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 Bergijk seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
Mid-Century Martin Visser Lounge Chair in Charcoal with Chrome Frame
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, chrome framed chair with new charcoal upholstered seat and backrest and contrasting blonde armrests. Designed by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum in the early 1960s. Wood ...
Chrome
Set of 2 Easy Chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1960s
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser, 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
Martin Visser SZ13 Three-Piece Leather Sectional Seating Group
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by Dutch manufacturer 't Spectrum, the SZ13 seating system by Martin Visser pairs tubular chrome frames with thick sling-style leather seats and backrests. The three-piece g...
Chrome
Martin Visser SZ04 Lounge Chairs Sofa 't Spectrum, 1964
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare set of 3 lounge chairs model SZ04 designed by Martin Visser and manufacturer by 't Spectrum, The Netherlands 1964. These lounge chairs can ...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Pair of Cream Wool Martin Visser SZ48 Lounge Chairs
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Dronten, NL
Pair of Cream Wool Martin Visser SZ48 Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Dutch Elegance. Timeless sophistication meets iconic design in this striking pair of Martin Visser SZ48 lounge chair...
Steel
Danish Three Piece Sectional "Dane" by Sofa Company
By COR
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful contemporary seat-scape modules 'Dane' by Sofa Company, Denmark, designed and produced in 2020 with 'Danny Dusty Blue' upholstery. The set consists of two corner modules an...
Upholstery
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of barrel back lounge armchairs with chrome tube frames. Great size and shape, seat height is 18.75, very comfy with chrome in tip top shape. Upholstery is a ...
Chrome
$8,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 25 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chairs. America circa 1970’s, iconic Mid-Century Modern styling. Beautiful curves and unique shape. Masterfully restored in a rich dark espre...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Open Arm Walnut Lounge Chairs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut open arm lounge chairs Offered is a beautifully pair of original lounge chairs by Cintique. They are all original and feature the original green ...
Walnut
Black Leather Wooden Frame Mid Century Lounge Chair
By Grete Jalk
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the Epitome of Mid-Century Elegance: The Jatoba Wooden Lounge Chair Experience timeless luxury in your living space? Look no further than our stunning Mid-Century Jatoba ...
Leather, Wood
SE06 Leather Dining chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1967
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum
Located in New York, NY
Pair of SE06 Leather Dining chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1967. Original cognac leather with a brushed steel frame.
Stainless Steel
$4,550 / set
H 30.52 in W 31.11 in D 32.29 in
Mid-Century Modern Wenge Lounge Chairs with Bouclé Upholstery, 1970s
By Martin Visser
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs. In the style of Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Striking Dutch design from the 1970s Solid wenge frames and re-upholster...
Bouclé, Wenge
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning pair of vintage modern Italian lounge chairs with sculpted armrests and angled back legs. The sleek design ensures maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Please confir...
Upholstery, Walnut
$28,000 / set
H 23.63 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in
Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery
By COR, Klaus Uredat
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Amazing, museum quality, modular 'CORBI' seating set, composed of four elements, designed by Klaus Uredat for 'COR', Germany, 1969 complete with the original purchase invoice dated 1972. After receiving many requests to do so, we have carefully unpicked and removed the original custom order pop art upholstery and have now recovered the set in a more neutral, high quality mohair upholstery. A rare, beautiful and highly sculptural pure elemental design, the large dimensions of each .Corbi' seating element allow for them to be used equally as either individual lounge chairs or as a modular sofa. This particular set is a must for serious collectors, this set comes complete with the original German purchase invoice from 1972, which also confirms the additional expense of the custom order upholstery, we have carefully unpicked and kept the original upholstery fabric should the buyer wish to retain it for provenance (please see photos 14 and 15 which illustrate the set with it's original upholstery). The sculptural 'Corbi' modular lounge chair was designed in 1969 and only remained in limited scale production for a few years up to circa 1974. Today this super elegant design is both very popular and now extremely difficult to find due to the passage of time and the limited total production numbers so a large set of elements such as this, is really a rare opportunity. Each 'Corbi' element is composed of two independent Minimalist sculptural forms, one base element and one cylindrical seat back. With the base elements positioned end to end, day beds may...
