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.
Mid-Century Minimalist Perforated Metal & Glass Pendant, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple glass pendant lamp with perforated metal diffuser. The lamp consists of two elements. A glass cylinder inside and the outer diffuser made ...
Metal
Mid-Century Perforated Metal Pendant Lamp, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-century pendant light with striking cross perforation. The design is often attributed to the Italian manufacturer Stilnovo. It is probably of German origin and from Hillebrand. ...
Metal
Mid-Century German Perforated Metal Pendant by Ernest Igl, 1960s
By Ernest Igl
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare Mid-Century pendant lamp with distinctive perforation from the renowned Hillebrand based on a design by Ernest Igl from the 60s. The lamp consists of three elements. The glare ...
Metal
Mid-Century Minimalist Perforated Pendant, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Minimalist pendant lamp with striking perforation. The simple basic shape of the cylinder is broken up via a symmetrical longhole perforation. The lamp is open and releases direct l...
Metal
Mid-Century Space Age Lamellar Pendant Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare Mid Century Dome pendant lamp with slats in chrome -colored surface. The lamp is often attributed to Hans-Agne Jakobsson and the manufact...
Metal
Mid-Century Perforated Metal Pendant Lamp attributed to Ernest Igl, 1960s
By Ernest Igl
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare mid-century rod pendulum with distinctive perforations. Probably by Hillebrand based on a design by Ernest Igl from the 50s/60s. The bright blue tone of the umbrella is parti...
Metal
Mid Century Ernst Igl Perforated Suspension Pendant Lamp
By Ernest Igl
Located in Montréal, QC
Ernst Igl suspension. Classic Igl perforated design. Verified original E-26 medium base socket, white plastic cord. Minor tarnish, dings, scuffs, bends and/or patination as largely s...
Enamel, Steel
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Perforated Aluminium Pendant Lamp Austria 1960s
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, lovely and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern perforated aluminium pendant lamp. Designed and manufactured probably in Austria, 1950s. Executed in perforated alumi...
Aluminum, Brass
Exceptional Mid-Century Modern Perforated Aluminium Pendant Lamp Austria 1960s
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, lovely and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern perforated aluminium pendant lamp. Designed and manufactured probably in Austria, 1950s. Executed in perforated alumi...
Brass, Aluminum
Danish Modern Perforated Metal Pendant Light by Poul Gernes for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Gernes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking, Danish modern pendant light by Poul Gernes for Louis Poulsen features a faceted white metal cylinder that emits light through it's bent, cut-out ...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Perforated Midcentury Pendant Lamp, Holophane, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful industrial midcentury pendant lamp from the late 1940s / early 1950s, attributed to Mathieu Mategot for Holophane. Made of white painted, perforated metal. It has a beautiful hemispherical lampshade with its original prismatic opaline...
Metal
Huge Mid-Century Modern Perforated Solid Aluminum Pendant Lamps Germany 1970s
Located in München, BY
Elegant Mid-Century Modern pendant lamps or hanging lights. Manufactured in Germany circa 1970s. Executed in perforated solid aluminum, each lamp comes with 1 x E27 Edison screw fit...
Aluminum
