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.
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
Martin Visser SZ13 Tan Leather and Chrome Three Piece Sectional Seating Group
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional 3 piece Martin Visser SZ13 sectional seating group with original frames and new leather seating. Consists of a left arm seat, no arm, and right arm seat. Frames in origin...
Chrome
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 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Hans Elli
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$28,000 / set
H 23.63 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in
Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery
By Klaus Uredat, COR
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing, museum quality, modular 'CORBI' seating set, composed of four elements, designed by Klaus Uredat for 'COR', Germany, 1969 complete with the original purchase invoice dated 1972. After receiving many requests to do so, we have carefully unpicked and removed the original custom order pop art upholstery and have now recovered the set in a more neutral, high quality mohair upholstery. A rare, beautiful and highly sculptural pure elemental design, the large dimensions of each .Corbi' seating element allow for them to be used equally as either individual lounge chairs or as a modular sofa. This particular set is a must for serious collectors, this set comes complete with the original German purchase invoice from 1972, which also confirms the additional expense of the custom order upholstery, we have carefully unpicked and kept the original upholstery fabric should the buyer wish to retain it for provenance (please see photos 14 and 15 which illustrate the set with it's original upholstery). The sculptural 'Corbi' modular lounge chair was designed in 1969 and only remained in limited scale production for a few years up to circa 1974. Today this super elegant design is both very popular and now extremely difficult to find due to the passage of time and the limited total production numbers so a large set of elements such as this, is really a rare opportunity. Each 'Corbi' element is composed of two independent Minimalist sculptural forms, one base element and one cylindrical seat back. With the base elements positioned end to end, day beds may...
Foam, Wood, Mohair
Danish Three Piece Sectional "Dane" by Sofa Company
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful contemporary seat-scape modules 'Dane' by Sofa Company, Denmark, designed and produced in 2020 with 'Danny Dusty Blue' upholstery. The set consists of two corner modules an...
Upholstery
$47,860 / set
H 31.5 in W 54.73 in D 24.81 in
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Black Leather Mirror Sofa Settee
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll 2-seat sofa settee. This pair is made in black leather and mirror. All original collectors condition. The Mirror Sofa...
Mirror, Leather
$4,150
H 28.75 in W 74.81 in D 36.23 in
Martin Visser Sofa / Daybed for 't Spectrum – Netherlands, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
$1,621Sale Price|40% Off
H 28.35 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in
Sofa by or in the Style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie, Netherlands, 1960s
By Artifort, 't Spectrum, Kho Liang Ie, Martin Visser
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Minimalistic sofa by or in the style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie. Designer: Unknown. By or in the style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie Manufacturer: Unknown. By or in the sty...
Chrome
1 Steelcase Modular Seating Group Lounge
By Steelcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Turnstone for Steelcase Jenny Collection Designed with posture and a better sitting experience in mind, Jenny Modular seating provides ultimate comfort...
Wood
$8,750
H 35.5 in W 78 in D 27.5 in
Scandinavian Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Ormolu and Upholstery, circa 1815
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An elegant Empire Swedish Karl Johan sofa with graceful lines in mahogany with satinwood line inlay, ormolu and ebonized details. Offers scrolled arms and saber feet with upholstered...
Ormolu
$12,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 74 in D 34.75 in
Vintage 3-Piece Modular Seating Group with Coffee Table by Haralson–Seidel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a rare complete set from Haralson–Seidel’s iconic Hide Park Collection: two modular sofas and a dual-function coffee table that together create a living space defined by vin...
Leather, Smoked Glass, Walnut
$11,750Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 31 in W 190 in D 32 in
1970s Adrian Pearsall Circular Three Piece Sectional
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rare sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sectional is statement piece w...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,450
H 28.25 in W 64.25 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Martin Visser BZ29 Sofa, Navy Fabric, Black Metal, Teak Arms
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin Visser designed the BZ29 sofa in 1960 for Dutch manufacturer 't Spectrum, creating a study in geometric restraint and functional beauty. The architectural frame features black...
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
Settee In The Manner Of Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern armless settee in the style of Florence Knoll. Chrome base with angled rear legs and tufted black vinyl upholstery.
Sold
H 30.71 in W 16.93 in D 18.9 in
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Pair of Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, pair of dining room chairs, steel and leather, the Netherlands, 1960s. Pair of cognac leather dining chairs. The designs of Martin Visser characteri...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.52 in W 16.93 in D 22.05 in
Martin Visser Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Original Black Leather
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, dining chairs, stainless steel, saddle leather, The Netherlands 1960s. Set of eight black leather chairs designed by Dutch designer Martin Visser in 1...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29.34 in W 18.9 in D 25.6 in
Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens Dining Chairs in Cognac and Black Leather
By Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens for 't Spectrum, dining chairs, metal and leather, Netherlands, 1971. Eight tubular chairs with four with natural and four with black saddle leathe...
Metal, Steel
Hans Ell Grey Lounge Chair for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Hans Ell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, lounge chair SZ18, the Netherlands, 1970s. This chair was designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. This design has only been in pro...
Steel
Dutch Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Wengé and Cane
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, set of 8 dining chairs, wengé and rattan, The Netherlands, 1960s. A Dutch set of dining chairs that features a simplistic, modest design. The frame is...
Rattan, Wenge
Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens for 't Spectrum set of six dining chairs, metal and leather, the Netherlands 1971. Set of 6 tubular chairs with nat...
Metal, Steel
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Red Lounge Chairs
By Hans Elli, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, lounge chairs SZ18, The Netherlands, 1970s. This set of chairs was designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. This design has only been in production for one...
Metal
Sold
H 28.55 in W 23.63 in D 26.58 in
Martin Visser Easy Chairs in Steel and Cognac Leather for 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, set of armchairs, in steel and cognac leather, Netherlands, 1965. These modern, minimalist easy chairs are made of a tubular brushed steel in combina...
Steel
Sold
H 30.71 in W 16.93 in D 18.9 in
Martin Visser Set of Four Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather for 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large set of dining room chairs, in stainless steel and leather, by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, the Netherlands, 1960s. Set of four cognac leather dining chairs. The designs ...
Stainless Steel
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, George Nelson, Martin Visser, Florence Knoll
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
Martin Visser Natural Leather Sofa BZ55
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser, George Nelson, Florence Knoll
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 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