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Jay Spectre Commodes and Chests of Drawers

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
Jay Spectre American Modern White Oak and Chrome Ribbed Chest of Drawers
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century Modern white oak chest of drawers with a "ribbed" design drawer pulls for three upper drawers and four lower drawers, resting on a...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Stainless Steel

Modernist Commode Night Table by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Chrome

Jay Spectre Cerused Oak 8 Drawers Dresser Completely Restored
By Jay Spectre
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern Jay Spectre light grey cerused oak long dresser credeza.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Jay Spectre Cerused White Oak, Two-Drawer Commode
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, two-drawer commode in cerused white oak with brushed steel base and top banding. Could also be used as a flat scre...
Category

Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

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Jay Spectre Pair of Bedside Tables
By Jay Spectre
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Jay Spectre (1929-1992) Pair of ebonized cerused oak bedside tables with bullnose trim and two drawers raised on brushed steel plinth base. ...
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Jay Spectre Pair of Bedside Tables
Jay Spectre Pair of Bedside Tables
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Jay Spectre commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.

Jay Spectre commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers by Jay Spectre were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider commodes and chests of drawers by Brown Saltman, Russel Wright, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Jay Spectre commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,625.

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