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 for Century Furniture Mid Century Eclipse Lounge Chair - Pair
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
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
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture "Art Deco" Influenced Eclipse Lounge Chairs
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in St. Louis, MO
A beautiful pair of 1980s "Eclipse" club or lounge chairs by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Co. of North Carolina. These chairs have sculptural Cerused Oak frames with tubular chr...
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
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
$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
$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
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
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
Jay Spectre Steamer Chaise Lounge, Silver Upholstery, 1980s Art Deco
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
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
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...
Chrome
$5,750 / item
H 29.5 in W 28.75 in D 30.5 in
Lawrence Peabody Wicker Lounge Chair for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather Lawrence Peabody wicker lounge chair...
Teak
$5,495 / set
H 26.5 in W 28 in D 33.5 in
Pair of Otto Gerdau Italian 1950s Lounge Chairs in New Black Leather
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Gio Ponti
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Rare pair of Italian mid‑century lounge chairs by Otto Gerdau (with label). The vintage 1950s chairs have been updated with new premium black leather upholstery. The iconic Scandinav...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
Pair of Gainsborough Style Lounge Chairs
Located in Vosselaar, BE
As we found a small but amazing batch of root walnut we decided to make a pair of chairs suitable for this rare woodspecies. Our choice of style was a classic high quality Gainsborou...
Walnut
Pair of Armchairs, France 70s
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
Very elegant and rare paire of italian armchairs, you can use them either outdoor or indoor. They are confortable and very design.
Chrome
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...
Fabric, Oak
$14,400
H 30 in W 67 in D 42 in
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
$14,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 22 in D 22 in
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...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs A Pair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Hudson, NY
Everything about these chairs is right on the money. The perfect amount of upholstery, wood and quality. The lies are strong ad angular, suggesting movement. The seats are wide ad co...
Fabric, Wood
$1,000
H 30.5 in W 29.5 in D 22 in
Asia Modern Chinese Horseshoe Style Lounge Chair by Century Furniture after Mont
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, chic, and sophisticated horseshoe style, Chinese influence lounge chair, attributed to the Century Furniture Co. in the style of James Mont. The chair features a solid oak frame, in original dark brown finish, with exceptional original fabric upholstery. This example was made in the USA, circa 1950/1960’s it is in very fine condition showing only light cosmetic cosmetic...
Upholstery, Oak
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
Pair Guido Faleschini Black Leather Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970
By Pace Collection, Guido Faleschini
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Guido Faleschini black leather lounge chairs, Italy 1970. Original leather in excellent condition.
Leather
Pair of Paolo Buffa Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful, rare pair of armchairs by Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1950s. Wooden frames and rush seats. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Beech, Cherry
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
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
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
Milo Baughman Style Swivel Club Chairs by Jay Spectre
By Milo Baughman, Jay Spectre
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
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 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...
Chrome
Jay Spectre, Sofa, Rattan / Wicker, Fabric, Century United States, 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in High Point, NC
A modernist sofa designed by Jay Spectre. Produced in the 1980s, USA. Labeled. In intricately woven rattan. Other designers of the period include Paul Frankl, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings...
Fabric, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Sold
H 28 in W 34 in D 33 in
Jay Spectre, Lounge Chairs, Rattan / Wicker Fabric, Century United States, 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of modernist lounge chairs designed by Jay Spectre. Produced in the 1980s, USA. Labeled. In intricately woven rattan. Other designers of the period include Paul Frankl, T.H...
Fabric, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Stunning Pair of Jay Spectre "Eclipse" Chairs in Black Leather
By Jay Spectre
Located in Dallas, TX
Sumptuous and sleek pair of "Eclipse" club chairs by New York-based designer Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Company. These have been freshly refinished and reupholstered. Thick bentwood frames feature cerused oak veneer and substantial tubular steel chrome legs. Deeply horizontal channeled backs and seats in soft black leather very comfortable. Iconic design. Published: "Point of View," Jay Spectre 1987 Century Jay Spectre Collection Eclipse Chairs...
Chrome