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.
Martin Visser SZ01 Easy Chair for 't Spectrum, 1960
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful SZ01 easy chair designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum. This armchair was designed in 1960 and has been in production ever since. this easy chair is from the late 70s / ea...
Wicker
Gerrit Rietveld Unesco Press Room Chair for Spectrum, 'Colourful Vintage'
By 't Spectrum, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gerrit Rietveld designed in 1958 Unesco press room chair for Spectrum - 'Colourful Vintage' Edition 'Colourful Vintage', which means: fabric: Sprinkl...
Metal
Mid-Century Martin Visser BZ29 Sofa, Navy Fabric, Black Metal, Teak Arms
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum Armchair in Black Leather
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, lounge chair, model 'SZ 02', leather, brushed steel, The Netherlands, 1965 This modern, Minimalist easy chair is made in tubular brushed steel in comb...
Brass, Steel
Artifort/ ‘t Spectrum SZ10 ’M-Chair’ by Ebbing, Haas & Schudel, 1980s
By 't Spectrum, Artifort, Ton Haas
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
This very rare M-Chair was designed by Hans Ebbing, Ton Haas and Paul Schudel as part of an assignment for the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, The Netherlands, initiated by their teacher ...
Steel
Set of Four 1960s Martin Visser Wenge and Rush Dining Chairs for 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome set of 4 wenge and rush dining chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s. They have slightly curved seat backs with inset rush seats and lightly refinished frames. In o...
Rush, Wenge
Martin Visser "BR03" for Spectrum Dutch Minimalist Daybed, Sofa, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in The Hague, NL
Wonderful Dutch Minimalist modern design sofa / daybed model ''BR03'' designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum 1960s, The Netherlands. Magnificent Minimalist design with black metal f...
Metal
Set of Four 'SE 69' Dining Chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1959
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 'SE 69' dining chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum 1959. The chairs have black enameled frames with Wenge armrests and black skai upholstery. Visser, a quintessential designer of the Dutch post-war design movement began working for 't Spectrum in 1954 and soon spearheaded the company's entire collection. He had an architectural and civil engineering...
Metal
Gerrit Rietveld Press Room Chair by 't Spectrum, Hand-Crafted Design
By Gerrit Rietveld, 't Spectrum
Located in Toronto, CA
By Spectrum Designed By Gerrit Rietveld 1958 The Press Room Chair was designed in 1958 by Gerrit Rietveld for the UNESCO building in Paris. Rietveld designed the armchair as a comf...
Steel
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
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
Limited Edition Piet Hein Eek MVPHE Easy Chair for Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Piet Hein Eek
Located in Tilburg, NL
Limited edition Piet Hein Eek MVPHE easy chair for Spectrum, The Netherlands. Piet Hein Eek designed the quirky MVPHE armchair with round shapes as a tribute to his friend and designer Martin Visser...
Fabric, Beech
Original Pair of 'SZ02' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful pair of modernist ‘SZ02’ lounge chairs designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum (Holland) in 1960. These early examples date from the 1970s and still have the original bla...
Steel
Cognac Leather 'SZ02' Lounge Chair by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful model ‘SZ02’ lounge chair designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum in 1960. This early example has beautiful deep cognac colored saddle leather with a fantastic patina tha...
Steel
Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum Armchairs in Black Leather
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, lounge chairs, model 'SZ 02', leather, brushed steel, The Netherlands, 1965 These modern, Minimalist easy chairs are made of a tubular brushed steel i...
Steel
Lounge Chair Model "Osaka SZ08" designed by Martin Visser, Dutch Sixties Design
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful, rare armchair with a chromed steel base and black corderoy upholstery showing some signs of wear. The Osaka SZ08 lounge armchair was designed by Martin Visser for Spect...
Metal, Chrome
Jan Pieter Berghoef Blue & White Lounge Chair for Spectrum, Netherlands, 1960s
By 't Spectrum
Located in Weesp, NL
Jan Pieter Berghoef Blue & White Lounge Chair for Spectrum, Netherlands, 1960s A striking example of Dutch modernism, this lounge chair was designed by architect Jan Pieter Berghoef...
