaël, 1960s
By Raphael Raffel
Located in London, GB
French neoclassical style coffee table from the 1960s designed by the interior decorator Raphaël Raffel (1912-2000) known as "Ra...
Brass