Jay Spectre Furniture
American, 1929-1992
From arranging window displays as a teenager to securing a preeminent position in the decorating and design sphere, Jay Spectre had an extraordinary career. He drew on a range of influences for his lounge chairs, chests of drawers and coffee tables of the 1970s and ‘80s, and is best known for these furnishings as well as his interiors of the era.
For his eponymous Manhattan firm, Spectre created modern, delectable interiors for luxury homes, private aircraft, yachts and offices — his clientele included corporations and affluent figures all over the world — and for his sophisticated furnishings and decor, he found inspiration in Art Deco as well as in Asian and African art..
Spectre’s career in design began modestly — he worked as a window dresser in his Kentucky hometown. He had big plans, however, and moved to New York City, where he would establish the Jay Spectre Inc. design firm. During interviews in the years that followed, Spectre spoke highly of Hollywood glamour and its impact on his work. He was interested in the forces of modernism and technology, and was greatly inspired by the Art Deco era, which was brought to global attention at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. The movement’s textile designers integrated floral motifs and vivid colors into their works, while Art Deco furniture makers were fond of dark woods, modern metals and decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides.
In 1985, in order to grant large manufacturers the rights to produce Spectre’s furniture designs, he formed a licensing firm called J.S.P.S. Inc. with South African-born interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield. This was the era that brought Spectre recognition, awards, and numerous high-profile clients that the designer called “silent celebrities” (they deeply valued their privacy).
Spectre also created furniture that was aimed at younger consumers and intended to be affordable. He introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at North Carolina’s Century Furniture — a brand that is known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors — where he created oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.
Spectre was named one of the top eight designers in America by the Smithsonian Institution for their "Giants of Design 1979" exhibition. He earned a pair of awards from the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1982 and 1983, and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1986.
Find vintage Jay Spectre seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Jay Spectre
High Style Swivel Vanity Stool by Jay Spectre c 1970/1980's
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Voguish Art Deco Revival, Hollywood Regency style swivel boudoir chair, vanity stool designed by Jay Spectre circa 1970' 1980's. The stool features four solid oak legs in pale bleach...
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Post Modern Eclipse Lounge Chair by Jay Specter for Century Furniture c 1970/80s
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Voguish Hollywood Regency, Art Deco Revival, Post Modern lounge chair designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, circa 1970/1980's. The chair features a dramatic continuous arm ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Jay Spectre Century Eclipse Salmon Pink Post Modern Chrome Club Lounge Arm Chair
By Jay Spectre
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful pair of two "Eclipse" club / library / lounge chairs by Jay Spectre for Century Chair Company of North Carolina, circa 1980s. The chairs feature sculptural form, made fro...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
1970's Art Deco Burl Wood Floating Shelf Console by Jay Spectre for Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Hartville, OH
Extraordinary and Incredibly Rare Art Deco Burled Console by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. Floating Glass Shelves under Cantilevered upper drawers....
Category
1970s North American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jay Spectre Console Table in Gold Leaf and Black Lacquer
By Jay Spectre
Located in Charleston, SC
Deco inspired console with black lacquered base and 24-karat gold leafed top. For Century Furniture.
In 1987, designed the Neo-Deco line of furniture for the Century Furniture Indus...
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
JAY SPECTRE DINANDERIE TABLE LAMP 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Lighting Acquisitions Of A
1980s JAY SPECTRE for PA...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal
JAY SPECTRE DINANDERIE TABLE LAMP 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Lighting Acquisitions Of A
1980s JAY SPECTRE for PA...
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal
Jay Spectre Pair of Table Lamps
By Jay Spectre
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic pair of lamps by Hanson, designed by Jay Spectre.
Category
1980s North American Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal
Custom Cerused Oak Armoire, Jay Spectre
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Custom Finished, Cerused Oak wardrobe by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. Wardrobe features 2 large bottom drawers and doors open to reveal a series of cubicles and smaller drawers...
Category
20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Nickel
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Round Chrome and Glass Table
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre "DeLanay" Glass and Chrome Side Table. In beautiful Condition. Couldn't an example of this table anywhere besides in an Ad! Updated Deco feel with a beautiful Etched G...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Jay Spectre "Entrance Maker" Console Table with Mirror
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture "Entrance Maker" White Oak Console with Hanging Mirror. Console is ziggurat-shaped with a Mirrored Back-Splash. Inspired from Art Deco Step Back D...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Jay Spectre Vintage American Modern Cerused Oak Dressing / Vanity Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Vintage American Modern cerused oak veneer dressing / vanity table in two parts: one demilune wood piece with central shelf, and a cylindrical cabinet piece with four drawers mounted...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal
Jay Spectre American Modern White Oak and Chrome Ribbed Chest of Drawers
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century Modern white oak chest of drawers with a "ribbed" design drawer pulls for three upper drawers and four lower drawers, resting on a...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Jay Spectre 2 Drawer Chest of Drawers, 1980s (Signed)
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is one absolutely beautiful Jay Spectre for Century Furniture bleached oak 2 door chest of drawers with brushed steel base 1980s (Signed). This piece...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Pair of Rare Jay Spectre Quilted Pillow Shams in Mint & Black/White Leopard
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This rare pair of quilted mint color with black and white leopard pattern jacquard pillow shams came from Bloomingdale’s New York in the 1980s as part of the all upholsterd, mint green, leopard bed...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Jay Spectre Midcentury American White Suede Upholstered Ottoman with Backrest
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury American (1970s) barrel form ottoman with low backrest, upholstered in beige suede, featuring oval shaped, beveled legs extending up the sides. (Jay Spectre).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Suede, Fabric, Wood
1980s Vintage Wallis Simpson Lounge Chair by Jay Spectre
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Hartville, OH
Spectacular Wallis Simpson" Lounge Chair by Jay Spectre For Century Furniture.
