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.
Jay Spectre Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1990. Reupholstered in yellow mohair. We have the pairs in a separate listing. Measure 26" tall, 44.5" wide 40" deep
Mohair
High Style Swivel Vanity Stool by Jay Spectre c 1970/1980's
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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...
Fabric, Oak
Jay Spectre Steamer Chaise for Century Furniture in Ivory White Bouclé c. 1990s
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Post Modern Eclipse Lounge Chair by Jay Specter for Century Furniture c 1970/80s
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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 ...
Chrome
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...
Leather
$7,000Sale Price / set|30% Off
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...
Chrome
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...
Chrome
Pair of "Wallis Simpson" Lounge Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of rare "Wallis Simpson" chairs from the Special Effects line by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, circa 1980's. With its clean lines and mid-century style, these armchairs com...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six Stainless Steel and Green Fabric Dining Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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...
Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa
By Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa This sofa measures: 77 wide x 39 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches We take our photos in a...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,000 / set
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.
Faux Fur, Wood
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Mid Century Eclipse Lounge Chair - Pair
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Mid Century Eclipse Lounge Chair - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 26 wide x 34 deep x 33.5 high, with a seat height of 24.25 and arm height/chair...
Chrome
$12,500
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.
Upholstery, Wood
$16,750 / set
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...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,470Sale Price|30% Off
4 Mid Century Modern Jay Spectre Century Leather Game Lounge Arm Dining Chairs
By Jay Spectre
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of four mid century modern Jay Spectre for Century Furniture game or office chairs featuring sloped arm and beige / tan leather. Provenance : Jerome Schottenstein Estate, Colum...
Leather
$14,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eight Rare Jay Spectre Black Lacquer Dining Chairs
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
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...
Wood, Upholstery
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...
Upholstery
Jay Spectre Midcentury American White Suede Upholstered Ottoman with Backrest
By Jay Spectre
Located in Queens, 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).
Leather, Upholstery, Suede, Fabric, 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...
Chrome
$2,938Sale Price|24% Off
H 31.11 in W 34.26 in D 35.83 in
Post Modern Black Leather Lounge Chair Made by Marinelli, Italy
By Marinelli Home 1
Located in Weesp, NL
Very comfortable black heavy leather lounge chair produced in the 1980s by Marinelli, Italy. The chair is in excellent condition. Measurements: H 79 x D 91 x W 87, seating height 42 ...
Leather
Pr. 1940's Open Arm Lounge Club Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Pair of high style lounge chairs, with an architectural continuous open arm and leg structure, which supports the upholstered seat and back. The chairs are structurally sound and st...
Fabric, Wood
$3,200
H 25 in W 19.25 in D 20 in
Chrome and Olive Green Leather Swivel Vanity Stool by Charles Hollis Jones
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1970’s swivel polish chrome vanity stool, part of the “Ball Line” by American renowned designer Charles Hollis Jones. Out of an Arthur Elrod Desi...
Chrome
$1,663
H 35.04 in W 56.7 in D 27.56 in
Vintage IKEA Karlskrona Wicker Chaise Longue by Carl Öjerstam, 1990s
By Carl Öjerstam, IKEA
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Mid-Century Modern style chaise longue or lounge chair. Design by Carl Öjerstam for Ikea. Striking Swedish design from the 1990s. Executed in wicker and rattan, an idyllic p...
Wicker, Rattan
Lounge Chairs by Century Furniture Co - A Pair
By Century Furniture
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can usually ship it for less and get it to you faster. Click on "Ask The Seller" and send us your zip code for a quote. Offering One of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Pair of very comfortable Century Furniture Co...
Cotton, Wood
Raspberry Velvet Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Steve Chase
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1970s Raspberry velvet lounge chair and ottoman in the style of Milo Baughman or Steve Chase. Ottoman is on casters. Chair, 31.5" W x 36" D x 29.5" H to the top of the frame; 33...
Velvet, Hardwood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Chaise Lounge, Hardwood & Boucle, Brazil
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural chaise lounge, attributed to the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, was produced in Brazil during the 1960s, a period when Brazilian modern furniture reached full maturity—bal...
Hardwood, Bouclé
Luxurious Bouclé Covered Chaise Longue
Located in North Miami, FL
Luxury and comfort is what this newly upholstered chaise longue in Boucle will offer. Completely clad in fabric, even the feet, this is a great way to add elegance and extra seating...
Bouclé
Pair Guido Faleschini Black Leather Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970
By Guido Faleschini, Pace Collection
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Guido Faleschini black leather lounge chairs, Italy 1970. Original leather in excellent condition.
Leather
$3,800 / set
H 27 in W 24 in D 26.5 in
Radboud Van Beekum Lounge Chair Black Leather by for Pastoe Post Modern, 1980
By Radboud Van Beekum, Pastoe
Located in Vienna, AT
FM62 lounge leather chair by Radboud Van Beekum for Pastoe Post Modern, 1980 Dutch minimalistic lounge chairs in black saddle leather. Designed with geometric precision, these chair...
Steel
Pair of Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of rattan lounge chairs are new arrivals from Sweden. Made in the 1950s both chairs are in remarkably good condition showing no major signs of wear, damage or repair. We di...
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Cube or Case Club Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very high quality matching pair of club chairs, circa 1970s. Completely restored with brand new upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Jay Spectre, Lounge Chair, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1970s
By Jay Spectre
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan and white fabric lounge chair designed by Jay Spectre, USA, c. 1970s. Seat Height (inches): 16.75”
Fabric, Rattan
Jay Spectre Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1990. Reupholstered in yellow mohair. We have the pairs in a separate listing. Measure 26" tall, 44.5" wide 40" deep
Mohair
Sold
H 29 in W 37.5 in D 37 in
Jay Spectre Wicker Postmodern Chair, New Upholstery, Performance Fabric
By Jay Spectre
Located in Mckinney, TX
Introducing the epitome of sophistication: the Postmodern Jay Spectre Wicker Chair. With its timeless curved arms and avant-garde design, this chair seamlessly blends modern flair wi...
Fabric, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Jay Spectre Tycoon Leather Lounge Chair in Burgundy For Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Jay Spectre Tycoon Leather Lounge Chair in Burgundy is the perfect addition to any upscale living or office space. Crafted by renowned designer Jay Spectre, this chair offers a ...
Leather
1980s Vintage Wallis Simpson Lounge Chair by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in North Canton, 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...
Upholstery, Lacquer
Sold
H 34 in W 26 in D 34 in
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 ...
Leather
Sold
H 38 in W 20 in D 27 in
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 ...
Stainless Steel
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.
Steel
Jay Spectre Sofa Navy Blue Mohair, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre sofa navy blue Mohair, 1990. Newly reupholstered.
Mohair
Pair Jay Spectre Lounge Chairs and Ottomans, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Jay Spectre Mohair lounge chairs and ottomans, 1990.
Mohair
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...
Leather, Wood
Jay Spectre Post Modern Eclipse Leather Lounge Chair
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking looking and comfortable Eclipse lounge chair designed by Jay Spectre and manufactured by Century Furniture Company. This cha...
Chrome