Dutch furniture company ‘t Spectrum — later Spectrum — was established in 1941 with a run of pieces that were spare and outwardly industrial in appearance. Its early armchairs and dining chairs were often framed in tubular metal, and boast clearly defined lines and minimal curves. The vintage ‘t Spectrum seating in the decades that followed, which was designed by the likes of Gerrit Rietveld and Wim van Gelderen, is characterized by the angular forms and Pop art-hued colors that we associate with the best of mid-century modernism.
‘t Spectrum emerged in 1941 as an offshoot of the Dutch fabric manufacturer De Ploeg. When a shortage of textiles and other materials took shape owing to the demands of the Second World War, De Ploeg director Piet Blijenburg changed gears, and sought to broaden the manufacturer’s offerings as well as prevent the company's employees from being forced into work for occupying military forces.
‘t Spectrum was a brand devoted to furniture and interiors — as well as goods and decor for the home such as coat racks, napkin rings and beds. Legendary modernist furniture designer Gerrit Rietveld — an integral part of the Dutch art and design movement of the early 20th century called De Stijl — was brought on in a supervisory role in its early days, and designer Martin Visser was installed to oversee the production of furniture.
The end of the war brought a greater availability of metals and other materials to ‘t Spectrum, which became more focused on creating affordable furniture for the era’s new homeowners. A new factory designed by Rietveld was built in Bergeijk in 1957. During the late 1960s, ‘t Spectrum offered a richer range of furnishings, incorporating alluring hardwoods and leathers as part of sophisticated lines of seating and other pieces designed in the mid-century modern style. Visser recruited the likes of Friso Kramer, Benno Premsela, Constant Nieuwenhuys and others to design for ‘t Spectrum over the years.
With competition for cheaper furniture on the rise in the 1970s, ‘t Spectrum liquidated in 1974. A group of employees acquired the designs and continued the company under the name of Arspect. The firm produced ‘t Spectrum designs and works from other designers.
Arspect closed its doors in 1986. A former employee bought the company and renewed it with the name Spectrum. Today, Spectrum operates in Eindhoven in the Netherlands, creating contemporary designs alongside pieces dating back to the look and feel of the products offered by the original manufacturer. The company is also reproducing original designs created by Visser and Rietveld.
On 1stDibs, browse a selection of vintage ‘t Spectrum Bergijk seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
Small Martin Visser BZ29 Sofa for t' Spectrum in Plum with Teak Armrests, 1960
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely small settee with black enameled metal frame and outreaching teak armrests. Engineer-designer Martin Visser (1922-2009), who oversaw manufacturing and developed the collection...
Steel
Large KW85 Sideboard by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, the Netherlands
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This minimalistic and modernist sideboard, model KW85, was designed by Martin Visser for ’t Spectrum in the Netherlands in 1965. It is made from black lacquered veneer wood and has w...
Metal
Rare Martin Visser 'Bumper' Coffee Table in Metal and Marble
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, coffee table, model 'Bumper' / 'TE 11 7 M', marble, chrome-plated steel, wood, the Netherlands, design 1965/66, produced 1988-1991 Martin Visser (1922...
Marble, Steel, Chrome
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Set of Four Dining Chairs in Wenge and Straw
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, set of four 'SE82/SE02' dining chairs, wengé, straw, the Netherlands, design 1960, production 1960-1974 These four ‘SE82’ dining chairs, designed by M...
Straw, Wenge
Mid-Century Modern KW26 Floating Sideboard by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern KW26 floating sideboard. Design by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Bergeijk. Striking Dutch design from the 1970s. Black lacquered wenge base wi...
Metal
Dd01 Bergeyk Wall Unit by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1950s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Delft, NL
Dd01 Bergeyk wall unit by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1950s A wall unit designed by Martin Visser a Dutch designer for the Dutch Company 't Spectrum. A black lacquered metal unit...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Pair of Cream Wool Martin Visser SZ48 Lounge Chairs
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of Cream Wool Martin Visser SZ48 Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Dutch Elegance. Timeless sophistication meets iconic design in this striking pair of Martin Visser SZ48 lounge chair...
Steel
Set of 2 Easy Chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Dick van der Net
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This is a beautiful set of 2 size 38/size 08 Martin Visser easy chairs for 't Spectrum in collaboration with designer Dick van der Net. This model has been produced by 't Spectrum fr...
Metal
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Settee in Chrome and Grey Upholstery
By Hans Elli, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, sofa or settee, model 'sz18', chrome-plated metal, fabric, The Netherlands, 1970-71 This sofa is designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. A rare model, as th...
Chrome, Metal
Martin Visser Sofa or Sleeper Sofa for 't Spectrum, Netherlands
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nice sofa designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Freshly re-upholstered with new fabric and foam. Structure in metal. 2 positions, can be converting in bed.
Metal
Martin Visser SZ04 Lounge Chairs Sofa 't Spectrum, 1964
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare set of 3 lounge chairs model SZ04 designed by Martin Visser and manufacturer by 't Spectrum, The Netherlands 1964. These lounge chairs can ...