Fresh from the upholstery artisans and wrapped in a decadent Kravet cut velvet this is a stunner in pe...
Category
1980s American Chinoiserie Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Lacquer
Modernist Commode Night Table by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Voguish dresser, commode, night stand designed by Jay Spectre for the Century Furniture Company.
This chic chest features two deep drawers, a brushed steel plinth base, and cerused...
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Jay Spectre Midcentury Joan Crawford Lips Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Countryside, IL
Jay Spectre midcentury Joan Crawford lips coffee table
This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 19 deep x 16 inches high
All pieces of furniture ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jay Spectre Gilt Wall Mirror
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
1980's Jay Spectre designed Art-deco style gilt wall mirror, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
off White Leather and Chrome Lounge Chair by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s off white leather, chrome and whitewash oak ‘eclipse’ lounge chair by Jay Spectre.
In original condition shows minor wear consistent with age. The leather has been professio...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Jay Spectre Collection Custom Order Pair of Modern Art Paintings, 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
The Jay Spectre collection was very high-end in the 1980s. So successful he ended up having his exclusive boutique in Bloomingdale’s New York City. Artwork was very important to him ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Jay Spectre Steamer Chaise for Century Furniture in Ivory White Bouclé c. 1990s
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Art Deco inspired glamour with a great silhouette from all angles, this Jay Spectre Steamer Chaise Lounge also delivers unparalleled First Class co...
Category
1990s American Art Deco Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair Jay Spectre "Wallis Simpson" Armchairs
By Jay Spectre
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of rare "Wallis Simpson" chairs from the "Special Effects" line by Jay Spectre. With its clean lines and mid-century style, these armchairs complem...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jay Spectre Eclipse Chair by Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Jay Spectre for Century, the "Eclipse" lounge chair is a post-modern take on Deco design. Crafted of oak with a black lacquer finish, it features a terrific build quality...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Jay Spectre King Headboard with Integral Night Stands
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Highland, IN
This king size headboard with attached nighstands was designed by Jay Spectre for Century as part of his "Eclipse" collection. Oak with black lacquer finish, it features chrome steel...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Black Leather Jay Spectre Tycoon Lounge Chairs
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Influenced by the classic Art Deco style, rarely seen or offered are the Tycoon chairs designed by one of the world's premier interior designer Jay Spectre. The Jay Spectre Collectio...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Leather
Jay Spectre 7 Drawer Oak Dresser by Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Jay Spectre for Century, this dramatic 7-drawer dresser from his "Eclipse" collection is a post-modern take on Deco / Moderne design. Crafted of oak with a black lacquer ...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Pair Jay Spectre Lounge Chairs and Ottomans, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Jay Spectre Mohair lounge chairs and ottomans, 1990.
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Mohair
Mid-Century Post Modern Large Wall Mirror or Console Table Shelf by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, rare and impressive wall mirror designed by Jay Spectre in the 1980's. It consists of a faux marble finish on wood with a very large round mirror. Frame could easily be pain...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Jay Spectre Sofa Navy Blue Mohair, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre sofa navy blue Mohair, 1990. Newly reupholstered.
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Mohair
Jay Spectre Cerused Oak 8 Drawers Dresser Completely Restored
By Jay Spectre
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern Jay Spectre light grey cerused oak long dresser credeza.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Oak
Jay Spectre Collection Modern Art Original Painting for a NYC Residence
By Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful original oil on canvas painting from the Jay Spectre (1929-1992) collection. This painting was done while Mr. Spectre was alive. He had paintings made to be incorporated in his world famous interiors. This particular image was recreated after an original that Mr. Spectre owned and showcased in Architectural digest, 1990s.Beautiful, stepped silver leafed original frame. Measures: Canvas 25.50 W x 31.5 H beautiful, chic painting.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Jay Spectre for Century 1980s Steamer Chaise Lounge in the Art Deco Style
By Jay Spectre
Located in St. Louis, MO
Jay Spectre (1929-1992) for Century Furniture, circa 1980s "Steamer" chaise lounge in original silver tone upholstery. Spectre's work was very influenced by Art Deco designs of the 1...
