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.
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
SZ01 Lounge Chair by Martin Visser, Rattan & Chrome, Bauhaus Style
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
$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
Gerrit Rietveld, Red and Blue Chair / Authentic Chair
By Gerrit Rietveld Jr.
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see a playful kind of experimentation, different from the average modern design, which is more well-behaved and dogmatic. It’s radical, it’s curious, it pushes boundaries. That is a one-of-a-kind piece – unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quality. An artefact for collectors and connoisseurs. A piece without any compromises. Highly valuable, rarely even offered by auction houses. However, it comes with a price. Originally designed in 1917, this chair is a true representation and one of the first pieces of De Stijl movement. Founded in the Netherlands as a reaction against the horrors of WWI, its visual language consisted of pure, geometrical forms and primary colours. As forms and shapes tended to establish balance and harmony in a world of chaos, this piece is a manifestation of the idea. Some of the first chairs were made for the "Rietveld Schröder House...
Aluminum
$1,465
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
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
Customizable Artifort Ribbon Chair by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
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
$1,850
H 35 in W 26 in D 27.5 in
Gerrit Rietveld Design Lounge Chair Mid Century Modern Art Deco Style
By Gerrit Rietveld
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Lounge Chair, originally designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1917, this example is circa 1980s. We do not believe this is a Cassina reedition, more likely it was uniquely made ...
Wood
$10,600 / set
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Modernist Lounge Chairs, by Martin Eisler, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler showcase the mid-century modern Brazilian style with a classic yet innovative design that harmonizes form and function. These pi...
Fabric
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
$16,760 / set
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 33.47 in
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Chairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a soft, luxurious, golden brown 100% mohair fabric. Cassina labels to the underneath. Price...
Alpaca
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina Crate Chairs, Italy, 1970s
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in Almelo, NL
Gerrit Rietveld for Cassina crate chairs, Italy 1970s. Pair of two Gerrit Rietveld' Crate' chairs. These chairs were designed in 1934 and produced by...
Ash
Sculptural Pine Lounge Chairs, 1970s Dutch Design – Pair
Located in Almelo, NL
Sculptural Pine Lounge Chairs, 1970s Dutch Design – Pair This rare set of two armchairs, handcrafted in The Netherlands in the 1970s, is a beautiful representation of utilitarian mo...
Pine
Ben Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Dronten, NL
Designed by visionary French designer Pierre Paulin for Artifort, the Ben Chair exemplifies his signature sculptural approach to seating. With its soft, organic curves and inviting f...
Aluminum
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 Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
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 't Spectrum, Martin Visser, Marcel Breuer
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 Walter Antonis, 't Spectrum
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
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum SZ 67 Lounge Chair
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Norwalk, CT
Indulge in the enigmatic allure of the Martin Visser SZ 67 Lounge Chair, a true design classic. This example - with its sleek black steel frame and bold red wool upholstery - is the ...
Steel
Sold
H 35.44 in W 31.11 in D 33.86 in
Nagoya SZ09 black lounge chair by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Netherlands
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Nagoya SZ09 black lounge chair by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Netherlands. It was designed for the Osaka series in 1969 for the Dutch pavilion at the World Expo in Tokyo. Manufactu...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.11 in D 30.71 in
sz08/Osaka 1 lounge chair by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, The Netherlands 1969
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This model SZ-08 lounge chair was designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum in 1969 (collection 1969-1974). It is part of the Osaka series that was exhibited at the World Fair in Jap...
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 30.71 in D 30.71 in
Set of Two Leather "Osaka" Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1970s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in DE MEERN, NL
SET OF TWO ARMCHAIRS "OSAKA ZS08" BY MARTIN VISSER FOR 'T SPECTRUM, NETHERLANDS 1969S If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable addition to your living space, the vintage brow...
Chrome
Martin Visser Wenge and Coral Leather Lounge Chair For 't Spectrum
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coral leather lounge chair was designed by Martin Visser for t' Spectrum. The chair has a solid wenge frame, leather armrests, decorative leather tassels on the cushion backs and hea...
Leather, Wenge
Set of 2 Early SZ01 Fauteuils by Martin Visser
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in BE
Set of 2 early SZ01 fauteuils by Martin Visser The SZ01 armchair is an example of true Dutch design work. These chairs are designed by one of the most famous designers of the Nether...
Leather
Mid Century SZ73 Armchairs by Martin Visser for Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of midcentury armchairs model SZ73 designed by Martin Visser voor Spectrum. Consisting out of thick black leather cushions and armrests on a wenge wooden frame with beautiful...
Leather, Wenge
Pair of Model 30 Gijs Van Der Sluis Lounge Chairs
By 't Spectrum, Gijs Van Der Sluis
Located in BE
Pair of model 30 Gijs Van Der Sluis lounge chairs. Rare set of model 30 Gijs Van Der sluis chairs. These chairs were manufactured by ‘t Spectrum in the ...
Upholstery