Stainless Steel
Sculptural Lucite, Brass and Glass Cocktail Table by Spectrum Ltd
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Hanover, MA
Washington cocktail table by Spectrum Limited. Very thick bevelled glass top 36 inches by 48 inches. Rectangular form polished cast brass base with fo...
Brass
1950s Benno Premsela DZ84 Mirror White Lacquered Frame 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Benno Premsla
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model DZ84 wall mirror designed by Benno Premsela for 't Spectrum in the 1950s represents innovative Dutch Mid-Century design. The circular white lacquered frame creates a striking g...
Lacquer, Mirror
Mid-Century Martin Visser Lounge Chair in Charcoal with Chrome Frame
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, chrome framed chair with new charcoal upholstered seat and backrest and contrasting blonde armrests. Designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum in the early 1960s. Wood ...
Chrome
Set of 3 Rare 'Delft' Shelves by Constant Nieuwenhuijs for 't Spectrum, 1957
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Constant Nieuwenhuys
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This set of 3 shelves, called 'delft ', is a design by Constant Nieuwenhuijs. Nieuwenhuijs was a member of the CoBrA movement. He is known as a F...
Metal
Niall O'Flynn galvanized metal "Rascal" dining chairs for Spectrum, 1997
By Niall O'Flynn, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4, extremely rare Niall O'Flynn galvanized metal "Rascal" dining chairs for Spectrum, 1997. Comfortable and great condition—some light signs of age on the legs. Viewable in...
Metal, Wire
Rare, Original Set of 'Twello' Nesting Tables by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This set of three nesting tables are a design by Martin Visser for the Dutch design firm 't Spectrum. These tables have been given the name 'Twello' and were only in production for 1...
Metal
$2,450 / set
Set of Four Tubular Chairs by 't Spectrum
By Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens for 't Spectrum, set of four 'SE18' dining chairs, chromed steel and leather, the Netherlands, 1971-1974. Modern set of four dining chairs designed by...
Steel
Niall O`Flynn for Spectrum Model Rascal Chair, 1997
By Niall O'Flynn, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This chair was designed by architect and designer Niall O'Flynn for Dutch manufacturer spectrum in the year 1997. It was produced for a short period of 4 years. The chair is rare a...
Metal
$775Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Side Table Designed by Walter Antonis for I-Form, Holland, 1978
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Walter Antonis
Located in Oirlo, LI
Rare side table designed by Walter Antonis for I-Form, Holland, 1978. This table was one of Walter Antonis' last designs when he started his own company I-Form after leaving 't Spectrum. Only 40...
Metal
Cabinet "Borculo" by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Borculo, Netherlands 1970s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Very rare cabinet with sliding doors from the ''Borculo'' series. The ''Borculo'' is a series of cabinets that was designed by Marting Visser for 't Spectrum. The first designs of these series are from 1957. The collection of 1964 was designed in corporation with Jos Manders...
Glass, Wood, Wenge
Martin Visser Twello Nesting Tables for 'T Spectrum, 1956
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice and rare set of nesting tables designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrym Bergeyk, Holland 1956. These tables are called Twello and they exist in different editions. These h...
Metal
1965, Martin Visser, SZ01 Tubular Easy Chair in Very Rare Black Artificial Cane
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredibl...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Sideboard Buffet
Located in Westwood, NJ
This beautifully crafted sideboard is a striking example of mid-century modern design reimagined for contemporary living. The unit features rich, dark tones contrasted by the Italian...
Marble, Metal
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration, a stunning MCM sideboard featuring vibrant intricate woodgrain, sculpted handles and ample storage. A beautiful example of simple...
Wood
$2,250
H 13.625 in W 39.5 in D 39.5 in
Mid-Century Martin Visser Style Coffee Table, Slate Top, Chrome Cube Legs
By Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Extra-large Mid-Century coffee table commands attention with thick chrome cube legs and handsome natural slate top. The geometric base creates a floating effect while providing subst...
Slate, Chrome
$3,800
H 30 in W 87 in D 18 in
Mid-Century British Modern Sideboard by Tom Robertson for McIntosh Scotland
By Tom Robertson, A.H. McIntosh Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home a beautifully unique piece of mid-century furniture design with this rare vintage sideboard designed by Tom Robertson for A.H. McIntosh Furniture of Kirkcaldy, Scotland! S...
Wood, Hardwood, Mahogany, Teak
$3,552Sale Price|20% Off
H 71.86 in W 70.87 in D 19.69 in
Mid Century Wall Unit Cabinet by Nils Jonsson for Troeds
By Troeds Bjarnum 1, Nils Jonsson
Located in Mortsel, BE
Very nice wall cabinet, some wear and tear see pictures please
Wood, Rosewood
$4,150
H 28.75 in W 74.81 in D 36.23 in
Martin Visser Sofa / Daybed for 't Spectrum – Netherlands, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Almelo, NL
Martin Visser Sofa / Daybed for 't Spectrum – Netherlands, 1960s This iconic mid-century modern sofa, designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum in the 1960s, is a refined example of...
