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.
$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 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
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Goatskin Dining Table With Custom Chrome Drum Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
This dining table is simply stunning. A goatskin dining table designed by Karl Springer from the 1980s features a creamy goatskin top with hides that are both tan and nude in color with slight color variations in the hides that only come with real goatskin pieces. This large goatskin top rests on a circular chrome drum base that is a custom base for the table. This stunning table came out of a prominent home in Century City and the provenance is available upon request. The dining table top still has the original Karl Springer paper label which was included in the original wrapping of the piece / order tag, which has been affixed to the bottom by the original owner for provenance. This wrapping tag has significantly faded with time, but you can still make out the name Karl Springer at the top (especially if you snap a photo and bump up the contrast). This dining table, as photographed, looks incredible with the Guido Faleschini for Pace Collection dining chairs -- which is the exact combination the family had been using since the 1980's. With the striking chrome base, this dining table would look great with Milo Baughman thinline...
Chrome
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
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 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...
Stainless Steel
Shagreen and Gilt Stenciled Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A rare dining table, the top having inset shagreen panels, framed by a design of gilt stenciling and brass inlay. The whole on four square and concave legs similarly decorated. signe...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Leather, 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.
Goatskin
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 Console Dining Table Authenticated
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of authenticated tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd. The bases are currently configured as a pair of console tables with glass tops, but they can ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lacquered burl wood veneer dining table with a large rectangular top resting on two solid rectangular pedestal bases with a black lacquered central decorative sp...
Wood
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 and...
Goatskin, 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
Rare Karl Springer Signed Faux Crocodile Desk or Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous signed Karl Springer dining table of white faux crocodile leather with chrome accents. Bearing wood Karl Springer Ltd plaque on underside. Provenance: From a private Tex...
Nickel
1980 Karl Springer Knife Edge Oval Dining Table Lacquered Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Karl Springer Ltd 1980 cream lacquered goatskin knife edge dining table. Dramatic double pedestal base. Dimensions: 28.75 H 47.25 D x 94.5 L inches Maker l...
Goatskin, Lacquer
"Jansen Style" Octagonal Dining Table in Gun Metal and Brass by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, London
This elegant octagonal dining table, by Karl Springer, exemplifies the designer’s refined balance of geometry, luxury materials, and tailored detailing. The expansive thick octagona...
Brass
Karl Springer Contemporary American Lucite Dining Table Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American dining / conference table base constructed from a circular piece of clear lucite with three wide flared legs. (KARL SPRINGE...
Glass
$8,400Sale Price|30% Off
Large Dining Fossilized Coral Table with Stone Mosaic by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous dining table designed and retailed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. The iconic shape features a beveled horse track-shape top with ro...
Stone
Vintage Karl Springer Lucite, Glass, Gold Plated 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...
Gold, Brass
Large Ron Seff Goat Skin Rare Lucite Base Expandable Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Ron Seff Goat Skin Lucite base versatile extra-large expandable dining/conference table, when closed 72" with two leave 20"each when fully opened 112" in exceptional condition bevel...
Goatskin, Lucite, Wood
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.
Goatskin, Wood
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...
Metal
Custom Regency Style 56" Diameter Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Swathed in the finest figured mahogany, this 56” diameter table features a bold pedestal comprised of a tapered octagonal column having an ebonized collar and terminating on a platfo...
Mahogany, Satinwood, Ebony
Karl Springer Style Faux Goatskin Lacquered Cream Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage 1980s Karl Springer style faux goatskin lacquered console table. This parson style table features a freeform, smooth lacquered goatskin p...
Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Pagoda Lacquered Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant and impressive dining table styled after the designs of Karl Springer. A faux marble surface offers a unique look when paired with the table's minimal geometric form. Tabl...
Laminate, Lacquer
$2,471Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.25 in W 96 in D 42.5 in
Modern Oak Large Trestle Style Dining or Conference Table Bullnose Edges
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous modern oak veneer large trestle style dining or conference table with bullnose edge top and slab style legs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. We have noticed a few minor nicks and dings on the top and along the edges. The top also has an overall raised grain texture. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. This is a TITANIC of a table!!! Lol… It’s super large!! It is comprised of gorgeous oak veneer with solid oak applied to both ends… kind of a modified trestle style dining table with slab legs, and beautiful bullnose edge on said top and legs. The added solid oak ends are separated from the veneered top by a narrow-blackened groove which sets this detail off nicely. It is absolutely stunning!! It is a colossal 96 inches long and seats eight comfortably, but you may fit ten if the chairs are a bit narrower or you straddle the legs. The legs are recessed 6.5 inches, so straddling is not a large obstacle. In addition, although the natural oak is beautiful, we can also see this being ebonized with a little black dye. Incredible!!! It will be fabulous in your dining room or as a lovely conference table at the office! It is modern in style, but it will host oodles of options of dining or office chairs! We have LOTS of chairs...
