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 seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
Dark brown ‘DZ84’ mirror by Benno Premsela for ‘t Spectrum
By Benno Premsela, 't Spectrum
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This mirror, model DZ84, was designed by Benno Premsela for 't Spectrum. A minimalistic and very exciting design. The contrast and playfulness of the round frame and the square mirro...
Mirror, Wood, Plywood
Mirror by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Richmond, VA
Mid century round ceramic mirror designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Made in Italy, circa 1960. Mirror is adorned with Londi's iconic stampwork in an unusual color combination of gre...
Ceramic
Octagonal Mirror Dark Wood 1890s
Located in Lejre, DK
Octagonal mirror crafted in dark wood. Dating from the 1890s, it features the distinctive eight-sided shape popular during the period. — Period: 1890s — Material: Dark wood and mirro...
Glass, Wood
Porthole Mirror by Willo Perron for NOGA - Small - Taupe Brown
By Willo Perron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Porthole Mirror is designed by Willo Perron for NO GA. It’s part of a collection based on the idea of modularity which features six tables and two mirrors in different sizes that...
Glass, Fiberglass
1970s Rustic Style Dark Brown Hardwood Framed Mirror
Located in Malibu, CA
A wood framed mirror featuring a rich brown stain applied over its original painted finish. The technique creates a layered effect that highlights the frames texture & depth. For...
Mirror, Hardwood
Porthole Mirror by Willo Perron for NO GA - Large - Taupe Brown
By Willo Perron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Porthole Mirror is designed by Willo Perron for NO GA. It’s part of a collection based on the idea of modularity which features six tables and two mirrors in different sizes that...
Glass, Fiberglass
Benno Premsela Wall Mirror ‘t Spectrum DS14 Holland 1969
By Benno Premsela
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly rare and decorative wall mounted mirror designed by Benno Premsela and manufactured by ‘t Spectrum, Bergeijk Holland 1969. This mirror has only b...
Metal
Wooden chalet mirror, dark brown, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Charming carved wooden wall mirror dating from the 1960s, inspired by the chalet style. Its dark brown oval wooden frame features a carved design evoking rustic and natural motifs, reminiscent of mountain interiors. The woodwork highlights decorative reliefs and a beautiful patina that testifies to its age. This mirror will bring a warm and authentic touch to an entryway, living room, or bedroom, in a vintage or alpine chalet style. Features Period: 1960s Origin: France Material: Carved wood and mirror Color: Dark brown Shape: Oval Mounting: Wall mirror Condition: Good vintage condition, slight signs of wear Style Chalet Rustic Vintage Mountain decor Keywords vintage wood chalet mirror, carved wood mirror, 1960s, rustic oval mirror, mountain decor, vintage wall mirror, carved wood frame, alpine chalet mirror, rustic home decor, mountain lodge decor, antique brown wood mirror, vintage chalet...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
1970s Italian Round Mirror in Dark Brown Plastic Frame
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid-century round mirror made in Italy in the 1970s with a deep, glossy dark brown plastic molded frame and quality mirror glass. Its clean retro lines and classic profile make it a...
Mirror, Plastic
Python Dark Mirror
By Cassigoli
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Python collection, featuring striking mirrors whose elegant frames are upholstered in genuine python leather, this piece features a wooden structure and back. The mirror,...
Leather, Mirror, Wood
$735 / item
H 30.32 in W 30.32 in D 1.38 in
Contemporary Wall Mirror 'Hvyli 8' by Oitoproducts, Dark Red Frame
By Oitoproducts, Ivan Voitovych
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Mirror 'Hvyli 8' by Oitoproducts Dark red - RAL3005 Dimensions: W 77cm x H 77cm x D 4cm W 30.3 in x H 30.3 in x D 1.2 in Materials: Painted ecological water paint MDF,...
Mirror
$983Sale Price|43% Off
H 31.89 in W 31.89 in D 1.58 in
Midcentury Modern Square Mirror, Laquered Dark Brown Frame, Italy, 1980s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Midcentury Modern Square Mirror, Laquered Dark Brown Frame, Italy, 1980s A beautiful expression of 1980s Italian design, this square mirror features a beautifully crafted laquered w...
Glass, Wood
$1,387 / item
H 70.87 in W 27.56 in D 1.58 in
Contemporary Mirror 'Loveself 05' by Oitoproducts, Dark Red Frame
By Ivan Voitovych, Oitoproducts
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary mirror 'Loveself 05' by Oitoproducts RAL3005 Dimensions: W 70 cm x H 180 cm x D 4 cm W 27.5 in x H 71 in x D 1.3 in Materials: Painted ecological water paint MDF, silv...
Mirror
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 19.69 in
White ‘DZ84’ mirror by Benno Premsela for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands 1950's
By 't Spectrum, Benno Premsela
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This mirror, model DZ84, was designed by Benno Premsela for 't Spectrum. A minimalistic and very exciting design. The contrast and playfulness of the round frame and the square mirro...
Mirror, Plywood
Sold
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 2.76 in
Benno Premsela DZ84 Mirror White ‘t Spectrum, the Netherlands, 1956
By 't Spectrum, Benno Premsela
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice wall mirror model DZ84 designed by Benno Premsela for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands, 1956. This mirror was in the Spectrum collection from 1964...
Mirror, Plywood