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Karl Springer Side Tables

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 Exceptional Box Table In Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Box Table with brown leather on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. This was made as a prototype. The skin w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Prototype "Cathedral Table" in Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Cathedral Table" with both base and top covered in contrasting leathers by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. The arch details are absolutely stu...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rare Karl Springer Reptile Skin Side Table With Pull Out Glass Writing Surface
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Karl Springer race track oval two tiered side table, wrapped in black lizard skin embossed leather. This hard to find table also features a pull out glass shelf for anything from writing to drink placement. The curved sides are a classic design feature seen on many Springer pieces. This piece is apparently unsigned, like many Springer pieces. It comes with a colorful and valuable provenance. This Karl Springer reptile...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970 Very desirable side table by Karl Springer, 1970 in very good condit...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Rare Pair of Mid-Century Waterfall Side Tables in Python, Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Curved Side Tables in Python are fabricated and signed by Karl Springer and originate from the United States, created in 1986. Featuring ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Python

Karl Springer Exceptional "J.M.F. Side Table" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "J.M.F. Side Table" in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The artisanship of this piece is superb. Marrying fine materials with sublime forms is what made...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Faux Malachite Polyhedron Occasional Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare faceted table consisting of triangles and squares, the surface is beautifully hand-lacquered in a faux-malachite pattern. Originally used with a glass top as a coffee table, the...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

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 Side Tables

Materials

Sandstone

Mid-Century Continental Karl Springer GoatSkin Pedestal End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table base) with a rounded front and flat back (KARL SPRINGER) (3 identical REG4050 and similar oval...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Karl Spinger "Tray Top Side Table" In Lacquered Goatskin 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Tray Top Side Table" with 2 tiers in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table has clean lines and is very elegant. Cleaned and polished...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Kyoto" Box on Stand In Faux Wood Design
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
The Kyoto Box on stand is a striking example of Karl Springers lacquer work. Produced most likely at the height of production in the1980's. A variation ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Karl Springer Exceptional 2 Tier Tessellated Penshell Table 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted 2 tier side table with curved ends in tessellated penshell with brass inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original Karl Springer label on botto...
Category

1980s Philippine Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer 2-Tier Side Table in Lacquered Linen 2002 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Telephone Table style side table in Bisque lacquered linen on brass castors with drawer lined in moire silk by Karl Springer LTD, American 2002 (signed on bottom with metal label whi...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Chic Side Table in Embossed Crocodile Leather, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made side table in two tone chocolate brown embossed crocodile leather by Karl Springer, American 1980s. We can customize it to a lower height if desired. The artisanship...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Sculpture Leg" Table in Coral, Brass and Glass, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer iconic "Sculpture Table" in rare coral veneer with polished brass cap mounting thick cantilevered glass top. This chic architectural side table in coral veneer is a ver...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Coral, Brass

Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Bronze

Pair Karl Springer Crocodile Leather Clad Parsons Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon early pair of Karl Springer's iconic crocodile printed leather Parson's side or occasional tables. Identical in size, one is clad in a fun hot fuchsia while the other is a m...
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather

Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Shagreen Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Karl Springer side table with Shagreen top. Signature to bottom.
Category

1980s Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Shagreen

Karl Springer Freeform Coffee Table in Brass and Granite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer for Karl Springer LTD exceptional free-form coffee table with polished brass base and black granite top, designed circa 1970. This iconic Springer low table design has ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Granite, Brass

Karl Springer Brass and Onyx Top Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare oval onyx brass side table by Karl Springer. Heavy brass table with an onyx beveled insert top.
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Karl Springer Telephone Table in Yellow Cobra with Brass Castors 1985, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Telephone Table" covered in yellow cobra with moire silk on the bottom in brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1985 (leather label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1985...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer Snake Skin Two Tier Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Karl Springer snake skin two tier side tables on wheels. Signed and dated.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer Superbly Crafted End Table in Brass with Zebra Wood Top, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in mirror polished brass with double book matched zebra wood top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Karl Springer Onyx and Brass Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of oval onyx and brass side tables by Karl Springer. Heavy brass table with an onyx beveled top.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Karl Springer Classic Parsons Side Table, 2000s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Classic Parsons Side Table" in lacquered linen with brass sabots by Karl Springer LTD, American early-2000's (signed on bottom). Beautifully crafte...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer 2-Tier Side Table in Red Python with Horn Handles 1977, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique 2-tier side table in red python with authentic horn handles with small brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1977 (label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1977”). Fine materia...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "Bristol Side Table" in Black Cobra 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Artisan crafted "Bristol Side Table" in black cobra with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed with metal label in drawer "Karl Springer"). This table is meticulously craf...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood, Glass

Karl Springer "Telephone Table" Style End Table in Leather and Shagreen, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Telephone Table style end table covered in brown leather with tops in dark brown shagreen on brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The bottom is covered in mat...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Waterfall Side Table in Python with Stainless Steel Drawer 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional waterfall side table covered in python with stainless steel drawer and thick glass shelf by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This table exemplifies the meticulous craftsma...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer "Parsons Style Side Table" in Embossed Lizard 1989 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted “Parsons Style Side Table” in beige lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1989 (leather label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1989...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

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 Side Tables

Materials

Brass

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 Side Tables

Materials

Brass

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 Side Tables

Materials

Brass

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 Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "Sculpture Table" in Sandstone and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sculpture" table by Karl Springer in sandstone, brass screw cap and 1" thick glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer. This table is very heavy at over 200 lbs!
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Sandstone, Brass

Karl Springer Waterfall Side Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1993 'Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Waterfall side table covered in embossed lizard leather with drawer and glass shelf by Karl Springer, American 1993, (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). The quality of this...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

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 Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass

Signed Karl Springer Side Table with Cantilevered Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A gunmetal and glass cantilevered cocktail table designed by Karl Springer. Singed at foot of base.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Animal Skin

Pair of Karl Springer Snake Skin Two-Tier Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Karl Springer snake skin two-tier side tables. One with embossed leather label "Karl Springer 1983".
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer Telephone Table Snakeskin and Brass, 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern 'telephone' side or end table by designer Karl Springer, 1990. Table is covered in a beautiful authentic snakeskin in a medium brown and supported by small bra...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

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 Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass

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 Side Tables

Materials

Goatskin, 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 Side Tables

Materials

Sandstone, Bronze

Karl Springer Hand Lacquered Kyoto Box 1984
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Kyoto Box" in double glaze faux mushroom shagreen lacquer with faux ivory inlay detail on matching Stand by Karl Springer, American, 1984. (Shown with origi...
Category

1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Python Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Karl Springer end tables Python skin over wood Diminutive size and classic form.
Category

1980s Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Python

Karl Springer Telephone Drinks Table in Red Cobra Skin
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer telephone table, drinks table wrapped in authentic red cobra skin. Supported by four bronze casters. Signed with metal Tag "Karl ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer Ltd, Lacquered Column Goatskin Column Side Tables, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
In traditional Karl Springer style, the classically simple Column Side Table is elevated by the use of freeform inlayed goat skin that is heavily lacquered for a sleek, unique finish...
Category

2010s American Karl Springer Side Tables

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Karl Springer Red And Black Custom Striped Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer Rare and unusual Custom red and black striped Table one of a kind,with original Label and customers name Circa 1960's (Karl Springer 1931...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Side Tables

Karl Springer side tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer side tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of animal skin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer side tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 50 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original side tables 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 side tables by Charles Hollis Jones, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and Vladimir Kagan. Prices for Karl Springer side tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,100 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,175.

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