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 Backgammon Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Backgammon Table Lizard impressed Leather and Polished Steel Produced in 1988, Karl Springer label present A fine example comple...
Leather
Karl Springer 'JMF' Lacquered Goatskin Console, Authenticated & Stamped 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and highly collectible early production 'JMF' console table by Karl Springer, executed in lacquered goatskin parchment, this example produced in 1974. This early produ...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Karl Springer Crocodile Leather Clad Parsons End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of Parsons end tables, each clad in emerald-green, crocodile-embossed, leather. Please contact us for alternative shipping options. Sto...
Leather, Wood
Stunning Signed Karl Springer Ivory Goatskin Knife Edge Dining Table or Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning Signed Karl Springer Ivory Goatskin Knife Edge Dining Table or Desk A rare and iconic Karl Springer oval dining table or executive desk, executed in his signature ivory lacquered goatskin/parchment-style finish. This table exemplifies Springer’s mastery of luxurious materials and sculptural form, showcasing the refined glamour that made him one of the most sought-after designers of the late 20th century. The oval top is meticulously veneered in hand-laid panels, treated and lacquered to emulate the subtle textures and patterning of natural parchment. Multiple coats of high-gloss lacquer create a luminous ivory surface with soft organic variations, enhanced by Springer’s celebrated knife-edge profile that lends the design its strikingly light appearance. The sculptural twin pedestal bases mirror the top’s curvature, grounding the composition with geometric balance and architectural clarity. Signed with its original Karl Springer label (“To E. Singer 2057, Oval Table Shiny Ivory”), this work speaks to Springer’s bespoke, commission-based production for elite clients. It dates to the late 1970s–1980s, the height of his international acclaim. Measuring 77.5” W x 42” D x 29.5” H, the table comfortably seats six to eight when used for dining but is equally compelling as a statement executive desk or conference table. Its timeless neutral palette integrates seamlessly with both modernist and traditional interiors. A true collector’s piece, this Karl Springer oval table...
Wood
Karl Springer “banker“ coffee table in embossed white leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a large scale “banker” coffee table by Karl Springer .executed in a fine printed cream white leather .extremely well built and large… It is 60“ x 40“ x 17“ tall… Wear is co...
Leather, Glass
$17,500Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Pagoda Dining Table in Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
This Springer pagoda dining table, with a custom bullnose edge, was acquired from the estate of the original owner. The natural goatskin parchment is of ...
Goatskin, Gesso, Wood
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee/Cocktail Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee/Cocktail Table, 1980s. Original with no label Measures 16.75” tall 42” x 42”
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer Waterfall Desk in Tortoise Color Penshell, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A Karl Springer desk in Tortoise color Pen-Shell with 3 recessed drawers. Signed with brass plaque.
Shell, Wood
Karl Springer Large 'Mark II" Coffee Table Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A monumental 'Mark II' coffee table with lizard embossed leather and smoked glass top. Signed and dated Karl Springer, 1986.
Leather
Custom Size Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking and rare example of Karl Springer's late-period work, this sculptural Free Form coffee table, circa 1991, exemplifies his mastery of luxurious materials and organic modern...
Marble, Brass
1980s Sculptural Karl Springer Coffee Table in Glass and Stainless Steel
By Karl Springer
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern Karl Springer Monumental Coffee Table with heavy stainless steel leg supports and thick tempered glass top is of the sort that anchors any room - here is where we gather. Chic. Sexy. Timeless. Aptly named by Karl Springer as the Sculpture Leg Table...
Stainless Steel
$7,200Sale Price|23% Off
Karl Springer 'Banker' Coffee Table in Patinated Bronze and Lucite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A commanding and sculptural 'Banker' bronze coffee table by celebrated American designer Karl Springer, dating to the 1970s. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and bold materiali...
Bronze
Karl Springer Tortoise Style Brass and Penn Shell Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer coffee table. This table is stunning with great lines and proportions. The size is quite versatile as it is not too big or too small. No sharp corners.
