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.
Vintage Karl Springer Embossed Leather Writing Desk, Labeled
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional vintage leather-wrapped desk designed by the legendary Karl Springer in the United States during the 1970s. Known for elevating everyday furniture into sculptural work...
Metal
Late 20th Century Vintage Contemporary Signed Karl Springer Waterfall Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible vintage Contemporary Writing desk. Made by the iconic Karl Springer and Signed and dated 1986 on the bottom. Wrapped I’m black leather on a chic waterfall shape. Acquir...
Leather, Wood
$3,207Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.11 in W 55.12 in D 31.5 in
Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes This is a very r...
Hardwood
$3,207Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 54.34 in D 26.78 in
Extending Writing Table Desk, Burr Yew Wood Brown Leather Gold Leaf Embossed Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Burr yew wood writing table or desk with extending, gold leaf embossed brown leather top A good look...
Leather, Yew
$4,500
H 30.75 in W 50.5 in D 28 in
Vintage Italian Walnut Burl Louis XV Bombay Style Serpentine Writing Desk VGC
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hand-made in Italy, circa 1950s or 60s, this gorgeous 5-drawer Louis XV or Bombay style desk in Italian walnut burl with antiqued brass hardware. This desk has been in my collections...
Brass
$1,304Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 48.23 in D 24.41 in
Lovely Vintage Writing Table Desk in Hardwood with Silk Embroidered Glass Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage writing table with silk embroidered top and glass protector A very good looking and well made p...
Silk, Glass, Hardwood
$3,025
H 28.75 in W 47.25 in D 25.6 in
Swedish Functionalist Writing Desk, Bauhaus-Inspired, Mid-20th Century
Located in Balen, BE
This striking Swedish writing desk dates from the late 1930s to 1940s and reflects the Functionalist design language that emerged in Scandinavia during the interwar period, influence...
Steel
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
English mahogany two-drawer leather top writing desk with carved molded edge, original brasses and terminating on chamfered tapered legs, Late 18th century. Desk is finished on all ...
$4,800
H 29.5 in W 55 in D 29 in
Vintage Early 20th Century French Mahogany Desk with Aubergine Leather Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French mahogany desk will add a touch of sophistication to your work environment. It features a sleek aubergine leather top that complements the original art deco hardware...
Leather, Mahogany
$1,897Sale Price|30% Off
H 33.47 in W 22.05 in D 22.45 in
Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870
Located in Wisbech, England
Presenting an exquisite Victorian Burr and Figured Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk dating back to approximately 1870. This charming piece exudes age and character, making it a ra...
Walnut
Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Introducing this elegant Italian desk dating back to the 20th century. An extremely refined desk, inspired by the Empire style. Featuring a linear design with black ebonized column ...
Bronze
Vintage Campaign Style Writing Table/Desk Lacquered in Red
By Sligh Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Classic Campaign style desk manufactured by Sligh of Holland/Grand Rapids, Michigan. Restored, consist of five drawers with recessed brass pulls. Inlaid leather top with elegant embossed gold design and brass legs. Brass bound corners and Campaign pulls...
Brass
20th Century writing Desk Louis XV Piano-Black Bureau Plat
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century writing Desk Louis XV Piano-Black Bureau Plat Majestic bureau plat in Louis XV style. Piano black polished veneer on solid Pinewood with r...
Bronze
$2,648Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 66.15 in D 31.11 in
Early 20th Century Ash Executive Desk with Brass Accents
Located in Opole, PL
Impressive Ash Executive Desk, Early 20th Century Step into timeless sophistication with this stunning pre-war executive desk, crafted from richly toned ash wood and dating back to ...
Brass
Karl Springer Shagreen & Chrome Executive Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Denton, TX
Extremely Rare Karl Springer Shagreen & chrome executive desk. Each corner has brass accents to compliment the chrome. Dark Shagreen top and ...
Brass, Chrome
Herringbone Waterfall Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Herringbone Waterfall Desk, create a serene space for work and moments of reflection with this parsons style desk, engaging the senses with its fluid f...
Wood
Vintage Boho Karl Springer Shagreen Wrapped Writing Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Boho Karl Springer writing desk, wrapped in luxurious shagreen, combines sleek lines with exotic texture. A sophisticated and s...
Shagreen, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 48 in D 24.5 in
Karl Springer Superb Desk in Blue Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully crafted "Chinese Parson Style Desk" in stunning blue shagreen with bone inlays and three drawers by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label ...
Bone, Shagreen, Wood
Karl Springer Free Form Lizard Embossed Leather Desk, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Free Form Lizard Embossed Leather Desk, 1980s. Very rare in lizard embossed leather. The Free Form Desk is considered among his b...
Lizard
Karl Springer Lizard Skin Desk, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer lizard skin desk, 1970. Desk has 3 drawers and has been restored.
Lizard
Sold
H 29.5 in W 68 in D 34 in
Karl Springer Executive Desk in Embossed Crocodile Leather 1985 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare “Curved Style Desk” in taupe crocodile embossed leather with artisan chrome pulls and 2 pull out trays by Karl Springer, American 1985 (signed and dated on leather label “Karl Springer 1985...
Metal, Chrome
Karl Springer Angular Lacquered Goat Skin Two Drawer Desk, circa 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic mid-century Designer, Karl Springer two drawer desk. The Desk is hand crafted of Lacquered Goatskin and has radius legs all meticulously designed for a seamless look. The draw...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Writing Desk Shagreen Top and Ivory Lacquer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer writing desk with Shagreen top and drawer fronts, with two drawers (which are spacious with dividers). The wood body is meticu...
Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.5 in W 60 in D 30 in
Karl Springer Superb Desk in Blue Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exquisite "Chinese Parson Style Desk" in blue shagreen with bone inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label in drawer). The materials and craftsm...
Bone, Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very unusual Karl Springer lacquered goat skin table featuring a modernist steel base supporting a cream lacquered goatskin/parchment t...
Steel
Karl Springer "Chinese Parsons Style Desk" in Lacquered Goatskin, 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Chinese Parsons Style Desk" in lacquered goatskin with chrome inlays by Karl Springer, American 1985 (dated on bottom). This desk is both luxurious...
Chrome
Karl Springer "Bristol Desk" in Bird's-Eye Maple, circa 1985 Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and important "Bristol Desk" with 3 drawers in bird's-eye maple with sunburst inlay on top and black sabots by Karl Springer, American, circa 1985. Drawers lined in moire. Signe...
Textile, Birdseye Maple
Sold
H 30 in W 48.25 in D 20.25 in
Karl Springer Chic Writing Desk in Embossed Crocodile Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Writing desk covered in white embossed crocodile leather with stainless steel drawers by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30.25 in W 64.5 in D 26.25 in
Large Carl Springer Signed Waterfall Art Deco Tan Lizard Wrapped Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A large Carl Springer signed waterfall Art Deco tan lizard wrapped desk having three drawers. This Fine desk by this highly sought after designer is in v...
Wood
Faux Shagreen Desk by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A hand-painted faux shagreen desk by Karl Springer.
Large Karl Springer Leather Wrapped Waterfall Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
KARL SPRINGER (1930-1991) Large waterfall desk wrapped entirely in tan lizard embossed leather with 3 drawers. Signed: Karl Springer 1987 American, c. 1980 Height: 29.5"H ov...
Leather
Chic "Radius Leg Desk" in Black Croc Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Radius Leg Desk" covered in black crocodile embossed leather with steel corners and sabots by Karl Springer, American 1970's (original label reads “Karl Springer LTD”)