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Karl Springer Furniture

American, German, 1931-1991

The Berlin-born, New York–based designer Karl Springer brought a chic, high-fashion sensibility to his coffee tables, mirrors, Lucite lamps and other furnishings. During his heyday in the 1970s, Springer’s work was a favorite of the glamour set, who enjoyed the novelty of pieces finished in rich and striking materials that ranged from exotic hides and skins to lacquer and chromed metal.

In a sense, Springer was a pre-postmodernist. Much as the dull, safe, corporate sameness of late 20th-century modernism prompted Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves and others to explore new and provocative structures and materials in design and architecture, so, too, was Springer driven to enliven his creations with fresh and alluring energy and sleekness.

Springer came to New York in the late 1950s and found work arranging window displays at the department store Lord & Taylor. He had studied bookbinding in Germany, and, using his meticulous skills, he began crafting desk accessories wrapped in leather as a sideline. These pieces were sold in luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman and drew a sophisticated clientele that included the Duchess of Windsor.

By 1965, Springer had established his own Manhattan atelier. It was Pierre Scapula, decorator to Jackie and Aristotle Onassis, who spotted Springer's disco-era Onassis chairs — which didn't yet have a name — first commissioned for a private residence in Acapulco, on the floor of the designer’s East 61st Street showroom. Jackie ordered barstools for the couple’s yacht, the Christina O, and dining chairs for their house on the Greek mainland.

At the time of his death, Springer had showrooms as far afield as Los Angeles, Tokyo and Munich.

The chairs, tables, credenzas and other furniture forms Springer created are generally simple, but substantial, and often have robust, rounded lines. The appeal of his work lies in Springer's insistence on exacting construction and, above all, his eye for unusual materials and finishes.

Springer employed Lucite, brass, and gunmetal along with chromed and polished steel, and revived exquisite finishes rarely seen since the days of Art Deco masters such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank: shagreen (a type of sharkskin), python, goatskin, bone, horn, and lacquered parchment, as well as fabrics that include batik prints. Made of such materials, Springer’s work is by its very nature flamboyant and eye-catching: a suite of pieces will astonish, and an artfully placed side table in exotic hide will add a surprising spark.

Find a collection of vintage Karl Springer furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Karl Springer
Karl Springer Pair of Petite Hand-Lacquered Chest of Drawers
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional and possibly unique pair of Karl Springer commodes with inset glass tops over three rounded drawers on an inset plinth. What sets this set apart is the beautiful hand...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer 1977 Goatskin Backgammon Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer - Authenticated 1977 Extremely Rare Goatskin Backgammon Game Table Parsons Style Backgammon Table with Cover Bakelite Game Pieces All Original Condition Beautiful...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Leather, Bakelite, Wood

Karl Springer Zebrawood Writing Desk with Stainless Steel and Brass Accents
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer zebrawood writing desk with stainless steel and brass accents Offered for sale is a highly polished Karl Springer exotic zebrawood writing desk with a stainless stee...
Category

Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.
Category

1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Clear Murano Glass Candleholder by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980s hand blown Murano glass candleholder designed by Karl Springer. Hand signed by Karl Springer (see detail photos). Measuremen...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...
Category

1980s American American Craftsman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather

Set of Three Gold Leaf Brass and Chrome Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of three gold leaf brass and chrome candlesticks design by renowned American designer Karl Springer in the 1980s. The gold leaf brass finish is very unusual as they a...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Polished Brass Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980s polish brass and black lacquered wastebasket by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid brass with the inside black lacquered. Newly professionally polished and lacquer...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gunmetal and Chrome Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1970s gunmetal and chrome floor lamp by American renowned designer Karl Springer. The lamp has been newly rewired and has a new chocolate brown faux lizard shade. Overal...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Polish Stainless Steel Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980’s solid polish stainless steel wastebasket by Karl Springer. Out of a Steve Chase designed estate. We also have one available in pol...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful set of eight "Regency" armchairs designed by Karl Springer in original lacquered lacewood.
Category

1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Italian Scavo Murano Glass Candlestick by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous Italian Scavo Murano glass candlestick designed by Karl Springer for Seguso. Constructed of rough texture amber and clear M...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Documented Karl Springer Set of Three Midcentury Brass and Chrome Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic set of candlesticks were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century- in America, circa 1985. It features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cylindrical body all in lustrous brass with a chrome banding at the base and pinnacle of the bodies. Two of the candles are the same length, while the third (meant to be positioned in the center) is taller. The candle affixes to the center of the top of each candle stick via a pointed conical pin in chrome. With its austere form and bold modernist lines- inspired by the verve and élan of first rate Art Deco design- these candlesticks are as versatile as they are gorgeous. They would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent condition. The candlesticks are documented on page 17 of the Springer catalogue...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome, Brass

Magnificent Pair Karl Springer Marbleized Blue Lacquer Lucite Table Lamps, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare pair of Karl Springer marbleized blue lacquer and Lucite bubble table lamps, USA, 1970s. Retains Springer's original marbleiz...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Etruscan Wall Sconces Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of wall Etruscan sconces designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, circa 1970s. Made of chromed steel with opaque Lucite. Great proportion with modern materials and silhouet...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Karl Springer Lucite Sculpture Leg Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Lucite sculpture leg coffee table by Karl Springer with glass top.
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Extra Large Goatskin Beveled Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular extra large half round molding beveled mirror with step down detail. The mirror was designed by Karl Springer LTD in the 1980s. The mirror is covered with goatskin and ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic table lamp by Karl Springer. This great lamp features three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. It has a two light cluster socket with Sprin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Mirror Labeled
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Karl Springer tessellated stone mirror with a nice bevel. The mirror is quite substantial with a deep angle as it is almost 3 inch...
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Mirror

Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Countryside, IL
Karl Springer Mid Century lacquered goat skin side end table Table measures: 36.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 25.75 inches high This piece is available in what we call restored vintage condi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Signed Karl Springer Table Lamp with a Sandblasted Glass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and rare table lamp by Karl Springer in the 1970s. Has a beautiful sandblasted glass base. In excellent condition, has a refurbished lampshade. Signed on bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Set of 6 American Post-War Geometric Side Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 American Post-War Design (1980s) all parchment veneer side chairs with a simple geometric form (att: KARL SPRINGER)
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper, Wood

Large-Scale Leather and Brass Ottoman by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large-scale leather and heavy brass ottoman designed by Karl Springer. Newly reupholster in a distressed gray leather. The round heavy brass bottom has hidden wheels, making movi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Python Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular coffee table covered in real brown python with polished steel banding on the legs.
Category

20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Octagonal Chrome and Marbelized Lacquer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer octagonal mirror with 1" bevel, framed in a butterscotch yellow veined lacquer that resembles marble at much less weight. Polis...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Sculpture Table Sandstone Cantilever 1980s Glass Brass Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Karl Springer "Sculpture" table in sandstone. This table will have a new glass-the one picture has a large chip.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Sandstone

Pair of Brass and Gunmetal Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare pair of gunmetal and brass table lamps design by Karl Pringer in the 1980s. It’s rare to find this as lamps, they are usually candlesticks. They have been newly rewired with n...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Console Dining Table Authenticated
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of authenticated tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd. The bases are currently configured as a pair of console tables with glass tops, but they can ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Snake-Textured Leather and Bronze Regency Modern Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Snake-textured leather (or leatherette) and bronze Regency modern cocktail table. This is an original Karl Springer piece and retains...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass

Karl Springer Snakeskin Telephone Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Water Mill, NY
Karl Springer signed snakeskin telephone table on brass wheels. In pale yellow
Category

Late 20th Century Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Serpentine, Brass

Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous Murano scavo glass torchère floor lamp designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s for Seguso Italy. The lamp is signed by Karl Springer. The lamp takes a regular Edison ligh...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Modern Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Brown Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern sculptural bench clad in brown scored leather by Karl Springer. Very good condition. Dimensions: 18" depth x 44" W x 22" H, seat height 16.5".
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Pair of Modernist Lacquered Parchment Side Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unusual pair of lacquered parchment side tables by Karl Springer with interlocking glass top.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass

Karl Springer Side or End Table in Tessellated Stone Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Side or End Table in Tessellated Stone Signed Two-Tier Table with Drawer signed Karl Springer. Gorgeous, seldom-seen two-tier table in tessellated stone with brass inl...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

Dark Brown Scored Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970s H dark brown scored leather bench by renowned designer Karl Springer. The bench is constructed of wood covered in dark brown scored leather. Newly restored. Shows minor wear consistent with age. Sheep rug...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Original Karl Springer Television Cabinet 1989 Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Cabinet covered in goatskin with clear finish. Two doors with stainless steel pulls, cabinet has black interior.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Sandblasted Lucite Torchere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of monumental torchiere floor lamps. These oversized lamps were designed by Karl Springer for Karl Springer Ltd, circa 1970s for bespoken spacious interior as statement lighting. Will look amazing in a large living room or dinging room...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Mark II Leather Coffee Table, 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II Leather and Brass Coffee Table, 1974. Original condition Measures 76" long 48" deep 15.5" tall
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pivoting Painted Goatskin Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pivoting box, covered in sliced petrified coral Label below. See photo can to get a sense of scale.   
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Monumental "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Enormous "Saturn" mirror in bevelled glass by Karl Springer, 1980s. Minor age appropriate wear (see photos) that in no way detracts from the striking and impressive quality of this m...
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Karl Springer Pair of Bedside Tables in Lacquered Barkwood 1986 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted bedside tables in lacquered barkwood, each with a drawer, by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated “Karl Springer 1986” with leather label on bot...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with Polished Gunmetal Bases, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with custom graphic fabric and bases in seamlessly welded solid polished gunmetal with recessed castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans are classic Karl Springer. The recessed castors make them very easy to move around. They are beautiful accents for any room. Reference: Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 14...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer 2-Tier Tray Top Side Table in Blue Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Tray Top Side Table with removable tray in blue shagreen with bone inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's (remnant of brass Karl Springer label on top of table ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Rare Coffee Table with Solid Lucite Base & Glass Top 1980s, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Lucite Trestle Style Coffee Table" with base in solid polished Lucite with glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" in Lucite on leg). This is an exc...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Karl Springer Monumental 2-Tier Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted and impressive 2-tier "Triangular Leg Coffee Table" in lacquered goatskin on a recessed bronze base by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The large scale of the ta...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Snakeskin Side/End Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Snakeskin Side/End Table 1980's. Original
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer 2-Tier Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin with Bone Inlays 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted Tray Top Coffee Table in lacquered goatskin with circular bone inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The coloration of the goatskin is superb. The bone inlay...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Hinged Parchment and Brass Velvet Lined Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hinged parchment and brass velvet lined box by Karl Springer. Vibrant shades of oranges and reds on the painted goatskin parchment. Velvet lined seg...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Box with Shagreen Interior
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very handsome and iconic lidded box by Karl Springer. Made of tessellated stone, this example has brass accents and a shagreen interior. There's also a gorgeous wood trim d...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Round Bronze Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of lamps by Karl Springer. A rate pair, being of smaller diameter than usual. Retain original shades. Shades measure 19” bottom diameter, 12” tall.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Pair of "J.M.F. Chairs" in Gray Goatskin Lacquer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of “J.M.F. Chairs” in hand-applied artisan goatskin lacquer, gray with green highlights, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The coloration and variation of the goatskin lacquer ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Set of 4 Dining/Game Chairs in Black Lacquer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 "Regina" game/dining chairs in high gloss black lacquer with seats and backs upholstered in black leather by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These elegantly curving chairs a...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 596 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Hollis Jones, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Karl Springer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $428 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
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