Steel, Chrome
Fine Art Deco Sideboard by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Jules Leleu (1883-1961). An important rosewood cabinet, decorated with a spray of inlay mother-of-pearl flowers and butterflies, legs with gilded bronze sabots. With the original ...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Burl Sideboard
By Milo Baughman, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid-century modern burl wood sideboard in the style of Milo Baughman and Arthur Umanoff, featuring rich, bookmatched burl veneer, minimalist lines, and a sculptural metal bas...
Metal
$3,250 / set
H 29.75 in W 19 in D 17.25 in
Mid-Century Set of 6 Martin Visser Oak and Leather Dining Chairs by 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of 6 Mid-Century dining chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Highly appealing Modernist design and handsomely streamlined oak frames outfitted with leather strappin...
Leather, Oak
1960s Floating Sideboard by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Beerse, VAN
Look at this beautiful example of mid-century modern design. Whether placed in a living space, dining area, or office, this floating sideboard designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe o...
Teak
$1,644
H 16.74 in W 63 in D 15.75 in
Danish Modern Oak Floating Sideboard by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak Floating Sideboard by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 2 bay wall unit model Cado with back panels. This is a original vintage floatin...
Oak
$1,125 / set
H 30.125 in W 17 in D 19.75 in
Pair of "SE 05" Rattan Dining Chairs by Martin Visser For 't Spectrum, 1960
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of dining chairs created by Martin Visser in 1960 for Dutch furniture manufacturer 't Spectrum. The model features a wicker seat and backrest on black square tubular enameled me...
Metal
Sold
H 27.96 in W 74.02 in D 33.47 in
Martin Visser Natural Leather 3-Seater Sofa Model BZ55 for ’t Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Florence Knoll, Martin Visser, George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
A beautifully preserved example of Martin Visser’s Model BZ55 sofa for ’t Spectrum, the Dutch design house synonymous with refined modernism and functional elegance. Designed in the ...
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 93.31 in D 18.9 in
Modernist KW85 sideboard by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands 1965.
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modernist KW85 sideboard by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands 1965. This credenza is made out of black ebonized wenge wood with two white l...
Metal
Martin Visser Natural Leather Sofa BZ55
By Florence Knoll, George Nelson, Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Dronten, NL
Very rare Martin Visser sofa BZ55 designed in 1968 for 't Spectrum. This model is pictured in the catalogue raisonné. A very modern design with comfortable down filled cushions. Flo...
Steel
Sold
H 64.38 in W 31.5 in D 13 in
Set of 2 'Borculo' series cabinets by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960's
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Steenwijk, NL
Very rare set of two cabinets with sliding doors from the 'Borculo' series. The 'Borculo' is a series of cabinets that was designed by Marting Visser for 't Spectrum. The first desig...
Metal
Model DZ84 Mirror by Benno Premsela for 't Spectrum, 1950's
By Benno Premsela, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Dronten, NL
Wall mirror designed by Benno Premsela. The geometric elements of the round frame and the square mirror make this an icon of Dutch design. Useable in 2 positions. Designed in 1956 an...
Mirror, Plywood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 18.88 in D 19 in
Set of 4 Magistretti Style Pine and Rush Dining Chairs by Martin Visser
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 pine dining chairs by Dutch Mid Century icon Martin Visser for 't Spectrum with woven rush seats and a curved backrest. In original condition with visible wear to the wood f...
Rush, Pine
Sold
H 28.35 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Martin Visser Set of 2 "SE82" Wicker Dining Chairs for T'spectrum, 1970 Dutch
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid-Century Modern period set of 2 dinning rooms chairs designed by famous Dutch furniture designer Martin Visser and manufactured by t-spectrum around 1970s period, Netherlands. ...
Wicker, Wenge
Set of 4 Martin Visser Wenge and Rush Dining Chairs
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 wenge and rush dining chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s. They have slightly curved seat backs with inset rush and lightly refinished frames. In otherwise origin...
Rush, Wenge
Sold
H 27.56 in W 28.55 in D 25.6 in
Set of 2 Leather Vane-2 Sling Armchairs by Walter Antonis for T Spectrum, 1970s
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Walter Antonis
Located in Izegem, VWV
These stylish minimalistic sling armchairs, clearly inspired by the Bauhaus movement were designed by Dutch industrial designer Walter Antonis in the 1970s. They feature a light weig...
Chrome
Wim Quist Kroller Muller Museum Bench by Spectrum, 1990's
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Designed in the 1970s by architect Wim Quist for the Kröller Müller museum in Otterloo, Netherlands. This design has been produced by Spectrum since 1988.
Aluminum
Ruud Jan Kokke
By Ruud-Jan Kokke, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Designed by Ruud-Jan Kokke, these slat chairs were produced by the Dutch manufactory Spectrum, in 1986 as part part of their series called “Kokke-Chairs”. This pair’s frames are ...
Ash, Oak
Leather Sz02 Sling Armchairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Izegem, VWV
These modern, minimalist easy chairs are made of a tubular brushed steel in combination with soft, patinated cognac leather upholstery. The armrests are covered in cognac leather to ...
Stainless Steel