Jay Spectre Furniture
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.
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Metal, Chrome
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Metal
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Stainless Steel
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Giltwood
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Gold Leaf
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Steel
1990s American Post-Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Mohair
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1980s American Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Oak
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Canvas, Wood
20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Jay Spectre Furniture
Oak, Glass
1970s Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood, Faux Fur
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Steel
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Stainless Steel
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Steel
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Oak
Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Jay Spectre Furniture
Gesso, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Brass
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Teak
1980s Balinese Folk Art Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Canvas
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Jay Spectre Furniture
Silver Leaf
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Metal
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome, Steel
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Teak
Late 20th Century American Rococo Jay Spectre Furniture
Composition
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood, Leather, Resin, Foam
Late 18th Century American Hepplewhite Antique Jay Spectre Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Mirror, Oak
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Steel
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century North American Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Stainless Steel
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Chrome
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Fabric, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1980s Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Fabric, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1980s Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Oak
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Furniture
Wood
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture
Brass