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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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Item Ships From: Miami
Creator: Karl Springer
Karl Springer, Chinese Curved Back Chair, USA, c. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This documented rare chair by Karl Springer, found in his catalogue of original creations, is made of chrome-plated steel, brass and lucite. The seat cushion is upholstered in a fine...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Set 3 Karl Springer LTD Polished Brass Nesting Pillar Candlesticks Holders 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
These 3 graduated Karl Springer LTD polished Brass Candlesticks are designed by Karl Springer circa 1985 in America. Each features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cyli...
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Signed Karl Springer Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a phenomenal pair of SIGNED Karl Springer sculptural, wide and heavy lamps shaped as a rectangular block at the base and as a ninety degree angle semi-tunnel in shade. Both ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Karl Springer Tortoise Style Brass and Penn Shell Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer coffee table. This table is stunning with great lines and proportions. The size is quite versatile as it is not too big or too small. No sharp corners.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Mid-Century Set of 4 Onassis Bar Stools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 "Onassis Bar Stools" in a goat skin frame and saddle brown calf skin cushions with a brass foot rail. Designed by Karl Springer. Made in Ame...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Nice mirror. Vanity or shaving.Brass and nickel. It swivels and one side is magnifying.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Karl Springer Large Swivel Magnifying Round Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Largest size this mirror was executed by Karl Springer. One side is 1:1 and the other side is magnifying.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Original Karl Springer Chairs, Stainless Steel and Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
One of Karl Springer’s most popular and versatile designs, the Regency Arm Chair features a slightly tilted back for maximum comfort. The frame is mirror polished stainless steel wit...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair, Karl Springer Lucite Swivel Function Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern frosted and clear Lucite Bar Stools made in America in the early 1980. They have a smooth swivel and tilt Function and come with the origina...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Faux Leather

Karl Springer Large Double Table Mirror, Brass and Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular mirror by Karl Springer. Substantial yet graceful design, achieved by the use of sumptuous and modern materials, an icon by any standard. The double mirror can be tilted....
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Set of Five (5) Karl Springer Grey Lacquered Goatskin Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
Karl Springer set of five JMF grey goatskin lacquers clad bar stools, 1980s. In original preserved condition. Lacquered Goat Skin Clad over Wood. Not signed. Stored 20+ years in a...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Karl Spring Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Goat Skin Dining, Conference Table 70s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
For Sale is this large almost round floating Karl Springer dining table on two half round pedestal bases, made in America in the 1970. All wood core decorated with the Goat Skin an...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Brass, Gunmetal & Lucite Floor Lamp America
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
6 feet tall amazing and rare floor lamp by Karl Springer made in American in the 1970s. The Bronze Finish gunmetal stem is covered in Lucite with Brass De...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table with Brass and Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer stainless steel coffee table with brass and glass top Offered for sale is a 1980s Karl Springer stainless steel coffee t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Lucite, Glass and Gold Plated Over Brass Console, Desk or Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold, Brass

Karl Springer Rare and Monumental Shagreen Pair of Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of exquisite lamps by Karl Springer. The large spheres are solid wood meticulously covered in shagreen, the Pyramid shades are also wood covered in shagreen. Reportedly just a...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

Signed Karl Springer Goatskin and Smoked Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Elegant Parson's style coffee table by Karl Springer in matte-finished, pale bleached goatskin with contrasting smoked glass top, circa 1980. Leather maker's label.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Smoked Glass, Wood

Pair of Signed Springer Bleached Oak Onassis Chairs, 1983 - Two Pairs Available
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Beach-chic tones of cream, white, oyster grey and palest taupe make these bleached oak 1980s Karl Springer "Onassis" chairs absolute stunners. Expertly upholstered in a luxe cream bo...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Oak, Bouclé

Original Signed Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Tessellated Horn
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This rare and signed large Karl Springer mirror in tessellated horn with deco style accents. It is very heavy and beveled mirror which makes this a wonderful and impressive scale mir...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Horn

