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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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Period: 1980s
Creator: Jay Spectre
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

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

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 Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
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 2 Drawer Chest of Drawers, 1980s (Signed)
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
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

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

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 Eclipse Chair by Century
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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 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 Furniture

Materials

Steel

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 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

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

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 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

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 "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

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 Barrel Desk with Glass Top
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture White Oak Desk with Glass Top. Desk Writing Surface is 29.75 high. Desk was also sold as a Vanity as well. Overall ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Jay Spectre Post Modern Eclipse Leather Lounge Chair
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking looking and comfortable Eclipse lounge chair designed by Jay Spectre and manufactured by Century Furniture Company. This cha...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Jay Spectre Furniture

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Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
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Post Modern Tubular Chrome Lounge Chair Chaise Lounge Ca. 1970's
By Harvey Guzzini
Located in New York, NY
High Post Modern tubular chrome lounge chair, chaise lounge, having a sculptural tubular frame, with upholstered seat and back support. The chair is in good, original condition, it s...
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1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

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Philips Postmodern Table Lamp 1980s
By Philips
Located in Čelinac, BA
Philips postmodern table lamp 1980s
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Philips Postmodern Table Lamp 1980s
Philips Postmodern Table Lamp 1980s
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Pair of Side Table Lamps
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H 19.69 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
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Located in Paris, FR
Console table lacquered black with structure in MDF black lacquered finish, with smoked glass top and with frame in stainless steel in brass satinated finish.
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21st Century and Contemporary English Jay Spectre Furniture

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Stainless Steel

Lacquered Black Console Table
Lacquered Black Console Table
H 29.14 in W 59.45 in D 15.36 in
Fase Table Lamp, 1980s
By Fase
Located in L'Escala, ES
Desk lamp of Spanish home Fase, 1980. Etiquette this year on the underside of the base. Consisting of a counterweight arm hanging in balance, golden color. From a semi-spherical baff...
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Metal

Fase Table Lamp, 1980s
Fase Table Lamp, 1980s
No Reserve
H 31.5 in Dm 32.68 in
Pair of Orrefors Table Lamps
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden in the 1950's, these lamps are a smaller version of a pair earlier listed on Eileen Lane Antiques, whose r...
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1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

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Previously Available Items
Jay Spectre Barrel Desk with Glass Top
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture White Oak Desk with Glass Top. Desk Writing Surface is 29.75 high. Desk was also sold as a Vanity as well. Overall ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Jay Spectre Barrel Desk with Glass Top
Jay Spectre Barrel Desk with Glass Top
H 31.5 in W 56.5 in D 22.5 in
Jay Spectre Medium Sized Ribbed Armoire, 1980s (Signed)
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is one absolutely beautiful Jay Spectre for Century Furniture bleached oak medium sized Armoire with brushed steel base and polished steel pul...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jay Spectre Tall Ribbed Armoire, 1980s (Signed)
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is one absolutely beautiful Jay Spectre for Century Furniture oak Armoire with brushed steel base and polished steel pulls 1980s (Signed). T...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Rare Jay Spectre Black Abstract Quilted King Pillow Shams for Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This rare pair of quilted black, king-size pillow shams came from Bloomingdale’s New York in the 1980s as part of the all, upholsterd, mint, green leopard bed...
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Post Modern Jay Spectre Eclipse Lounge Chair in White Leather for Century
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre "Eclipse" lounge chair for Century. Aluminum, wood, leather upholstery. circa 1980s This post modern lounge chair by Jay Spectre is ultra-comfortable and very well ...
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1980s Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

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Leather

4 Jay Spectre for Century Eclipse Leather & Chrome Modern Dining Chairs MCM
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful set "Eclipse" dining chairs by Jay Spectre for century Chair Company of North Carolina, circa 1980s. Each chair is crafted from stainless steel in a sculptural form with ...
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Stainless Steel

Jay Spectre Post Modern Eclipse Leather Lounge Chair
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking looking and comfortable Eclipse lounge chair designed by Jay Spectre and manufactured by Century Furniture Company. This cha...
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1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Swivel Club Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Milo Baughman
Located in Southampton, NJ
Pair of swiveling club chairs designed by Jay Spectre. Ready for your customization. Frames are solid and mechanisms are silent and smooth. Very comfortable design.
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Steel

Jay Spectre Eclipse Bench
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Jay Spectre Eclipse bench. The Gracious curved bench has been Newly restored and reupholstered in a luxurious Holly Hunt Ivory le...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jay Spectre Eclipse Bench
Jay Spectre Eclipse Bench
H 28 in W 64 in D 18 in
Jay Spectre Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unique desk by Jay Spectre's Perimeter Collection for Century c.1980s, USA will be a standout piece of any room. This drop front mahogany desk features a brushed stainless steel...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jay Spectre Drop Front Secretary Desk
Jay Spectre Drop Front Secretary Desk
H 58.25 in W 49.25 in D 18.25 in
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Black Lacquer and Chrome Credenza, Refinished
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional modern Art Deco credenza or sideboard By Jay Spectre for Century Furniture USA, 1980s Black lacquered solid oak, with chrome banding and plinth base. Measu...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

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Chrome

Eclipse Club Chair by Jay Spectre, United States, 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in Sylacauga, AL
A handsome Postmodern Eclipse club chair of cerused oak, chrome and channeled butter leather by Jay Spectre, 1980.
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1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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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