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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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Creator: Karl Springer
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 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

Karl Springer Large Dining Table in Goatskin with Brass Bases 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Racetrack dining table with top in lacquered goatskin with 2 half-moon brass bases by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The goatskin finish is both luxurious and stunning. The custom b...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract patt...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer "Metal Ball Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Metal Ball Lamp" in polished chrome with pleated silver shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's This artisan lamp is impeccably crafted. Reference: K...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Embossed Leather Cocktail Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Wood, embossed leather and chromed metal. 2 cocktail tables of cream-colored leather, embossed with lizard pattern & chromed metal feet. Label affixed to the bottom of each table.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Karl Springer Rare Wall-Mounted Mirror in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-mount retractable finely crafted make up/shaving mirror in heavy gauge polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this mirror is off ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

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 Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Postmodern Chrome Glass and Lacquered Legs Karl Springer Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
From Le Shoppe Too in Michigan comes this simply stunning, this large scale coffee table by Karl Springer, a foremost name in postmodern and modern design. The table consists of a la...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Rare Pair of Monumental Illuminated "Athena Pedestals" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of monumental illuminated "Athena Pedestals" in mirror polished stainless steel with inset sand-blasted glass tops with lights underneath by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Thes...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Set of 4 Swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" in Suede 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 4 swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" covered in calf skin suede with brass footrail by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The Onassis Barstool was...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Gray Shagreen and Leather Wrapped Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer shagreen and leather wrapped coffee table. Signed and dated. Gray tinted shagreen. Blue version available on separate listin...
Category

1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Shagreen

Karl Springer Round Goatskin Center or Dining Table Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent dining or center table by Iconic mid century Designer Karl Springer. The table has been completely restored and is ready for use. The perfect compliment to any entry or...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

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, Freeform Coffee Table, United States, 1994
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer's voracious appetite for design knowledge can be seen in his work, which is influenced by a wide variety of aesthetics, from the more contemporary Bauhaus, to those of ...
Category

1990s American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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 style Etagere
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Karl Springer Etagere with polished nickel support, brass hardware and adjustable glass shelves. Provenance: An interior at River House desig...
Category

20th Century Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Elegant Goatskin Table Design by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful table design by the iconic Karl Springer, made of goat skin, please check the pictures, it has some wearing, totally normal, the color and patina is allot nicer in person.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer "Bristol Coffee Table" in Lacquered Goatskin circa 1990 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bristol Coffee Table" in dark brown lacquered goatskin with ivory goatskin sabots by Karl Springer, American circa 1990 (signed on bottom). This ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer Blue Shagreen and Leather Wrapped Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer shagreen and leather wrapped coffee table. Signed and dated. Blue tinted shagreen. Gray version available on separate listin...
Category

1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Shagreen

Karl Springer Tufted Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Karl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a braced rectangular polished brass cross bar frame, four solid cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, luxe woven upholstery...
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer Hinged Box in Brown and Black Cobra, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hinged box covered in brown and black cobra with interior covered in moiré silk by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are superb.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Karl Springer Acrylic & Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage acrylic and glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Heavy cast acrylic, original green tint with 1/2" plate glass insert. Great sty...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Acrylic

Karl Springer 6-Arm Hand-Blown Glass Chandelier with Scavo Finish 1980s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hand blown 6 arm glass chandelier with scavo finish by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Seguso executed all of Karl Springer’s hand-blown glass pieces and Karl’s preferred finish was scavo which means “dug up” and imitates ancient objects...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Pair of Jmf Chairs in Ostrich Skin, 1982, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of JMF chairs in ostrich skin by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label beneath seat). These chairs are exquisitely crafted. Reference: Ka...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Animal Skin

'Double JMF' Lacquered Goatskin Console by Karl Springer w COA & Stamped, c 1977
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a truly exquisite collectors item, and equally sought after by top interior designers, the 'Double JMF' console table in lacquered goatskin by Karl ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Rare Adjustable Magnifying Lens in Polished Chrome 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome by Karl Springer, American 1980's.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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 Crocodile Leather 2 Drawer Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Alligator leather console by Karl Springer 2 drawers make this a useful form. Karl Springer leather label below   
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

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

Set of Three Lacquered and Emerald Green Mohair Barstools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three 1980’s off white lacquered ‘Onassis Barstools’ by Karl Springer for Steve Chase. Out of a Steve Chase Design Estate in Rancho Mirage CA. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Karl Springer Tulip Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish and dramatic dining table dates to the 1980s and was created by the iconinc German Amreican designer Karl Springer. The table is kno...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 "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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dowelwood arm chair", a lounge chair in solid oak with seat and back cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is impressive and beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Oak

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 Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood, Glass

Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful. ...
Category

1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Raffia, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Set of 3 Unique Candle Holders in Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique set of 3 artisan candle holders in tinted and textured lucite designed to look like hand-blown scavo glass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These were done as prototypes. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Waterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.
Category

1960s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Marble

Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Ivory Lacquer with Chrome Accents, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
8 Sided mirror with custom artisan ivory lacquer and polished chrome accents by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. The mirror is beveled. A classic Springer design. Reference: Karl ...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Shagreen, Stone and Anodized Aluminum Side Tables - a Pair
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare end tables by Karl Springer in shagreen, stone and anodized aluminum. Signed. Minor chips along the stone edges. Shagreen is in very good condition. Wear to the anodized finish ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

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 Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Karl Springer Custom Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer round custom dining table. Polished Stainless Steel with a Oxblood Red Glasurite Top. Glasurite is a Stone compound developed by Ka...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Coffee Table with Lucite Legs and Unique Glass Top 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large one-of-a-kind round coffee table with 3 solid lucite legs and table top etched by glass artist Joseph Spohr for Karl Springer, American 1980’s (signed “Karl Springer” on lucite...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Lucite

Karl Springer Large Lacquered Goatskin or Parchment Beveled Wall Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer large exquisite rectangular wall mirror with lacquered goatskin frame and beveled mirror, USA, 1970s. This exquisite mirror has a simpl...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

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 Leather Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer barstools. embossed Snakeskin leather and brass. Karl Springer Label below.  
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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

Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Gold-Tinted Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in gold-tinted brass with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This accent light is a chic additional to any room. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

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 Goatskin Center Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round, sculptural, center or dining table by Karl Springer. Clad in Ivory colored goatskin, with high gloss lacquer finish.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

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 Hinged Parchment and Brass Velvet Lined Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hinged parchment and brass velvet lined box by Karl Springer. Vibrant shades of oranges and reds on the painted goatskin parchment. Velvet lined seg...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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 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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