Oak
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Parchment Coffee Table In Original Condition with some small imperfections as shown in photos 1970s
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
$3,900
H 29.5 in Dm 40 in
Mid Century Italian Marble Round Dining Table or Center Table with Chrome Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A gorgeous circular dining table with burgundy marble from Italy circa 1970's. It features a four legged chrome plated steel base with thick m...
Marble, Chrome
$960Sale Price|31% Off
H 28 in W 54 in D 16.5 in
Karl Springer Style Faux Lacquered Goatskin Console Sofa Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Wood, Lacquer
Custom Modern Round Oak Dining Table Washed Finish
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom Modern Round Oak Dining Table Washed Finish. Featuring stunning sunburst oak top finished in a natural warm washed finish. Sitting atop a...
Metal
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.
Goatskin
Custom Walnut Sunburst Round Dining Table by Carrocel
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Carrocel custom made dining, entry, hall table, elegantly patterned and beautifully hand polished sunburst walnut top with a silver and gold leaf custom finished pedestal solid wood ...
Silver Leaf
$16,400Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.75 in Dm 60 in
Extendable Lacquered Goatskin Dining Table, c 1970, Restored w French Polish
By Karl Springer, Aldo Tura
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simply exquisite is this lacquered goatskin dining table featuring a scalloped base with chrome details and a monumental size: 60" in diameter with no leaves and 96" x 60" with both ...
Chrome
Custom, English Mahogany 48" Round Starburst Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
Created in the style of tables from the 18th century, this circular, mahogany starburst table is supported by a single column pedestal with four splay legs ending in brass toe caps a...
Mahogany, Satinwood, Ebony
Sold
H 30 in W 160 in D 48 in
Monumental Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment (Goatskin) Knife-Edge Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental Karl Springer Lacquered Parchment (Goatskin) Knife-Edge Twin Pedestal Dining Table, USA, circa 1975 A rare and monumental expandable dining table by Karl Springer, execut...
Goatskin, Wood
1970s Karl Springer Style Faux Goatskin Extending Oval Dining Room Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Mid Century dining table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best ...
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer Black Goatskin Knife Edge Dining Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Black Goat Skin Knife Edge Dining Table, 1970s. Original wi 1 leaf. Measures 29.25” tall 84” long without leaf, with leaf 102” long 48” deep. Set Chairs are in separ...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Goatskin Bullnose Dining Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Bullnose Dining Table, 1980s. Table base 2 leaves which each measure 18” wide. Measurements table without leaves 89” long, 47” deep 30” tall. With the 2 leaves...
Goatskin
Vintage Boho Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your dining space with this stunning vintage Karl Springer-style grasscloth dining table. The beautifully textured grasscloth veneer wraps around the pedestal base and expans...
Seagrass, Wood
Karl Springer Red Goatskin Game/Center/Dining Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Red Goat Skin Game/Center/Dining Table, 1970. Table is original and absolutely gorgeous. Measures 30" tall 36" x 36"
Goatskin
Karl Springer parchment dining table, USA/Germany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in London, GB
This parchment table attributed to Karl Springer, is monolithic with grand proportions, seating up to 12. A designer of luxury furniture and objects, Springer (born Berlin, 1931) cut...
Parchment Paper
Round Dining Center able with Stone Mosaic Surface by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous circular dining table designed by Karl Springer circa 1980s. Supported by a pedestal in a large column shape, the thick tabletop features a rounded beveled edge and encir...
Stone
Parchment Veneered Pedestal Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautiful pedestal table designed by Karl Springer and manufactured in 1985. this table exhibits all the classic features of Springer's work from the 1980s. the freeform application ...
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer American Modern Oval Parchment Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern (1980s) dining / conference table with an oval top resting on an oval base, finished in a beige parchment / goatskin veneer. (KARL SPRINGER) (Similar piece: REG4031A)
Wood, Parchment Paper
1970s Karl Springer Style Goatskin Extending Round Oval Dining Room Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Mid Century dining table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best ...
Goatskin, Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 24 in
Steel and Brass Tulip Bases for Dining or Console tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of metal tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd circa 1970-80s. The bases are currently configured as a pair of conso...
Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome