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 Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of artisan candle holders in tessellated coral with bronze bases by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Sculptural forms in beautiful materials.
Measures: W: 3.5 inch...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Coral, Bronze
Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin coffee table, 1970. Original.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass
Karl Springer Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Table lamp designed by Karl Springer.
These beautiful oval table lamps are typical for the Karl Springer Design
and has dark black color with blue stripes inlay.
Category
20th Century North American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Alligator, Suede, Wood
Karl Springer Pagoda Lacquered Dining Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Pagoda black lacquered dining table, 1980.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Glamorous Vintage Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Fabulous vintage Karl Springer grasscloth dining table restored and refinished in a beautiful teal-black lacquer. Square top with bullnose edge a...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box
Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
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
Rare Pair of Karl Springer Vintage Travertine & Rattan Candle Holder's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bellport, NY
Rare pair of candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine, pencil reed rattan, and brass. This set is meticulously made in beautiful materials for Karl Springer circa 1980's.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
20th Century American Tall Frosted Lucite Helix Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vintage Mid-Century Modern American stacked helix spiral staircase floor lamp made of hand crafted clear frosted lucite glass with a new white shade. Designed and produced by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite, Glass
2 Karl Springer Crystal Bowls
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Retailed thru the Karl Springer Showroom, The pair of bowls was probably made by Seguso
Minor chip to the foot of 1 bowl.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Category
1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Horn, Wood
1980 Karl Springer Knife Edge Oval Dining Table Lacquered Cream Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Karl Springer Ltd 1980 cream lacquered goatskin knife edge dining table.
Dramatic double pedestal base.
28.75 H 47.25 D x 94.5 L inches
Maker label present.
Original preowned vinta...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer "Sculpture Desk Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Sculpture Desk Lamp" in polished chrome with brass accents and 2 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on side). This lamp is a tribute to Springer’s metic...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer.
Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco sculptural waterfall bench Mid-Century Modern. Item features red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfa...
Category
1980s North American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Resin
Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s glamorous clear Lucite and polish chrome table lamp by renowned American designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new oatmeal linen shade. The acrylic shows some crazing from ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
Mid Century Modern Python Skin Table Lamp by Karl Springer 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original python skin table lamp by Karl Springer C1970. Original shade which should be updated. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Brass fittings and hardware...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Tray Top End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1980's tray top two tier end tables with a single drawer by Karl Springer, well made with beautiful craftsmanship, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina d...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Parchment Paper
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
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs
Note: Polished steel bases on castors
- showing reflection of floor on bases.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Postmodern Karl Springer Design Metal Ball Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Metal ball lamp, documented by designer Karl Springer.
"Confetti" painted shapes and colors all the way around,
circa 1980s.
No shade included.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel
Karl Springer Pair of End Tables in Black Lacquer with Bone Inlays, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional hexagonal side tables in black lacquer with bone inlays on the top, sides and bottom by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These end tables showcase the meticulous c...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Bone, Lacquer
Karl Springer "Ming Writing Desk" in Embossed Leather 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
“Ming Desk” in color embossed textured leather with 2 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and materials are superb and this is a wonderful example of Karl Springer’s work. This is a pared down version of the Chinese Style Series which preceded it.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section “Coffee Tables and Bar Carts”, on page 9 there is a photo of the coffee table model of this desk with the page titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD CHINESE STYLE COFFEE TABLE...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Polished Steel Nightstands or End Tables Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of polished steel nightstands or end tables Karl Springer 1980s. Polished mirror stainless steel over wood. Glass tops. Single drawer. 2...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Gunmetal Brass, Glass End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
End table by Karl Springer in gunmetal, brass, glass and enameled wood. Crafted in New York circa 1980. This lovely piece has some light oxidation to the gunmetal and brass that is c...
Category
1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer & Lynn Shelton, Coffee Table, Painted Paper, Wood, America, c 1980
By Karl Springer, Lynn Shelton
Located in High Point, NC
An organic / biomorphic coffee / cocktail table, designed and produced by Karl Springer, painted by Lynn Shelton in beige / yellow tones, c. 1980. Signed Lynn Shelton 11/80' along lo...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Plywood, Paper
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Wall hanging mirror, octagonal with lacquered light goatskin in front of darker lacquered goatskin edge, with beveled mirror inside, by Karl Springer, American, 1970’s. The combinati...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass, Wood
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere" in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare artisan made "Spun Shaped Torchere" in gunmetal and gold-tinted brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of the craftsmanship is off the charts.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s in the section “lighting” on page 11...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold, Brass, Nickel
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
Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Vibrant Gray Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Half Round Molding Mirror" in vibrant gray python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Exceptional materials and craftsmanship are the h...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Python
Rare Large Karl Springer Bronzed Dressing Table/ Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This iconic large Karl Springer Art Deco inspired vanity make-up mirror dates to the 1970s-1980s. Made from stainless steel and bronzed finish brass,...
Category
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Mastercraft Style Asian Inspired Brass Coffee Table
By Mastercraft, Karl Springer
Located in Esperance, NY
Mastercraft style Asian inspired brass coffee table
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970s. This mirror is a superb example of Karl Springer’s craftsmanship.
Referen...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Python
Karl Springer Brass End Table with Beveled Black Glass Top 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in polished brass with beveled black glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine example of Springe...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Large "Molding Mirror" Covered in Black Cobra, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American, 1970's. Mirror is beveled. This piece is meticulously crafted in the finest materials.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Glass, Animal Skin
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Shagreen Lacquer with Brass Accents, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wall hanging mirror, octagonal with artisan shagreen lacquer with brass accents, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Mirror is beveled.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD pa...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Set of 4 Candle Holders in Travertine and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 4 candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine and polished brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retains original showroom labels on bottoms). This set ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer "T-Style Console Table" in Lacquered Linen, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"T-Style Console Table" covered in two-tone lacquered linen with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970’s. A classic Springer design, meticulously made in the finest materials. D...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Lacquer
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
Karl Springer Cobra Telephone Table with Brass Castors 1988 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Telephone Table" covered in beige cobra with moire silk on the bottom in brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1988 (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1988").
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Tapering pedestal covered in embossed ostrich foot leather by Karl Springer, American 1970s.
Provenance: Purchased from a former employee of Karl Sprin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Large Waterfall Side Tables in Black Lizard Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare pair of large waterfall side or end tables covered in black lizard embossed leather with brass drawers and original thick glass shelves below. These exquisite pair of side tables are the larger scaled model...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Karl Springer Python Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versatile table 30“ x 30“ x 23“ tall…Covered in a faux python parchment.. shades of brown and black … a Classic design..Excellent condition signed.
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Hippo Suede 1977 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large wall-hanging "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in hippopotamus suede by Karl Springer, American 1977 (signed on back “Karl Springer 1977”). Mirror is beveled. It is one of th...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood
Karl Springer Rare Sea Shell Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-hanging mirror covered with sea shells arranged in a beautiful arc top pattern by Karl Springer, American 1970's. As with all Springer pieces, this is meticulously crafted ...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shell, Wood
Karl Springer Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer floor lamps
executed in the style of Maison Jansen.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Molding Mirror Covered in Black Cobra 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is meticulously crafted.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Python
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
Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Batik with Recessed Lighting 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Faceted rectangular coffee table in black batik fabric with bone inlays, over pedestal base with recessed lighting, by Karl Springer, American 1970's...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wire
Karl Springer Tulip Armchair
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Tulip armchair. The chair is gilt leather over wood. Signed underneath.
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
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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