He began his career working for the Parisian furniture stores of Ruhlmann and Süe et Mare, before launching his own interior design business in 1924. His style was influenced by Art Deco, and he created elegant, refined interiors for clients such as couturier Paul Poiret, the Baronne de Rothschild, and the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits.
Prou also designed furniture for his own decorating projects, as well as for furniture manufacturers such as Atelier Martine and Dominique. He taught interior design at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and was a member of the Union des Artistes Modernes.
René Prou has made a significant contribution to the history of French design and remains an important figure in Art Deco.