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 7 Drawer Oak Dresser by Century
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Jay Spectre for Century, this dramatic 7-drawer dresser from his "Eclipse" collection is a post-modern take on Deco / Moderne design. Crafted of oak with a black lacquer ...
Chrome
Jay Spectre Cerused Oak 8 Drawers Dresser Completely Restored
By Jay Spectre
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern Jay Spectre light grey cerused oak long dresser credeza.
Oak
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Jay Spectre Cerused White Oak, Two-Drawer Commode
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, two-drawer commode in cerused white oak with brushed steel base and top banding. Could also be used as a flat scre...
Steel
Modernist Commode Night Table by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Voguish dresser, commode, night stand designed by Jay Spectre for the Century Furniture Company. This chic chest features two deep drawers, a brushed steel plinth base, and cerused...
Steel
$29,000
H 32.5 in W 105 in D 22 in
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Walnut
Mid Century 9 Drawer Dresser
By Jan Kuypers
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional nine drawer dresser, of solid teak wood construction, in clean original vintage condition. This exceptional dresser was designed by Jan Kuypers for Imperial...
Walnut
Oak Parquetry Six Drawer Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A light oak parquetry six-drawer dresser in dawn finish. This beautiful hand-carved oak dresser includes six drawers with mirrored herringbone starburst ...
Wood
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 85.5 in D 19.5 in
Danish Mid Century 8 Drawer Double Dresser Att. to Sven Ellekaer Teak
By Sven Ellekaer
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Danish Modern double dresser in exceptional refinished condition. This example features eight drawers, two banks of four drawers each, it is constructed of solid teak, and...
Teak
$3,249Sale Price|29% Off
H 30.25 in W 66 in D 17.5 in
Postmodern Cerused Pink Dresser In the Style of Jay Spectre for Century, 1980s
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking 1980s Postmodern dresser has been fully refinished in a custom cerused pink finish with contrasting white grain, giving the oak an architectural texture that feels both...
Wood, Oak
Gustavian 19th Century Grey Painted 3 Drawer Dresser
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Late Swedish 19th century painted chest of drawers. This 3 drawer dresser has a charming break front style with the original brass hardware.
Bronze
$28,000
H 32 in W 66 in D 22.25 in
Restored 'Station Wagon' Ten-Drawer Dresser by Paul Frankl, c. 1945, Signed
By Paul Frankl, John Stuart Inc., Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare collectors ten-drawer dresser is by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1945, from the 'Station Wagon' series of bedroom furniture. Beautifully contrasting Mahogany...
Brass
$3,998 / item
H 19.3 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
"Il Pezzo 2 Nightstand" night table - solid walnut - Carrara marble - nickel
By Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Firenze, IT
Classic, flowing and gentle contours, Il Pezzo 2 gives its own reading of time, old pieces inspiring familiar and comforting sensations. Crafted entirely from solid American walnut, ...
Carrara Marble, Brass, Nickel
$3,998 / item
H 19.3 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
"Il Pezzo 2 Nightstand" night table - solid walnut - Carrara marble - brass
By Il Pezzo Mancante
Located in Firenze, IT
Classic, flowing and gentle contours, Il Pezzo 2 gives its own reading of time, old pieces inspiring familiar and comforting sensations. Crafted entirely from solid American walnut, ...
Carrara Marble, Gold, Brass
6-Drawer Silver Trim Mirrored Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Custom 6-drawer silver trim mirrored dresser with Lucite knobs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes, and hardware.
Silver Leaf
$3,973 / item
H 20.48 in W 22.84 in D 13.78 in
Handcrafted Night Stand, Solid Walnut & Oak by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Our K series drawer nightstand is handcrafted from premium American black walnut. The upper cabinet is defined by beautifully exposed hand-cut dovetail joints, an enduring hallmark o...
Oak, Walnut
Jay Spectre for Century Cerused Oak Two Piece Armoire.
By Jay Spectre, Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Tall cabinet by Jay Spectre for Century. Two doors open to reveal a six-compartment section that can be removed and used as a large open space for a flat screen T.V. Also features f...
Stainless Steel
$4,250
H 31 in W 72 in D 19 in
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture Postmodern Waterfall Dresser, Bleached Oak
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A signed and labeled Jay Spectre for Century Furniture dresser in bleached/limed oak, featuring the designer’s signature bold waterfall edge. Deep bullnose rails wrap continuously ar...
Oak
$2,750
H 32.5 in W 41.5 in D 18.25 in
Neoclassical Directoire Style Brass Mounted 3 Drawer Commode By Century
By Century Furniture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 32 1/2 in W: 41 1/2 in D: 18 1/4 in This refined Neoclassical Directoire style three-drawer commode by Century Furniture is an elegant fusion of classical French de...
Metal, Brass
Custom Cerused Oak Armoire by Jay Spectre, Modern Design, USA, 1980s
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Custom Finished, Cerused Oak wardrobe by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. Wardrobe features 2 large bottom drawers and doors open to reveal a series of cubicles and smaller drawers...
Nickel
Jay Spectre Chest for Century Furniture, circa 1980
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jay Spectre chest for Century Furniture, circa 1980. This piece has been professionally restored.
Metal
Jay Spectre Chest/Cabinet in Bleached Oak 1980s (Signed)
By Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chest/Cabinet in bleached oak with steel trim by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1980's (label in drawer reads "Century Jay Spectre"). The interior is beautifully outfitt...
Steel
Ceruse Chest of Drawers or Dresser by Jay Spectre
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ceruse stained black oak seven-drawer chest of drawers or cabinet or dresser by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture. On brushed steel plinth base with steel banding. King-sized headboard with attached...
Steel
Chest of Drawers in Bleached Oak by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Long chest of drawers in bleached oak with steel trim by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1980's (label in drawer reads "...
Chest of Drawers in Cereuse Oak by Jay Spectre
By Jay Spectre
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Long chest of drawers in cereuse oak with steel trim by Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, American 1980's (label in drawer reads "Century Jay Spectre")
Jay Spectre Cerused White Oak Two-Drawer Commode
By Century Furniture, Jay Spectre
Located in Chicago, IL
Jay Spectre for Century Furniture, two drawer commode in cerused white oak with brushed steel base and top banding. Could also be used as a flat scre...
Jay Spectre Pair of Bedside Tables
By Jay Spectre
Located in New York, NY
Jay Spectre (1929-1992) Pair of ebonized cerused oak bedside tables with bullnose trim and two drawers raised on brushed steel plinth base. ...
Steel