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.
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
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
$2,565Sale Price|26% Off
H 29.25 in W 68 in D 36.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Steel Tanker Desk in Olive Green w Glass Top and Brass, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic American mid-century modern steel tanker desk, circa 1960s, featuring a olive green finish and custom protective glass top. This iconic double-pedestal form is constructed ...
Metal, Brass
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
$24,852Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 88.59 in D 34.65 in
B40 Desk in Solid Elm by Pierre Chapo, France, 1960s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Chapo, B40 desk, elm, France, 1960s, Mid-Century modern, Rustic; Characteristic desk by French designer and carpenter Pierre Chapo. Eye-catching detail is the remarkable carved tabletop...
Elm
$4,800
H 27.75 in W 50 in D 17 in
Tommi Parzinger Celadon Lacquered Desk with Signature Brass Ribbon Handles
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger attributed celadon lacquered wood angular desk, circa 1950s. Three deep drawers with signature brass pulls. Hole in top where built in lam...
Brass
$12,100
H 28.15 in W 38.78 in D 22.84 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-08-B Student Desk / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. The visible nonchalance here celebrates...
Teak
$26,000
H 30.32 in W 45.28 in D 27.96 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-19-A Administration Desk / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. Each piece is slightly different, where...
Teak
$24,700
H 28.15 in W 61.03 in D 61.03 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-14-A Executive Desk / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
The relationship between the two elements ensures a balanced composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a sense of coherent design. Both tension...
Teak
$16,300
H 27.17 in W 39.38 in D 22.05 in
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-06-A Administrative Desk / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. Each piece is slightly different, where...
Teak
$112,755
H 29 in W 51.5 in D 28 in
Fine Quality Victorian Kidney-Shaped Desk in Richly Figured Walnut by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine quality Victorian kidney-shaped desk in richly figured burr walnut by Gillows, the leather-inset top, above three drawers in the frieze and four graduated drawers in each pede...
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Two-Drawer Office Desk
Located in Marbella, ES
Early 20th century French two-drawer office desk.