In Dutch, “raak” means “to hit” or “to hit the nail on the head.” Lighting company RAAK certainly accomplished that with its unique mid-century modern designs of futuristic, Space Age metal lamps, pendants and other lighting creations.
RAAK was founded in 1954 by Carel O. Lockhorn (1923–2004), a former employee of the Philips Lighting company in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Under the tagline “Illuminated Architecture,” RAAK focused on producing elegant, sophisticated and modern lighting that would blend seamlessly with high-concept interiors.
During the 1960s, one of RAAK’s most well-known designs came from its in-house designer, Frank Ligtelijn, who created the Globe 2000 series of glass and chrome floor lamps, pendants and wall lights. Another key collaboration was with Dutch artist and glassmaker Willem van Oyen, who produced the iconic Chartres wall lights in 1964. Van Oyen’s Brutalist design evoked melted paintings and was inspired by the stained glass windows in the Chartres Cathedral in France.
In the 1970s, RAAK worked with several influential international artists, such as Italian designers Sergio Asti, Giotto Stoppino and Cesare Casati and Emanuele Ponzio, and Finnish designers Maija Liisa Komulainen (best known for her metallic, cylindrical Fuga lamp) and Tapio Wirkkala, creator of the handblown crystal Suomi pendant lamps.
Through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, RAAK enjoyed enormous success throughout Europe and worldwide for its modern lamps and decorative lighting. In 1974, Lockhorn sold RAAK to the furniture company ITT but remained its director until 1977. In 1980, RAAK merged with BIS Lighting and was renamed BISRAAK. Then, in 1999, the company entered into another merger, this time with Artilite B.V. and Indoor B.V., and became the Center for Light Architecture. It declared bankruptcy in 2011.
RAAK lighting continues to be highly coveted today among interior designers and avid vintage furniture collectors.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage RAAK lighting, decorative objects and more.
Wandleuchte Deckenleuchte 6-fach Rolf Krüger für STAFF 60er
By Rolf Krüger
Located in Aachen, DE
Mid Century Design Deckenleuchte des deutschen Designers Rolf Krüger für die Firma STAFF Die Leuchte besitzt eine Montage-Grundplatte, auf der die 6 identischen Einzelleuchten monti...
Steel, Chrome
WMF IKORA Art Déco Glas-Vase 1930er Jahre
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Aachen, DE
Schwere IKORA-Vase von Karl Wiedmann für WMF Germany, 1930er, unbeschädigt.
Glass
Eisberg-Glasschale Design Pertti Santalahti für HUMPPILA, Finnland, 1970er Jahre
By Humppila, Pertti Santalahti
Located in Aachen, DE
Seltene finnische Eisglas-Schale der späten 60er / frühen 70er Jahre von Pertti Santalahti für HUMPPILA, unbeschädigt, original gelabelt. Signiert sowohl mit dem Künstler als auch mi...
Art Glass
Vintage-Wandleuchte Blatt von Tomaso Buzzi für Venini 1930er Jahre
By Paolo Venini
Located in Aachen, DE
Transparentes Glas mit Goldflitter-Einschmelzungen, diagonal gerippt und innenseitig sandartige raue Oberfläche, unbeschädigt, Höhe 43cm. Ausgestattet mit funktionierendem Zugschal...
Art Glass
Seltene Art Déco Tischleuchte mit Porzellanfuß
Located in Aachen, DE
Seltene Tischleuchte aus den 30er-Jahren; Fußplatte und kanellierte Säule bestehen aus glasiertem Porzellan; die Säule beidendig begrenzt durch Messingdeckel, die anderen Metallteile...
Porcelain, Glass
Paar brutalistische Messing-Kerzenleuchter
Located in Aachen, DE
Ein seltenes Paar brutalistischer 4-flammiger Kerzenleuchter, floral gestaltet. Das Design imitiert stilistisch Iris-Blumen oder Blätter. Hier wurden typische Elemente des Jugendst...
Brass
Set of six glasses Glasswork Nový Bor, 1950s.
By Novy Bor Glassworks
Located in Praha, CZ
Made from art glass in the 1950s in a glass factory in Nový Bor, Czechoslovakia The glasses have chips (see photo) Beautiful decoration Original condition
Art Glass
Juice Set, Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi Notsjö, 1950s
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Juice set by Kaj Franck for Nuutajärvi Notsjö from the 1950s. Designed in 1954. The set includes willow basket with rattan wrapped handle, six glasses and a ...
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bar Set Designed by Daum, France, 1960
By Daum
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of tray, bottle and glass of smoke glass designed by Daum in the 60's.
Glass
Decanter by Saara Hopea with Kaj Franck Kartio Glasses
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in San Mateo, CA
Set of Nuutajarvi decanter and glasses. The decanter is attributed to Saara Hopea and the glasses are by Kaj Franck.
Glass
Vintage Glass set 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Glass Holder Italy 1950s
Glass
Vintage Drinking Set, Borske Sklo Czechoslovakia, 1968
By Borske Sklo National Corporation
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful mid-century modern design set of drinking glasses with a pitcher. Produced in Czechoslovakia by Borske Sklo, glass union in 1968. The set is in the most wonderful finish wi...
Gold