Pair of Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" in Blue Velvet
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
Original pair of Karl Springer Souffle ottomans/poufs on casters for easy moving. Polished steel base and blue velvet upholstery.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps Vintage
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful angled and sculptural Karl Springer lucite table base has brass caps.There is no glass provided for this great base. One...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Signed Karl Springer Ostrich Embossed Leather Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This iconic and rare waterfall design vintage side table by Karl Springer features a recessed drawer and 3/4 inch thick glass shelf (chip to glass on backside - not visible). Can be ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass

Pair of Karl Springer "Sculpture" Side Tables in Sandstone
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a rare pair of "Sculpture" tables in sandstone, bronze and glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Sandstone, Bronze

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Burl Wood & Brass Coffee Table By Karl Springer, 1970's
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A unique burl wood coffee table with large brass accents. This table dates to the 1970's and is attributed to Karl Springer due to its typical matching design features. It has a low ...
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Set of Five (5) Karl Springer Grey Lacquered Goatskin Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
Karl Springer set of five JMF grey goatskin lacquers clad bar stools, 1980s. In original preserved condition. Lacquered Goat Skin Clad over Wood. Not signed. Stored 20+ years in a...
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Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Bar Stools
Located in Sheffield, MA
Set of 3 stylish deco style bamboo and caned vintage bar stools with vinyl padded seat cushions. Made in France in 1950s. The stools would be equally at home in a cafe bar, kitchen counter or breakfast bar.
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Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Square Mid-Century Modern table with lacquered canvas and metal rim base. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).  
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
H 15 in W 30 in D 30 in
Previously Available Items
Karl Springer Pair of Tortoise Style Penshell Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of Karl Springer lamps. Completely done in tessellated penshell rectangles with a glossy polished finish. The look very closely resembles tortoise shell. Brass hardware. Each ...
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1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Karl Springer Pair of Swing Arm Floor Lamps in Brass and Gun Metal 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A rare pair of swing arm floor lamps by Karl Springer. Rare and timeless gun metal and brass combination. All original even retaining the...
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Karl Springer Style Lucite and Chrome Chunky Column Candlesticks Pair Of Vintage
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of chic chunky thick Karl Springer style lucite and chrome column candlesticks are monumental. They are 2 different heights. The larger one is 18.5" H and the smaller one i...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Chrome

Signed Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin & Brown Leather Game Table, Card Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Original signed Karl Springer Game Table or Card Table in Lacquered Goatskin, Leather Legs in Brown & Taupe Color. The Goatskin is in great condition with a rich dark yellow color. ...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

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Goatskin, Leather

Karl Springer Upholstered Brass/ Lucite Ottoman Poufs, 1980s on Casters, a pair
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Upholstered Brass/ Lucite ottoman poufs, 1980s on Casters, a pair Offered for sale is a wonderful pair of Karl Springer rolling poufs. Th...
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Karl Springer Lucite Greek Key Bench Ottoman
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A Lucite stool by Karl Springer. Signed on bottom edge. New boucle upholstery.
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1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Bouclé, Lucite

Karl Springer Lizard and Brass Wall Mirror, 1987
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A Classic Karl Springer mirror. The wide frame is done in lizard skin with brass accents. Beveled mirror. Signed in back as pictured.
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1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Bronze

Karl Springer Gunmetal and Brass Coffee Table, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier coffee or cocktail table rendered in gunmetal, brass and glass by Karl Springer, signed. Glass shelf height Upper - 17-3/8” Lower - 7-1/2.
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1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Metal, Brass

Monumental Karl Springer Saturn Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Five pieces of beveled mirror create this minimalistic masterpiece by Karl Springer, circa 1980s.
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20th Century Italian Minimalist Karl Springer Furniture

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Mirror

Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass and steel vanity mirror by Karl Springer. The mirror rotates and has a standard and a magnifying mirror.    
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1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
H 15 in W 21 in D 5 in
Pair of Karl Springer Metal Ball Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of metal lamps in a polished copper finish. Rare to find these lamps in copper. See the KS red Binder catalogue. Page 3. KS Ltd metal ball lamp...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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Metal

Pair of Karl Springer Metal Ball Lamp
Pair of Karl Springer Metal Ball Lamp
H 15.5 in W 26.5 in L 15.5 in
Karl Springer Lacquer Airport Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Airport coffee table by Karl Springer. Simple geometric design with great proportions. New perfect high gloss lacquer finish.
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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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