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 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
Karl Springer Elegant Black Scavo Glass Torchere, 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Glass Torchere in hand blown black glass with scavo finish by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980's (retains original Seguso paper label). These art pieces were h...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
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
Stacked Lucite Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Karl Springer in the 1970s, this striking table lamp alternates stacked discs and wedges of Lucite along a chrome rod from which extend two light sockets.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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
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 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 Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Rare Mounted Magnifying Lens, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mixed metal gives it a truly bespoke look.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box
Original surface with minor touchups
Original suede interior.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Square Game Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern embossed leather square game dining table by Karl Springer.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Category
1980s American Classical Roman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Cast Stone
Karl Springer "Marmol Style Mirror" in Black Leather and Bronze 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Marmol Style Mirror" with frame covered in black leather with bronze accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on back). This mirror is beautifully made a...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Rare Karl Springer Signed Prototype JMF Bench with Tooled Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is the original prototype for Karl Springers JMF bench. Executed in fabulous tooled leather with abstract design, gold leaf brass legs and gold leaf ste...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Stunning Mirror in Python and Black Lizard, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted mirror with frame in black lizard with interior and exterior edges wrapped in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror exemplifie...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Lizard, Python, Wood
Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's
Superb pair of heavy ovate table lamps constructed of solid wood with polished sm...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Cognac Leather and Brass Club Chairs, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer documented rare pair of club chairs in cognac or saddle leather with brass bases, USA, 1980s. This incredibly chic pair of club chairs is more common in the swivel vers...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Shagreen, Stone and Anodized Aluminum Occasional Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare occasional table by Karl Springer in shagreen, stone and anodized aluminum. Shagreen is in very good condition. Minor chips along stone edge. Wear to the anodized finish (please...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone
Karl Springer & Lynn Shelton, Coffee Table, Painted Paper, Wood, America, c 1980
By Lynn Shelton , Karl Springer
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 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 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
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 Set of Three Waterfall Nesting Tables in Python 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 3 waterfall nesting tables in white python by Karl Springer, American 1980's (metal label reads “Karl Springer”). Largest table comes with a glass top.
These tab...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Python
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Roberto Estevez 1, Karl Springer
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
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
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
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 Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
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
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
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
Pair of Black Lacquer Lamps with Faux Lapis Inlays by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful pair of lamps a classic Karl Springer design. the lacquer bodies are in very fine condition and the faux details of lapis and gold is a wonderful detail. The shades are o...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
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 "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 "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
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
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
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 Polyhedron Goat Skin Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer design… Rare polyhedron tables covered in natural goat skin… 14 sides consisting of triangles and squares… Included in the photos is the original Maquet and mock up...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
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
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
Mastercraft Style Asian Inspired Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer, Mastercraft
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 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, Python, Wood
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 "Dorchester Coffee Table" in Figured Anigre, 1990s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dorchester Coffee Table" in figured Anigre with Marquetry border inlay on top with gold leaf accents by Karl Springer, American, 1990s (signed with Springer label). This table is me...
Category
1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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 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 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 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 Furniture
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 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 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
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
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
Karl Springer Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp" 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp” in patinated bronze by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on bottom). This artisan table lamp is superbly made.
Measures:
Shade ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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 Furniture
Materials
Sandstone, Brass
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 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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