Brass
Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone & Brass by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone & Brass by renowned designer Karl Springer. This signed piece exudes sophistication and ele...
Stone, Brass
Large Karl Springer Lucite Leg Coffee Table, Glass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Large Karl Springer Lucite Leg Coffee Table, glass top is 0.75 thick. Glass top without legs is 53.75" by 65.50". The height of the top 16" and the height legs is 18"
Glass, Lucite
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage lucite and glass coffee table designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1980s. This coffee table has a unique design in which its co...
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Signed Shagreen Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Glamour
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karl Springer Shagreen Coffee Table, signed with brass Karl Springer tag underneath, American, circa 1970s. This table is executed in a dark brown dyed shagreen with a dark espresso ...
Shagreen, Wood
$6,100Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Reptile Embossed Leather Cocktail Table, Signed and Dated 1983
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Karl Springer (signed) reptile embossed leather coffee table is signed and dated 1983, the same year that brought us Risky Business, Scarface, National Lampoon...
Leather
Karl Springer Batik Waterfall Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer Batik Covered Waterfall Console Table Original Surface in Great condition African bark cloth influenced design A rare example Authenticated by Tom Langevin
Fabric
Signed Karl Springer Tubular Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Signed Karl Springer tubular brass coffee table with rectangular 3/4” thick glass. Each brass cylinder is 8” diameter by 18” high. Only gla...
Brass
Karl Springer Lucite Coffee Table With Angle Corners
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer lucite coffee table with angled corners and inset glass top. Nice detail work and quality construction from the 1980s. ...
Lucite
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Oval Dinning Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval ivory-colored goatskin and lacquer dinning table designed by Karl Springer featuring thick rounded table legs. Karl Springer developed bold proportions and often used exotic fi...
Lacquer, Goatskin
Iconic Modern Karl Springer Round Bullnose Goatskin Dining or Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This table designed by legendary designer Karl Springer has become a 20th century modern iconic table. They are getting extremely hard to find. (Especially in good condition). This ...
Lacquer
Monumental Vintage Gunmetal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A rare and exceptional vintage coffee table by the legendary designer Karl Springer, showcasing his masterful approach to materials and finish work. This piece features Springer's ch...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin coffee table, 1970. Original.
Goatskin, Glass
Elegant Chrome Tulip Table Possibly by Karl Springer.
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous 1980's polished chrome Tulip table possibly by Karl Springer. The beautifully constructed heavy polished chrome base has 3 channeled Tulip style leaf supports which hold ...
Chrome
Karl Springer Goatskin Freeform Desk, 1988
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Karl Springer Goatskin Freeform Desk with/1 drawer, 1988. Original beautiful condition. Very few of these Freeform Desk’s were made Measures 29.5” tall 76” wide 38” deep
Goatskin
Karl Springer Mushroom Cocktail Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin Parchment
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Karl Springer, a rare and wonderful mushroom cocktail table in lacquered goatskin. The sexy shape and size are perfectly suited for a space requiring a smaller table... t...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer 1986 Python Snakeskin Telephone Table Signed & Dated
By Karl Springer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Karl Springer two-tiered design is commonly referred to as a "Telephone Table" by Karl Springer, a design he produced in various skins and finishes. This particular table with snake...
Brass
Karl Springer Signed Snake Skin Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A snake skin covered 'telephone' side table on brass casters by Karl Springer, signed and dated. A second similar table available separately.
Animal Skin
$7,680Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Low Plinth Coffee Table in Goatskin Parchment and Lacquer, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This low coffee table by Karl Springer features an inlay lacquered base with a tabletop from goatskin parchment, finished with clear lacquer. Beveled edges and a plinth-like base are...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Modern Oval Top & Dual Demilune Base Parchment Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern (1980s) dining / conference table with an oval top resting on two demilune bases, finished in a beige parchment / goatskin veneer. (KARL SPRINGER) (Similar piece: REG...
Wood
Karl Springer Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table. Nice Classic Ivory Painted Finish. Beautiful texture too the touch on all surfaces. Add some Chic Springer Style to yo...
