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.
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
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
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 Brass and Glass Side Table, France, 1960s
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Mid-Century Modern brass and glass side table, France, c. 1960 Vintage Mid-Century Modern brass table, with circular glass top. This side table presents an elegant structure and nic...
Brass
Roger Capron and Jean Derval Small Coffee Table, 1960s
By Roger Capron, Jean Derval
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French coffee table by Roger Capron and Jean Derval, Vallauris, 1960s. This exceptional French coffee table, created in the 1960s, is a testament to the rare collaboration between tw...
Iron
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table crafted in Brazil during the 1960s, characterized by its minimalist yet sophisticated design. The table showcases a slatt...
Hardwood
Mosaic Marble Coffee, End Table, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Marble and chrome 1960s coffee, end table featuring a mosaic of light-colored marble in green-tinted resin. Modern and sleek chrome base. Very nice quality and perfect condition. Dim...
Marble, Metal, Chrome
French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side Table or Coffee Table
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sober French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical end, side or coffee table attributed to Ramsay with four legs in an arched form emanating from a central cross form. Each leg...
Bronze, Copper, Metal
$1,154
H 27.17 in W 27.96 in D 19.3 in
French Riviera Side or Coffee Table in Rattan, Bamboo and Wicker, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury Italian coffee or side table in rattan, bamboo and wicker. This unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1960s. This two-tier side table is fully hand-craft...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane
$1,633
H 12.6 in W 26.58 in D 26.58 in
Square Glass and Chrome Coffee Table by Zanuso for Zanotta, Italy, 1960s
By Zanotta, Marco Zanuso
Located in Roma, IT
Marco Zanuso square coffee table for Zanotta. Italy, 1960s. Chrome-plated glass top. Measures: 67.5 x 67.5 x 32 cm in height.
Fiberglass
$1,283
H 14.97 in W 35.44 in D 14.18 in
Mid-Century Rectangular Rattan and Bamboo Coffee Side Table, Italy, 1960s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Rome, IT
Mid-century rectangular coffee table in bamboo and rattan in the style of Vivai Del Sud. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal and Glass Coffee Table 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage chromed metal and glass coffee table / side table with a greenish glass top. Three curved metal feet con...
Metal
$880Sale Price|30% Off
H 16.54 in W 35.44 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Chinese Paint Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Vintage European design coffee table with metal feet and top hand decorated with Chinese motifs.
Metal, Brass
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
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