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.
Jay Spectre, Sofa, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1980s
By Jay Spectre
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan and printed fabric sofa designed by Jay Spectre, USA, c. 1980s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Patina and wear such as but not l...
Fabric, Rattan
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa This sofa measures: 88 wide x 39.5 deep x 26.25 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 26.25 inches Good Vintage Condition. ...
Upholstery
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa
By Jay Spectre
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Postmodern Channeled Sofa This sofa measures: 77 wide x 39 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches We take our photos in a...
Upholstery, Wood
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jay Spectre Channeled Postmodern Sofa Loveseat This loveseat measures: 67 wide x 40 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 26.75 inches Good Vintage Co...
Upholstery
$6,300Sale Price|30% Off
H 28 in W 161 in D 37 in
Postmodern Sculptural Curved Serpentine Sectional Snake Sofa
By Milo Baughman
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Monumental serpentine snake sectional sofa in the style of Vladimir Kagan and Milo Baughman. This unique modular curved sofa consists of three interlocking sections reupholstered in ...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Wood
$1,350
H 35 in W 80 in D 32 in
Postmodern Leather Sofa in the style of Nicoletti Salotti Italian 3 Seat Sofa
Located in Rochester, NY
Iconic postmodern rich red leather 3 person sofa. These are probably the Natuzzi version of the Nicoletti Salotti Italian leather sof...
Leather
$35,000
H 35 in W 101 in D 39 in
Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa, Mid-Century Modern, Wood Legs, USA, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare find, the Tangent sofa with an open chaise feature by Vladimir Kagan Angle Tangent Sofa for Preview is an exquisite addition to any mid-century modern collection. This sofa bo...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 37 in D 72 in
Italian Black Leather Postmodern Loveseat by i4 Mariani for the Pace Collection
By Pace Collection, i4 Mariani
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice black leather Postmodern loveseat by I4 Mariani for the Pace Collection, circa late 1980s. The piece is in great condition with super h...
Leather
Postmodern Sculptural Curved Kidney Cloud Sofas – Pair of 2
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Make a bold statement with this stunning pair of Postmodern Sculptural Curved Kidney Cloud Sofas, dating to the 1990s. Featuring dramatic curved silhouettes, oversized rounded cushio...
Upholstery
$14,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 22 in D 22 in
Eight Rare Jay Spectre Black Lacquer Dining Chairs
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
These dining chairs represent the Jay Spectre interpretation of a Classic Louis XVI form. More often found with limed white oak frames, the black lacqu...
Wood, Upholstery
Italian Red Leather Sofa by Divanotti, Postmodern, 1990s
Located in Praha, CZ
An outstanding Italian postmodern two-seat sofa produced by Divanotti during the 1990s. Distinguished by its dramatic sculptural silhouette, sweeping integrated armrests, floating se...
Metal
Vintage Postmodern White Leather Sofa, circa 1970s–1980s
Located in Montréal, CA
Striking vintage postmodern sofa upholstered in luxurious white leather. Featuring a generous, low-profile silhouette with generously padded cushions, sculptural rounded arms, and di...
Leather
Biomorphic Postmodern Sofa
Located in Culver City, CA
An absolutely stunning Postmodern sofa designed and created in the mid-1990s. This stunning 1990's vintage biomorphic sofa would look incredible in any Mid-Century Modern and postmodern styling. This contemporary cloud style sofa...
Chenille
Postmodern Italian 1980s Sofa, Two-Seat
By Memphis Milano
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 1980s Postmodern two-seat sofa. Sculpted beech frame with aluminum accents. Original warm yellow cream leather cushions. Very good condition, comfortable seat. Dimensions: 1...
Leather, Plywood
1980s Rare Palecek Sculptural Rattan President Sofa
By Palecek Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning rattan sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, i...
Rattan
$6,000 / set
H 34 in W 26.25 in D 33.5 in L 34 in
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
$26,291
H 35.44 in W 149.61 in D 149.61 in
1970s Curved Modular Sofa, Postmodern Design, Linen Upholstery
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Striking modular curved sofa from the late 1970s, with a strong postmodern character and a playful, almost sculptural silhouette. The design is composed of multiple rounded seating e...
Linen
$11,250Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 32 in W 90 in D 36 in
1980s Stick Reed Rattan Sofa & Chair Living room Set w/ Overstuffed Cushions
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Full Art Deco-style "Presidents" Stick Reed Rattan Living Room Set, with a reclining Lounge chair, ottoman and a 3-seat sofa. Each piece features a classic stick rattan framing with ...
Wicker, Rattan
Thayer Coggin Curved Channeled Asymmetric Sofa, USA 1980s
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Miami, FL
A 1980s vintage asymmetric curved sofa by Thayer Coggin. The sofa is back-channelled and is lower on the left end as you face it. The sofa has two seat cushions and is marked Thaye...
Fabric
Jay Spectre Sofa Navy Blue Mohair, 1990
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre sofa navy blue Mohair, 1990. Newly reupholstered.
Mohair
Jay Spectre Sofa on Chrome Base
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre sofa. Fully restored. Reupholstered in black mohair on polished chrome bases. Priced individually.
Chrome
Jay Spectre Sofas on Chrome Bases
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Jay Spectre sofas. Fully restored. Reupholstered in black mohair on polished chrome bases. Priced individually.
Chrome
Jay Spectre Channeled Sectional Sofa
By Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Three piece sectional sofa with an ottoman by Jay Spectre. Sofa details include drop down arm rests. Fully restored. New 100% angora mohair upholstery.
Mohair