Fabric, Wood
2012 Martin Visser for Spectrum SB07 Counter Height Stool in Leather
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (the price listed is for each stool, though multiples stools are available) SB07 counter stool, designed by Martin Visser and produced by Spectrum in The ...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Jan Pieter Berghoef Black Lacquered Loveseat for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century loveseat designed by Jan Berghoef for ‘t Spectrum with black lacquered frame and circle cut-out details. Newly upholstered in multicolored Sunbrella stripe fabric. In oth...
Upholstery, Wood
2x Lounge Chairs by Walter Atonis for Spectrum. Sweden, 1970s
By 't Spectrum
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: Pair of black leather, chrome lounge chairs Creator: Walter Atonis for Spectrum Dimensions: -floor to seat: 14” -floor to top of arm: 18.5” -seat width: 21” -seat depth...
Chrome
Martin Visser BR02 Sofa/ Sofa bed/ Daybed by ‘t Spectrum, Dutch Mid-Century
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Listed is an iconic BR02 sofa / sofa bed / daybed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Designed in 1960, this minimalist sofa can be converted in bed with one simple movement. Model no....
Stainless Steel
Rare Pair of 'SZ08' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum, Dick van der Net
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful pair of model ‘SZ08’ lounge chairs designed by Martin Visser in collaboration with Dick Van Der Net for ‘t Spectrum in 1960. This model is only produced for a couple of yea...
Metal
Jan Pieter Berghoef for Spectrum – Pair of SZ 85 Lounge Chairs, 1968
By 't Spectrum
Located in Voorburg, NL
A rare and striking pair of SZ 85 lounge chairs designed by Jan Pieter Berghoef for Spectrum in the 1968/1969 (signed). These bold, industrial-style armchairs embody the forward-thin...
Upholstery, Plywood
SZ01 Lounge Chair by Martin Visser, Rattan & Chrome, Bauhaus Style
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Toronto, CA
By Spectrum Designed By Martin Visser 1960 The SZ 01 armchair with a rattan seat was designed by Martin Visser in 1960. Visser’s signature is unmistakably all over its seemingly si...
Chrome
Set of Four Italian Beech Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Italy - Made of beechwood - Very good craftsman work - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Beech
Set of Four Dining Chairs or Thonet, 1960s
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of beechwood - Presented on the exhibition Expo 58 in Brussel - Good, original condition.
Beech
Florence Knoll 2-Seater Sofa, Classic Mid Century Modern, Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Florence Knoll 2 seater 'lounge series' sofa with original 2nd generation upholstery in a coarse woven off-white mottled wool fabric. This sofa d...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern "Cloud" Walnut Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your living space with this extraordinary vintage Cloud sofa, an iconic creation by celebrated architect and designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Handmade in the Un...
Fabric, Walnut
$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
Mid-Century Modern Petite Sofa or Loveseat Attributed to Overman
By Overman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural looking sofa from the 1970s. It features original upholstery and chrome-plated steel legs.
Steel
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in New York, NY
A completely upholstered design by Pierre Paulin from 1966 and a professional, innovative vision on the well-known ribbon form. Metal frame with horizontal springs, covered with foam...
Textile
$1,471
H 34.65 in W 25.6 in D 31.5 in
Red & Blue De Stijl Armchair by Gerrit Rietveld, vintage 1970-80s
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Brussels, Brussels
The icon of the "De Stijl" movement, created in 1917 by Gerrit Rietveld. This chair is a one off piece, made by a German engineer in the 1970s for his private use. This is a very w...
Oak, Plywood
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
Groovy F598 M Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Funky and elegant Mid-Century Modern Groovy F598 M chair. Design by Pierre Paulin for Artifort in 1973, this version is from the 1980s. Striking French/Dutch design from the 1980s. R...
