From arranging window displays as a teenager to securing a preeminent position in the decorating and design sphere, Jay Spectre had an extraordinary career. He drew on a range of influences for his lounge chairs, chests of drawers and coffee tables of the 1970s and ‘80s, and is best known for these furnishings as well as his interiors of the era.
For his eponymous Manhattan firm, Spectre created modern, delectable interiors for luxury homes, private aircraft, yachts and offices — his clientele included corporations and affluent figures all over the world — and for his sophisticated furnishings and decor, he found inspiration in Art Deco as well as in Asian and African art..
Spectre’s career in design began modestly — he worked as a window dresser in his Kentucky hometown. He had big plans, however, and moved to New York City, where he would establish the Jay Spectre Inc. design firm. During interviews in the years that followed, Spectre spoke highly of Hollywood glamour and its impact on his work. He was interested in the forces of modernism and technology, and was greatly inspired by the Art Deco era, which was brought to global attention at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. The movement’s textile designers integrated floral motifs and vivid colors into their works, while Art Deco furniture makers were fond of dark woods, modern metals and decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides.
In 1985, in order to grant large manufacturers the rights to produce Spectre’s furniture designs, he formed a licensing firm called J.S.P.S. Inc. with South African-born interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield. This was the era that brought Spectre recognition, awards, and numerous high-profile clients that the designer called “silent celebrities” (they deeply valued their privacy).
Spectre also created furniture that was aimed at younger consumers and intended to be affordable. He introduced an Art Deco–informed spirit at North Carolina’s Century Furniture — a brand that is known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors — where he created oversize, inviting lounge chairs and bentwood benches that featured plush tufted leather cushions. Spectre’s Eclipse collection was at one point among the largest-selling lines for the brand.
Spectre was named one of the top eight designers in America by the Smithsonian Institution for their "Giants of Design 1979" exhibition. He earned a pair of awards from the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1982 and 1983, and was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1986.
Find vintage Jay Spectre seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin 1980's One Arm Chaise Lounge - Down Cushions
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in St. Louis, MO
1980s Post Modern design by Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggin , one arm chaise fully upholstered in original plum linen, with comfy down cushions on four minimal rectangular wood feet....
Upholstery, Down
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture "Art Deco" Influenced Eclipse Lounge Chairs
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in St. Louis, MO
A beautiful pair of 1980s "Eclipse" club or lounge chairs by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Co. of North Carolina. These chairs have sculptural Cerused Oak frames with tubular chr...
Chrome
"SOLO 699" Designer Folding Lounge Chair in Leather by Stefan Heiliger - Germany
By WK Wohnen, Vico Magistretti, Stefan Heiliger
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sculptural aesthetics meet function with this leather version of the Solo 699 folding lounge chair designed by Prof. Stefan Heiliger in the 1980s in Germany for WK Wohnen. Ergonomic Comfort: The thoughtful design ensures optimal seating comfort and relaxation. The backrest has a lever for tilt adjustments. Seat, ottoman, arm and headrest covered with naturally grained thick nappa leather, lightly pigmented, aniline dyed through in a creamy tan yellow. Which features a casual drape, especially on the backrest and seat, emphasizing the softness of the upholstery. Black powder-coated metal steel frame, with mechanical system of the folding ottoman works by pneumatic spring. The armchair can be adjusted continuously, with the entire seat shell tilting backward and the footrest extending – perfect for absolute relaxation. Chair dims folded : 32.68ʺ W × 37.01ʺ D × 36.22ʺ H .. Open 59.05" long. Designer: Prof. Stefan Heiliger, born in Berlin in 1941 - Studied at the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Ulm and with Prof. Wagenfeld in Stuttgart - 1964 - 1977 Designer at Mercedes-Benz - 1974 - 1977 Lecturer at the Offenbach University of Art and Design - since 1977 Professor at the Offenbach University of Art and Design - since 1978 own design office - since 1985 freelance collaboration with renowned furniture manufacturers A contemporary or Post modern version of Mid-Century Modern designs classic like the : Knoll Mies van der Rohe Model 242 MR Adjustable Lounge, Marcel Breuer Long Chair...
Steel
Rare 1948 James Mont Designed Wide Tufted Seat Lounge Chair Oval Back Cushion
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
Circa 1948, documented, by famed NYC designer James Mont, this mid-century modern wide tufted seat lounge chair with ebonized sycamore frame, is ready for your customization. Send yo...
Upholstery, Foam, Sycamore
1970's Dennis Christiansen for Dunbar Gold Tone Leather Sofa Corner Wedge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
RARE Dennis Christiansen for Dunbar gold tone sculptural leather corner or wedge shape sofa chair with curved back and thin profile seat cushion, Dunbar label, circa 1970s. The plush...
Leather
1970s Karl Springer Style Chaise Lounge Sofa by Bernhardt Flair in Golden Silk
By Karl Springer, Bernhardt, Steve Chase
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sleek 1970s Hollywood Regency fully upholstered chaise lounge or sofa for Berhardt Flair in the style of Karl Springer or Steve Chase in original tan silk blend upholstery. Great 70s styling with upholstered flared legs, Ogee around base and angled back and sides to the sofa. In fine original condition, some minor marks on feet and to the backs, one lighter spot on the seat. Foam is in perfect condition on this very comfortable chaise, having to back cushions and two pillows. Usable in present condition, if perfection is sought, plan to recover. Retains Bernhardt Flair Division...
Upholstery
Carsons Mid-Century Chaise Lounge, Silver Velour, Chrome Base, 1950s
By Carsons
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 'wave' form chaise lounge with dimensional silver velour button tufted upholstery with a T-shaped polished chrome base. (CARSONS)(Available in different upholste...
Metal, Chrome
Italian Chrome + Gray Velvet Lounge Chair, 1970s - 2 Available
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1970s Italian lounge chair in dove gray velvet, with a low, generous seat and gently curved back. The form is minimalist and rectilinear, softened by rounded edges and deeply padde...
Chrome
Fine Leather SORIANA Chaiselongue von Tobia & Afra Scarpa
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Original re-edition Soriana Chaiselongue, created by the design duo in 1969 and re-editioned in 2021 by Cassina. Using a chrome-plated frame and taking advantage of new polyurethane ...
Leather
Italian Brushed Aluminum Chaise Lounge, 1960
By John Vesey
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Brushed Aluminum Chaise Lounge w/Black Channeled Leather, 1960s. Style of John Vesey. Original condition. Measures 60” long, 24” deep, 33.75” tall at back.
Aluminum
Warren McArthur, Chaise Longue, Aluminum, White Fabric, USA, c. 1930s
By Warren McArthur
Located in High Point, NC
An aluminum and white fabric chaise longue designed and produced by Warren McArthur, USA, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 33.5" H x 26.5" W x 61.75" D Seat Heigh...
Aluminum
1970s Design Institute America Reclining Lounge Chair in Chromed Steel
By Design Institute America
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Reclining Lounge Chair, produced during the 1970s in the United States by Design Institute America. The piece has off white twill fabric upholstery, and it has a chromed-st...
Steel, Chrome