Wood
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970’s. Measures 16.25” tall 40.25” x 40.25”
Brass
$29,500
Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Shagreen
Karl Springer Asian Inspired Parchment Covered Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Asian inspired parchment covered coffee table in original lacquered finish. Very large square shaped coffee table with the perfect amount of surface space to display yo...
Wood, Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Mark II Leather Coffee Table, 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II Leather and Brass Coffee Table, 1974. Original condition Measures 76" long 48" deep 15.5" tall
Brass
Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Waterfall Coffee Table. 18" H x 48" W x 26" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Grasscloth
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...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer "Chinese Cube Style Coffee Table" in Lacquered Chinese Red 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese cube style coffee table by Karl Spring in Lacquered Chinese red. As seen in the Karl Springer LTD catalog "Karl Springer LTD Chinese Cube Style Co...
Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Signed 'Mark II" Lucite Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A large scale lucite and glass 'Mark II' coffee table designed and signed by Karl Springer.
Lucite
Signed Karl Springer Penshell Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Signed Karl Springer Penshell coffee table with glass insert. Glass top has some scuffs due to age and use but impossible to capture on camera.
Shell
Karl Springer Chic Coffee Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1994 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Mark II Coffee Table" in midnight blue lacquered embossed lizard leather with inset polished chrome trim and smoke glass top by Karl Springer, American 1994 (Signed “Karl S...
Chrome
Original Snake Skin Side Table by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Brass
Karl Springer Attributed Chrome 2-Tier Stand with Alligator-Embossed Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking Karl Springer attributed two tier stand features a sleek, polished chrome frame paired with luxurious alligator style embossed leather covering both the top surface and...
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 ...
Python
Karl Springer Shagreen End Table With Drawer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Shagreen Table with Drawer Shagreen covered surface Mahogany drawer interior Brass signature tag Original Heavy glass shelf Oversized
Shagreen
Vintage Karl Springer Console Table, Desk With Lucite, Gold Plated Brass & Glass
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...
Gold, Brass
Exceptional Karl Springer Free Form Table Set, 1980's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an increasingly rare and sought after set of Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Tables. These tables are a...
Brass
Vintage Architectural Parsons Square Goatskin Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Aldo Tura, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice early vintage table by Karl Springer. Dating to the 1960's/70s. Beautifully wrapped Parsons table form in Goatskin. Brass capped feet. The clear protective coating has yell...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970’s. Original beautiful condition. Measures 16.5” tall 53” long 37” deep
Bone, Goat Hair
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Patinated Karl Springer JMF Goatskin Console Table, Signed, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have an incredible JMF Table by the legendary Karl Springer. A piece that oozes sophistication and charisma, perfect for that trendsett...
Goatskin
$10,875Sale Price / set|25% Off
Karl Springer Wall Mounted Console and Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Karl Springer wall mounted parchment console table and mirror. Console table is 34" high, 42" wide and 18" deep. Mirror is 48" high, 38.25' wide ...
Parchment Paper
$18,500
Karl Springer Amoeba Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Amoeba table. Bronze patinated brass and black glass top.
Brass
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pewter finish cylinder with brass screw cap. Original Pie-shaped glass. Engraved signature Extremely heavy weighted cylinder counter balances the cantilever glass and anything placed on top of it. one of Karl Springer best...
Metal
Karl Springer 1970s Midcentury Octagonal Bar Cart with Red Snakeskin Finish
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Karl Springer octagonal bar cart from the mid 20th century, with red snakeskin and casters. Made by renowned designer Karl Springer in the 1970s, ...
Brass
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer. Bearing Original Sticker Karl Springer: "hand made in Philippines"
Shagreen
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer. Signed: Karl Springer
Shagreen
Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gold Cocktail Table, USA c 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
The metal finishes developed by Karl Springer elevate his furniture to fine jewelry status. Springer was renowned for his use of exotic materials and proprietary finish techniques in...
Metal