Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
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.
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
Karl Springer Patinated Embossed Leather Mirror, C. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional vintage mirror designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s, showcasing the luxurious materials and refined craftsmanship that defined his work. The substantial frame is ful...
Leather, Mirror
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer, USA, 1985 A superb large round mirror by Karl Springer in pink faded to mauve python skin. Two concentric circles create a 6" ...
Leather
Karl Springer Style Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Karl Springer style white oak bull nose wood mirror with brass detailing.
Brass
Karl Springer Optic Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of our favorite Karl Springer mirrors. Wood trim is dark blue.
Lacquer, Mirror
Karl Springer Alligator Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer embossed leather mirror. Original surface. Distinct Alligator pattern. Leather label present.
Leather
Karl Springer Style Round Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer style mirror. Nice round lacquered framed mirror with gold gilt accents. Hollywood Regency.
Gold
Karl Springer Style Round Sandstone Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Circular plaster mirror with depth and texture in an alabaster or sand color, this Springer style mirror at 48" is a dramatic addition to any modern decor. Nice beveled glass add to ...
Mirror, Plaster
Karl Springer Style Goatskin Beveled Mirror
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Houston, TX
Karl Springer Style Goatskin Mirror. Offered is a lovely mid century modern Karl Springer style round beveled mirror covered in cream goatskin. This statement mirror would work well ...
Goatskin, Mirror
Karl Springer Style Large Goatskin Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Style Very Large Round Goatskin Mirror, circa 1980. Rare Color. Very good vintage condition.
Goatskin, Wood