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 "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
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 Martin Visser BZ29 Sofa, Navy Fabric, Black Metal, Teak Arms
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin Visser BZ29 sofa designed for 't Spectrum in 1960. The frame is black enameled metal, spare and rectilinear, with flat teak armrests mounted at the outer edges. Newly upholste...
Metal
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
Dutch midcentury two seater sofa bij Jan Pieter Berghoef voor Spectrum 1967
By 't Spectrum
Located in Zaandam, NL
Sofa bz85 by Jan Pieter Berghoef for ‘t Spectrum, Netherlands, 1968-1969, Green-Stained Beech Plywood and Corduroy Two-seater sofa, model bz85, designed in 1967 by Jan Pieter Bergho...
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
$11,984
H 28.35 in W 86.62 in D 44.1 in
Twins Curved Sofa by Rute Martins, Dark Blue Velvet and Black Lacquer
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Twins curved sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in dark blue velvet on a plinth of black satin lacquer. Handcrafted in Portugal. W 220 x D 112 x H 72 cm (86.6 x 44.1 x 28.3 in)...
Velvet, Upholstery, Lacquer, Cotton
$4,108 / set
H 27.17 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in L 27.17 in
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
$787
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
Fred Lowen T4 Sofa by Tessa Furniture, Black Leather & Teak, 1970s
By Percival Lafer, TESSA Furniture Co, Fred Lowen, Florence Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Low profile meets high comfort without compromise with this T4 Sofa. This particular piece is an early 70s release, and is designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Fu...
Leather, Teak
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 48 in D 30 in
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
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
$1,140
H 29.14 in W 77.17 in D 29.93 in
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed designed by Miroslav Navratil, 1960s.
By Miroslav Navratil, Interiér Praha
Located in Praha, CZ
- very iconic sofa - adjustable - confortable - rare colored
Fabric, Wood
$3,880 / set
H 27.76 in W 27.96 in D 30.32 in
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
French Mid-Century Modern Sofa / Day Bed by A R P & Blue Fabric
By A. R. P.
Located in New York, NY
An early French Architectural Mid-Century Modernist sofa / daybed by A.R.P. Atelier de Recherche Plastique and with a fabric color. The sofa / divan presents a pure 1960 architectura...
Steel
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
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 ...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,540Sale Price|50% Off
H 34.65 in W 57.88 in D 31.5 in
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
Vintage 1961 Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Kroehler, Chicago
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and fully documented example of early 1960s American modernism, this Kroehler sofa carries an extraordinary provenance detail: the original purcha...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Red Mohair Sofa and Daybed, 1950s Asymmetric Design
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dramatic mid-century red mohair sofa that converts to a daybed in a great size. Asymmetric with dog-bone shape, a popular style in the 1950s.
Mohair, Wood
Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low sofa with lifting backrest to open to a daybed. Designed by Hans Wegner with simple mid-century lines and construction. Please confirm location.
Fabric
Martin Visser Wenge and Green Leather Three Seater Sofa
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
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
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 27.56 in W 84.65 in D 30.71 in
sz12/Osaka 3 sofa by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, The Netherlands 1969
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This model SZ12 3-seater sofa 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
Martin Visser Red Sofa Day Bed 1960s Dutch
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Den Haag, 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 ...
Chrome
Martin Visser 1970's Wenge and Leather Sofa for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid century 1970's wenge and caramel leather sofa designed by Martin Visser for renowned Dutch furniture manufacturer 't Spectrum. Honest use of ...
Leather, Wenge
Sold
H 26.78 in W 74.81 in D 30.71 in
Martin Visser BZ53 Blue Newly Upholstered Sofa or Daybed for t'Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in The Hague, NL
Minimalistic and timeless iconic Dutch design sofa designed by Martin Visser for t'Spectrum manufacture in 1960s period, Netherlands. Model number- BZ53. Original chrome and black ...
Chrome
Sold
H 26.78 in W 74.81 in D 30.71 in
Martin Visser BZ53 Newly Upholstered Sofa or Daybed for t'Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in The Hague, NL
Minimalistic and timeless iconic Dutch design sofa designed by Martin Visser for t'Spectrum manufacture in 1960s period, Netherlands. Model number- BZ53. Original chrome and black ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in
Off-White Boucle Martin Visser Sofa Daybed BR-02 't Spectrum Netherlands
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Early edition (1965) fully restored. Martin fisher Avant-gardist, minimalist & art collector Martin Visser (1922-2009) is one of the ' best-known furniture designers from the ...
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
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 ...
Metal
Martin Visser daybed sofa BR02 ‘t Spectrum The Netherlands 1960
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Iconic daybed sofa model BR02 designed by Martin Visser in 1960 and manufactured by 't Spectrum Bergeijk in 1990, The Netherlands. This is the best sold sofa fro...
Fabric
Sold
H 25.6 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Martin Visser "BR43" 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 ''BR43'' designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum 1960s, The Netherlands. Magnificent Minimalist design with black metal ...
Metal
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
Spectrum, 1970 Model Bz49 Sofa by Hans Ell
By 't Spectrum, Hans Ell
Located in Oirlo, LI
A beautiful simple sofa by Dutch designer Hans Ell. He made the Bz49 model in the 1970s for furniture company 't Spectrum. The sofa has a beautiful white f...
Fabric
Sold
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Dutch Design Classic Vintage BR2.7 Daybed by Martin Visser, 1970s
By 't Spectrum, Martin Visser
Located in Renens, CH
Comfortable, but still Minimalist, daybed designed by Martin Visser for Spectrum (the Netherlands) during the 1960s. Features a metal tubular frame, new grey wool upholstery and foam...
Metal