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Jay Spectre More Furniture and Collectibles

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
Pair of Rare Jay Spectre Quilted Pillow Shams in Mint & Black/White Leopard
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Fabric

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

Jay Spectre King Headboard with Integral Night Stands
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Chrome

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Pair of Rare Jay Spectre Black Abstract Quilted King Pillow Shams for Century
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Jay Spectre Modernist Walnut and Brushed Stainless Nightstands
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Jay Spectre Pair of Eclipse Nightstands for Century
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Jay Spectre Tufted Queen-Size Bed in Steve Chase Chunky Chenille Fabric
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Pair of Jay Spectre for Century Oval Nightstands
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Jay Spectre more furniture and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

Jay Spectre more furniture and collectibles 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 more furniture and collectibles, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original more furniture and collectibles by Jay Spectre were created in the modern style in united states during the late 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider more furniture and collectibles by Steve Chase, Barry Kieselstein-Cord, and Karl Springer. Prices for Jay Spectre more furniture and collectibles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $800 and can go as high as $6,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,500.

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