Jay Spectre Tables
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.
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Tables
Steel
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Chrome
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Mirror, Oak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Metal
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Wood
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Mirror, Wood
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Steel
1980s American Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Wood
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Marble, Stainless Steel
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Tables
Gold Leaf
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Aluminum, Chrome
1980s American Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Lacquer
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Oak
Late 20th Century American Jay Spectre Tables
Glass
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Steel
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Chrome
Early 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Jay Spectre Tables
Walnut, Pine
Late 18th Century Sheraton Antique Jay Spectre Tables
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Wood
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Travertine
Early 1900s English Antique Jay Spectre Tables
Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Jay Spectre Tables
Brass
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Glass, Lucite
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Jay Spectre Tables
Spruce, Cherry
Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Jay Spectre Tables
Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Mirror
2010s Guatemalan Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Glass, Mahogany, Wood, Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Brass
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Mirror, Oak
Late 20th Century American Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Oak
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Gold Leaf
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Glass, Oak
Late 20th Century Art Deco Jay Spectre Tables
Oak
Late 20th Century Jay Spectre Tables
Chrome
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Post-Modern Jay Spectre Tables
Mirror
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Stainless Steel
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Brass
20th Century Jay Spectre Tables
Metal
1970s Modern Vintage Jay Spectre Tables
Chrome