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.
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jay Spectre Nightstands
By Jay Spectre
Located in Denton, TX
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture oak and stainless steel nightstands.
Steel
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jay Spectre Round Reeded Wood Coffee Table
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Spectre for Century Furniture, with a limed finish base. Part of Spectre's collection designed for Bloomingdale's centennial. A total of two available. Measure: A ver...
Glass
Classic Nightstand, Drift White
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic nightstand, a wide rectangle side table with two drawers, brass hardware, and tapered feet, has a “drift” white painted finish with subtle...
Wood
$1,813
H 16.15 in W 17.72 in D 32.29 in
Silvio Cavatorta Midcentury Iron and Teak Wood Oval Italian Coffee Table, 1950s
By Silvio Cavatorta
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful midcentury oval coffee table in Iron and Teak Wood. This item was designed in Italy during 1950s by Silvio Cavatorta. It has...
Brass, Iron
$2,795
H 18.25 in W 37 in D 37 in
Rattan Campaign Ficks Reed Far Horizons Coffee Table w/Tile Top by John Wisner
By John Wisner, Ficks Reed
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage rattan Campaign Style Ficks Reed Far Horizons Collection coffee table with tile top designed by John Wisner. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are small hairline cracks in three tiles, and they have been reglued and caulked. It has a fresh coat of Danish oil. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Note: If you love this rattan Ficks Reed Far Horizons Collection by John Wisner coffee table we also have the matching lounge chair, sofa, and end table listed here for sale if they are still available. Fantastic and Ficks Reed!!! This is a gorgeous large square coffee table by John Wisner for Ficks Reed. It is comprised of a stout rattan base, and it features a wonderful white tile top including four tiles with black painted Asian designs of fans and symbols… it’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! This coffee table is from Ficks Reed’s Far Horizons collection by John Wisner which was introduced in 1954. It is designed with sturdy and stylish crossbars with rattan ties on the corners on all four sides of the coffee table. And the design of this awesome Campaign style coffee table is classic allowing it to work with many decor aesthetics and styles from traditional to mid-century modern. It will be wonderful in your living room across from your sofa or in the family room among a wonderful pair of lounge chairs. The Ficks Reed Furniture Company was originally established by Louis Ficks as the National Carriage and Reed Company in 1885. For over 125 years they built their reputation manufacturing high quality furniture using wicker...
Rattan, Ceramic
Pair of Brutalist Modern Walnut Nightstands
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This midcentury pair of sculpted front nightstands adds distinctive brutalist modern style and spacious bedside storage. Interior cabinet offers a shelf for additional organization o...
Walnut
Lacquered Horn Nightstand or End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
*The one seen on the right has been sold. Lacquered horn nightstand or end table, American, circa 1980s. It is constructed of lacquered horn with bea...
Wood, Horn
Pair of Midcentury Nightstands, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury nightstands sold by John Stuart. Two dovetail jointed drawers on each, with open storage space beneath. Please confirm item location with dealer (NJ or NY).
Walnut
Danish Modern Nightstands by Falster
By Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables with tambour doors that recede behind the cabinet. Simple Danish design with storage for living room or bedroom. Please confirm location.
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
Pair of White Nightstands by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Pasadena, CA
This matching pair of white lacquer nightstands features drop-down front drawers, which also provide storage when closed. Each unit has a black lacquered and brass knob. They are wel...
Brass
Brutalist Nightstands
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of wonderful Vintage Brutalist nightstands or end tables that have been re-done and coated in textured metal by a local artisan. These "rib...
Metal
Rustic Nightstand, Light Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Rustic oak two-tier nightstand with a light oak parquetry top that is mirrored on the two shelves below. It has one frieze drawer with a mirrored her...
Wood
French Round Sycamore Wood Coffee or Side Table in Style of Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Chicago, IL
Round French coffee table or side table in the style of Andre Arbus. Sycamore veneer sun burst decorative top and with solid Sycamore legs wi...
Sycamore
Jay Spectre Pair of Eclipse Nightstands for Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of cerused oak nightstands in ovoid form with two drawers, brush stainless pulls and recessed plinth with floating glass top by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture.
Stainless Steel
Pair of Jay Spectre Eclipse Nightstands in Cerused Oak with Two Drawers
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Seldom offered Jay Spectre nightstands or end tables from his "Eclipse Collection" for Century Furniture. 20" diameter glass top with open shel...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
Jay Spectre Rare Rapungi Table In Cream Lacquer
By Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Jay Spectre Rapungi Table, number 4205 in number 807 White Lacquer. Table is from Collection 16 for Century Furniture Company. Paint is very, very clean! Table looks like it ...
Wood
Pair of Ebonized Ceruse Oak Side Tables by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Danville, CA
Handsome pair of Oval Side Tables by Jay Spectre. The pair have been meticulously refinished.
Oak
Pair of Jay Spectre Tables
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Pair of end tables / nightstands by Jay Spectre for Century. USA, circa 1970. Oval with lower shelf. Bleached maple. Complete dimensions below; 6.25" H clearance from floor to un...