Metal
$5,882 / set
H 25.99 in W 33.86 in D 32.29 in
Orange Slice Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1980s, Set of 2
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
The famous Artifort orange slice chairs by Pierre Paulin. Designed in the 60s and produced in the 80s. Cute and very comfortable chairs. They have chrome metal legs. This gorgeous...
Metal
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" Armchair for Cassina, 1935
By Cassina, Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gerrit Thomas Rietveld "Utrecht" armchairs for Cassina, wool and steel, Netherlands, 1935. The designer came up with the idea of the “Utrecht” armchair in 1935 while working for t...
Wool
Sold
H 27.56 in W 96.46 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Dutch Design Leather BZ55 Sofa by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Oirlo, LI
This 4-seater sofa is a beautiful design by Martin Visser. Produced by 't Spectrum in 1968. This sofa has chromed Minimalist legs and is still equipped with original black leather...
Metal
Sold
H 27.17 in W 23.63 in D 25.99 in
Pair of SZ02 Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, Netherlands – 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Minimalism Mastered. Timeless Dutch Design. The SZ02 lounge chair, designed in 1960 by Dutch modernist Martin Visser, is a bold testament to the power of functional simplicity. Prod...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 25.99 in W 30.71 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Dutch Lounge Chair in Leather and Steel by Walter Antonis for Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Walter Antonis
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Minimalistic modernist low lounge chair designed by the Dutch designer Walter Antonis for the well known 't Spectrum. They had it in collection from 1971-1974.Hideleather and chromed...
Steel
vintage sofa bank daybed 70s Martin Visser
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa bank daybed 70s Martin Visser period 70s design Martin Visser Spectrum Netherlands condition good minor signs of use size 70 x 19...
Metal
vintage sofa bank daybed 70s Martin Visser
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa bank daybed 70s Martin Visser period 70s design Martin Visser Spectrum Netherlands condition good minor signs of use size 70 x 19...
Metal
Sold
H 28.35 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Martin Visser japanese rush seat & back wengé chairs, Spectrum, 1960's.
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Set of 6 dining chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum in hardwood. Rectangular and square shapes of mixed luxurious organic material, that's what comes to mind if you look at these...
Straw, Wenge
Sold
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 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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 26.97 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
Early Pair of 'SZ02' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful pair of modernist ‘SZ02’ lounge chairs designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum (Holland) in 1960. These early examples date from the 1970s and still have the original bla...
Metal
Sold
H 30.25 in W 31.13 in D 31 in
Martin Visser Cantilever Cube Chrome Wicker Modern Lounge Chairs and Tables
By Marcel Breuer, 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Marrying structural daring with mid-century elegance, this Martin Visser cantilevered lounge set—crafted in the 1970s for Spectrum—becomes a bold statement in both form and comfort. ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 27.96 in D 25.6 in
Walter Antonis SZ14 lounge chair ‘t Spectrum The Netherlands 1971, set of 2
By 't Spectrum, Walter Antonis
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Beautiful patinated pair of low lounge chairs model sz12 designed by walter antonis and manufactured by ‘t spectrum bergeijk, holland 1971. These chairs were in the collection from 1971-1974, so not many were made. These very nice and unusual shaped low lounge chairs have a stainless steel tubular frame with beautiful thick saddle leather which has a stunning patina from age and usage. This is for someone who loves chairs with a lot of character and beauty like these two. The leather is in good condition, reconditioned and has no holes or tears. They are very comfortable. Measurements: w 67 d 65 h 67 cm Seating height: 35 cm Leather is re-conditioned with a leather care...
Steel, Chrome
Martin Visser SZ01 rattan lounge/easy chair
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in BE
Martin Visser SZ01 lounge/easy chair The SZ01 armchair is an example of true Dutch design work. This chair is designed by one of the most famous des...
Rattan
Sold
H 30.25 in W 17 in D 19.5 in
1960 Set of Four "Se 05" Rattan Dining Chairs By Martin Visser For 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous set of 4 dining chairs, created by Martin Visser in 1960 for Dutch furniture manufacturer 't Spectrum. The model features a black metal frame with wicker seat and backrest. ...
Metal