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 Wenge and Green Leather Three Seater Sofa
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, Martin Visser designed, green leather and wenge three seater sofa. Manufactured by the legendary post war furniture manufacturer 't Spectrum. Visser's well execut...
Leather, Wenge
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
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
Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum Armchair in Black Leather
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
Martin Visser SZ01 Easy Chair for 't Spectrum, 1960
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
Martin Visser "BR03" for Spectrum Dutch Minimalist Daybed, Sofa, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
1960s Martin Visser SE 06 Leather & Chrome Chairs, Set of 4
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Martin Visser for the Dutch manufacturer 't Spectrum, the SE 06 is a study in restraint. Four-legged tubular metal frames support flat leather seat and backrest panels, h...
Chrome
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
Artifort/ ‘t Spectrum SZ10 ’M-Chair’ by Ebbing, Haas & Schudel, 1980s
By Artifort, Ton Haas, 't Spectrum
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
Mid-Century Set of 6 Martin Visser Oak and Leather Dining Chairs by 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
SE06 Leather Dining chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1967
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in New York, NY
Pair of SE06 Leather Dining chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1967. Original cognac leather with a brushed steel frame.
Stainless Steel
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 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
Dining Chairs SE06 by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The dining chair SE 06 was designed by Martin Visser in 1960 for ‘t Spectrum. The upholstery consists of original black saddle leather, complementing a tubular, brushed stainless ste...
Stainless Steel
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
Martin Visser BR02 Sofa/ Sofa bed/ Daybed by ‘t Spectrum, Dutch Mid-Century
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
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
Pair of 'SZ01' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Beautiful pair of ‘SZ01’ lounge chairs designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum in 1960. The model number SZ01 refers to the wicker material in which these chairs are made. It’s a ...
Steel
2012 Martin Visser for Spectrum SB07 Counter Height Stool in Leather
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
Rascal Chair by Niall O’Flynn for Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Niall O'Flynn
Located in Toronto, CA
In the creation of the Rascal chair for Dutch furniture brand Spectrum, designer Niall O’Flynn marries his architectural vision with the brand’s commitme...
Steel
Pair of 'SZ62' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, 1964
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Pair of modernist ‘SZ62’ lounge chairs designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum in 1964. This model has actually only been produced for 5 years between 1964-1969 so it’s a lot less ...
Metal
Limited Edition Piet Hein Eek MVPHE Easy Chair for Spectrum
By Piet Hein Eek, 't Spectrum
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
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
$801
H 29.53 in W 73.23 in D 25.99 in
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's
By Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Dimensions at layout: Height:41cm, depth:84cm, width:186cm Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
Venfield Modern Sofa /Daybed
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Modern sofa with 6 back pillows and low, wide arms. This sofa's deep single seat cushion is perfectly sized to serve as a daybed or single bed for ...
Steel
Frozen Green Velvet Three-Seater Sofa, Model Lola
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lola Sofa Velvet Green is a softly shaped sofa. The sofa's frame is made of solid beech and plywood, while the round wooden feet are made of stained beech. A...
Cotton, Velvet, Beech
Italian Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Light Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1950s. Simplistic Italian sofa with clean lines and a high back. The sofa features small tapered wooden legs. The high back embraces the sitter in com...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Osaka lounge chair by Martin Visser for Spectrum
By Martin Visser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Osaka lounge chair by Martin Visser for Spectrum. Made in the Netherlands c. 1970 chrome plated brushed tubular steel, woven wool upholstery with leather straps. L...
Steel
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 77 in D 34 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three-seat sofa, leather, wood, Denmark, ca. 1960. This modest and comfortable three-seat sofa exhibits characteristics reminiscent of Borge Mogensen's design. The vibrant aestheti...
Leather, Wood
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Umber Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This model evokes the timeless elegance of Borge Mogensen's designs. With three spacious seats, it provides ample room for relaxation. The we...
Leather, Mahogany
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
$40,286
H 29.93 in W 92.52 in D 55.12 in
Martin Visser Important One-Off Boomerang Sofa in Wengé and Black Leather 1970
By Martin Visser
Located in Meer, VAN
Martin Visser One-Off Boomerang Sofa in Solid Wengé and Black Leather The Netherlands 1970 A very special and one-off boomerang style sofa by Martin Visser, one of the most renowned...
Leather, Wenge
$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
$1,567Sale 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, Martin Visser, Kho Liang Ie, 't Spectrum
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
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
Sold
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 31.89 in
Lounge Chair Model "Osaka SZ08" designed by Martin Visser, Dutch Sixties Design
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
Sold
H 30.25 in W 21.625 in D 21.5 in
Set of Four 'SE 69' Dining Chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1959
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
Sold
H 26.78 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
Cognac Leather 'SZ02' Lounge Chair by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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
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 Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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 Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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 Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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 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 27.56 in W 27.96 in D 30.32 in
Rare Pair of 'SZ08' Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, 1960s
By Dick van der Net, 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
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