Foam, Wood, Mohair
$3,800 / set
H 31.5 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
Dutch 1960s Lounge Chairs in Solid Wenge Wood and New Pure Wool Upholstery
By Hein Stolle, Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Very nice engineered and constructed pair of Dutch lounge chairs that are most likely a design by Martin Visser or Hein Stolle for 't Spectrum early 1960s. The frames are made of ...
Wool, Foam, Wenge
$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
$1,575Sale Price|40% Off
H 28.35 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in
Sofa by or in the Style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie, Netherlands, 1960s
By Kho Liang Ie, Martin Visser, 't Spectrum, Artifort
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Minimalistic sofa by or in the style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie. Designer: Unknown. By or in the style of Martin Visser or Kho Liang Ie Manufacturer: Unknown. By or in the sty...
Chrome
Hans Ell Grey Lounge Chair for 't Spectrum
By Hans Ell, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, lounge chair SZ18, the Netherlands, 1970s. This chair was designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. This design has only been in pro...
Steel
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum Red Lounge Chairs
By Hans Elli, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Ell for 't Spectrum, lounge chairs SZ18, The Netherlands, 1970s. This set of chairs was designed by Hans Ell for 't Spectrum. This design has only been in production for one...
Metal
Sold
H 28.55 in W 23.63 in D 26.58 in
Martin Visser Easy Chairs in Steel and Cognac Leather for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Visser for 't Spectrum, set of armchairs, in steel and cognac leather, Netherlands, 1965. These modern, minimalist easy chairs are made of a tubular brushed steel in combina...
Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 28.55 in D 25.6 in
Set of 2 Leather Vane-2 Sling Armchairs by Walter Antonis for T Spectrum, 1970s
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Walter Antonis
Located in Izegem, VWV
These stylish minimalistic sling armchairs, clearly inspired by the Bauhaus movement were designed by Dutch industrial designer Walter Antonis in the 1970s. They feature a light weig...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.37 in W 23.63 in D 25.99 in
Two Mid-Century Modern SZ01 Lounge Chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs. Model SZ01 early edition! Design by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum Bergeijk. Striking Dutch design from the 1950s. B...
Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 24.02 in D 27.96 in
Martin Visser Model Sz01 Lounge Chair ‘T Spectrum the Netherlands 1965
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful iconic lounge chair model SZ01 designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands 1965. This very nice shaped modernist chair has a brushed steel tubular frame and ...
Steel
Sold
H 26.38 in W 23.63 in D 30.71 in
Set of 2 SZ11 Chairs by Martin Visser for ’t Spectrum, 60s the Netherlands
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set of 2 SZ11 chairs by Martin Visser for ’t Spectrum, 60s The Netherlands. Black steel frame and reupholstered seat in sand color fabric. Typical minimalistic Dutch design. In very ...
Metal
Sold
H 70 in W 61 in D 71 in
Martin Visser Model SZ01 Lounge Chairs ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands, 1965
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful iconic pair of lounge chairs model SZ01 designed by Martin Visser for ‘t Spectrum, The Netherlands 1965. These very nice shaped modernist chairs have a brushed steel tubula...
Steel
Jan Pieter Berghoef, t Spectrum 'SZ85' Lounge Chair 1968
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very rare lounge chair Design Jan Pieter Berghoef – ’t Spectrum ‘SZ85’ Manufactured 't Spectrum Holland 1968 Lacquer Plywood. Original Creme Colo...
Plywood
Sold
H 27.63 in W 23.88 in D 27 in
Martin Visser SZ 02 Leather and Chrome Lounge Chair for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin Visser SZ 02 lounge chair for 't Spectrum. Original frames reupholstered with new natural leather. Frames show wear consistent with their age...
Chrome
Walter Antonis "SZ14" Leather and Chrome Framed Lounge Chair
By Walter Antonis, 't Spectrum Bergeijk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walter Antonis "SZ14" for 't spectrum leather and chrome frame lounge chairs, 1971. In original condition with heavy patina and visible wear to leather and chrom...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 26.38 in
Martin Visser, a Set of Two Lounge Chairs Model SZ02 for 't Spectrum
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Munster, NRW
A set of lounge chairs, model SZ02, Dutch design by Martin Visser for 't Spectrum. Designed in 1965. tubular steel frame chromed steel covers black core leather. Age-related wear, th...
Leather