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
$4,585 / item
H 31.11 in W 52.76 in D 13.98 in
Handcrafted Modern Oak Wall-Mounted Desk Console by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Our larger wall mounted desk/table is a bold and refined piece of handcrafted furniture, designed and produced in England using traditional furniture making techniques. Crafted from ...
Oak, Leather
$12,950Sale Price|31% Off
H 48 in W 30.5 in D 21.5 in
French Louis XV Style Marquetry & Gilt Bronze-Mounted Secretary Desk with Clock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style tulipwood and mahogany marquetry gilt bronze-mounted petit-bureau de dame (secretary). The bombe´ structure surmounted by a pair o...
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
$10,900 / item
H 33 in W 42 in D 18 in
Custom Hand-Carved Walnut Writing Desk with Pencil Drawer by Dos Gallos Studio
By Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small scale, petite writing desk with barley twist legs, carved edge and apron detail as well as hand forged iron stretchers. As shown, in Walnut with a medium distress. Can be made ...
Walnut
$5,496Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 50.99 in D 25.4 in
Spanish Colonial Desk or Console Table with Two Drawers Signed by Valentí
By Valenti
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish colonial desk or console table with two drawers signed by Valentí This piece has a two-pedestal legs with an awesome carved. The top has a red leather.
Leather, Walnut
$15,000
H 28.75 in W 55 in D 27.55 in
Jacques Adnet, Curved Leather &Mahogany Desk with Bronze Details, France, 1955
By Jacques Adnet
Located in New York, NY
Provenance: Palais des Consuls de Rouen. Bibliography: For an illustration of these pieces, see: Rouen, le Palais des Consuls. Presentation booklet. 26. For an illustration of these...
Bronze
$5,400
H 37 in W 26 in D 21 in
19th Century Davenport Heavily Carved Oak Desk w/ Rope Twist Supports 4 Drawers
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
19th Century Davenport heavily carved oak desk w/ rope Twist supports 4 Drawers. Lift top storage compartment. Perfect compact petit 'laptop desk" from th...
Oak
Cartesio Desk by Ivano Colombo
By Annibale Colombo
Located in Milan, IT
Equipped with a practical drawer, this desk in Canaletto walnut and ebony boasts a dynamic silhouette marked by a distinct sculptural flair. The streamlined legs extend at the base t...
Walnut, Ebony, Leather
French Empire Style Desk with Gilt Metal Mounts
Located in Miami, FL
A perfect example of the Bureau Plat. French Empire style desk with wood marquetry and gilt metal mounts at all angles. This piece features three working drawers on the front with three faux drawers on the back. The superb gilt metal hardware is on the front as well as the back. The four arched legs grace gorgeous gilt metal decor...
Metal
$8,156 / item
H 30 in W 72 in D 21 in
Walking Table Handmade Desk or Console Table with Drawers by Laylo Studio
By Laylo Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Shown in oxidized walnut with two drawers Measures: 72" wide x 30" tall x 21" deep This desk or console table showcases proportion modeled after anatomy. Constructed from solid woo...
Maple, Oak, Walnut
Rococo Style Writing Desk Mounted with Gilt Bronze
Located in London, GB
Rococo style writing desk mounted with gilt bronze French, late 19th century Measures: Height 78cm, width 134cm, depth 64cm This superb ...
Ormolu, Bronze
$6,016 / item
H 28 in W 59 in D 31 in
Akoya Contemporary and Customizable Lacquer Table Desk with Bronze Trim Inlay
By Luísa Peixoto
Located in PT
Akoya table desk in green and gold lacquer with bronze trim inlay. Also possible in these dimensions: 20 x 59 x 28 in. Bespoke / Customizable Identical shapes with different sizes ...
Lacquer