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Desk in Cerused Oak by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Wonderful desk in Cerused oak with round drawer pedestal and glass top for Century Furniture. Incredibly versatile piece with great scale. Metal label in drawer reads "Century Jay Sp...
Category
20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Oak, Glass
Pair Jay Spectre Lounge Chairs
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Pair Jay Spectre lounge chairs. The chairs are upholstered in a faux curly lamb fur. Also has black lacquered feet.
Category
1970s Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood, Faux Fur
Jay Spectre Custom Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre custom coffee table, solid marble with bull-nose edge, custom inlaid stainless steel and stainless steel legs connected cradle for marb...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Marble, Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre "Joan Crawford Lips" Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical lacquered-wood table
This table is documented in the book, point of view, design by Jay Spectre.
Category
1980s American Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jay Spectre Nightstands
By Jay Spectre
Located in Denton, TX
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture oak and stainless steel nightstands.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of Six Stainless Steel and Green Fabric Dining Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular set of six ‘Eclipse’ dining chairs designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture in the 1980s. The set consists of two armchairs and four armless chairs. The chairs are...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre Custom Console and Pair of Lamps
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre custom console and pair of lamps, these were designed in tandem for a private residential client in Toronto, Canada.
Brushed stainless steel console with 2 small holes f...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Nickel, Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre Console Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Deco inspired console with black lacquered base and 24-karat gold leafed top. For Century Furniture.
Category
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Jay Spectre "Eclipse" Bench
By Jay Spectre
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic design by Jay Spectre (American 1929-1992). The curved bench is well proportioned and beautifully built with lobed buff cushion on lacquered wood frame.
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Patinated Metal Table Lamps by Jay Spectre
By Paul Hansen, Jay Spectre
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very elegant pair of Monochromatic table lamps with a silver stripped ribbon and speckled black pattern. Height is 22 to top of the socket. In excellent vintage condition with minima...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Metal
Jay Spectre for Century "Eclipse" Side Chair
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A channel tufted side chair by Jay Spectre for century furniture. Newly upholstered in plum suede.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre Vase for Silvestri
By Jay Spectre
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jay Spectre signed and dated off-white porcelain ceramic
Deco designed tall vase.
Category
1990s Chinese Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Jay Spectre Cerused White Oak, Two-Drawer Commode
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, two-drawer commode in cerused white oak with brushed steel base and top banding. Could also be used as a flat scre...
Category
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Jay Spectre Nightstands in Black Lacquer and Brushed Chrome Plinth
By Jay Spectre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pair of nightstands designed by Jay Spectre in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The nightstands are freshly refinished in a high gloss black lacquered finish, the plinth base...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Eight Rare Jay Spectre Black Lacquer Dining Chairs
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
These dining chairs represent the Jay Spectre interpretation of a Classic Louis XVI form. More often found with limed white oak frames, the black lacqu...
Category
1980s American Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Joan Crawford Lips Lacquered Coffee Table by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Stamford, CT
Joan Crawford lips, lacquered wood coffee table designed by Jay Spectre for Jay Spectre Inc. unsigned.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Jay Spectre for Century Chrome and Glass Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th Century circular coffee table having a 1/2" thick glass top with acid etched border resting on a chrome base with ball feet and aluminum joinery. Designed by Jay Spectre for Ce...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Jay Spectre Studio Club Chair and Ottoman
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Lounge or club chair, with matching ottoman, from Jay Spectre's Studio collection. Modern deco design and clean lined minimal styling. Chair and ottoman are upholstered in a wool fab...
Category
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Wood, Upholstery, Linen
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Chrome and Glass Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Pasadena, TX
A coffee table designed by Jay Spectre and made by Century Furniture. A circular chrome base with spherical feet and glass top with a wide acid etched border.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Chrome
"Shinto Coffee Table" by Jay Spectre 1970s
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Large "Shinto Coffee Table" in oak with glass top and steel feet by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1970s. This coffee table is both elegant and beautifully made.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Rare Jay Spectre "Perceptive" Drop Front Desk
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Primavera and brushed stainless steel drop front secretary has four drawers with brushed steel Art Deco inspired pulls, plus additional shelf storage. Origami angularity turns this e...
Category
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Cerused Oak Desk and Side Chair by Jay Spectre for Century
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek American Modern Cerused Oak Desk and Matching Chair Designed by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Co. The desk features 3 dovetail constr...
Category
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Oak
Jay Spectre Round Reeded Wood Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Spectre for Century Furniture, with a limed finish base. Part of Spectre's collection designed for Bloomingdale's centennial.
A total of two available. Measure: A ver...
Category
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Glass
Jay Spectre "Shinto End Table" 1970s
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
"Shinto End Table" in oak with glass top and steel trim on base by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American, 1970s. This table is beautifully made. Jay Spectre was a talented in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Materials
Steel
Jay Spectre furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Jay Spectre furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jay Spectre furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jay Spectre were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Steve Chase, Barbara Barry, and Nicos Zographos. Prices for Jay Spectre furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $28,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,900.
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