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 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 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 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
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
Leather
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
Goatskin
$29,500
Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Shagreen
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
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
Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...
Wood
Karl Springer Goatskin Desk and Chair Set, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) Goatskin and Wood Desk and Chair, circa 1970, the waterfall form with two pull-out writing surfaces above two shorts drawers and two file c...
Brass
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Goatskin
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
$11,850 / item
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 51.19 in
Stacked Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The stacked writing desk...
Shagreen Stingray
$455Sale Price|50% Off
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Lady’s Desk or Vanity in Mahogany, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful midcentury desk, originally used as a desk for a lady, or vanity in the bedroom. The table is elegant combination of lighter birch wood on the sides and mahogany wood on to...
Birch, Mahogany
$8,965 / item
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 47.25 in
Sonia Writing Desk in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Sonia writing desk...
Brass
Vintage Modern Karl Springer Attributed Rattan Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage modern woven rattan table attributed to Karl Springer. In great condition.
Rattan
1968 Executive Desk
By Warren Platner
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$4,485 / item
H 30 in W 60 in D 24 in
Stash Desk lacquer & walnut , lacquer drawers, lacquer and wood desk, waterfall
Located in Ridgewood, NY
A Minimalist’s dream, the stash desk is a perfect combination of deep, rich walnut with a pop of color. Its slim and clean profile is ideal for small spaces...
Wood, Lacquer
$4,350
H 29 in W 75.75 in D 35 in
1960s Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Executive Desk by Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-Century Walnut and Chrome Desk by Florence Knoll Elevate your workspace with this iconic mid-century walnut desk, designed and manufactured by Florence Knoll. Featuring a beauti...
Chrome
Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Karl Springer Mid Century lacquered goat skin side end table Table measures: 36.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 25.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Goatskin
1970s Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable - mahogany veneer
Metal
$9,455 / item
H 46.46 in W 12.6 in D 33.86 in
Secrétaire Desk in Shagreen and Palmwood by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Shagreen Stingray, Palmwood
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
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 Zebra Wood Writing Table w/ Steel and Brass, USA c 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer, rose to world acclaim in the 1970s. He created custom furniture sought by the glitterati, famously utilizing exotic and unusual materials, and superior craftsmanship. ...
Zebra Wood
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
Karl Springer Ming Writing Desk/Console in Embossed Crocodile 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully crafted Ming Writing Desk/Console in lacquered embossed crocodile leather with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This was originally designed as a console whi...
Metal
White Parsons Desk with Embossed Leather, Shagreen, by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York City, NY
A sleek desk covered in eye-catching embossed leather. In excellent condition.
Leather, Wood, Lacquer, Shagreen Stingray
Karl Springer Rare "Goatskin Free Form Desk" 1988
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and exceptional "Goatskin Free Form Desk" in high gloss lacquered goatskin with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1988 (date stamped on bottom). Springer’s Free Form...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 29 in W 54 in D 28 in
Karl Springer Rare 3 Drawer Writing Desk in Brass and Polished Gunmetal 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare "Square Leg Desk" in polished brass and polished gunmetal with inset top panels in 2-tone celadon and beige embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This desk ...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Rare Writing Desk in Brass and Brushed Gunmetal 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare stunning "Square Leg Writing Desk" in gold tinted brass and brushed gunmetal with inset top panels in embossed shagreen leather by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This desk has ...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 68.5 in D 26 in
Karl Springer Incredible Embossed Crocodile Leather Scroll Leg Desk, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large and impressive desk in 2-tone chocolate embossed crocodile leather with scroll legs and 2 drawers lines with moire silk by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The impeccable crafts...
Leather, Silk, Wood
Rare Karl Springer Custom Designed Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A great custom example of Karl Springers work. Solid Brushed Chrome, Tooled leather and a modern take on a classic design. Authenticated by Tom Langevin.
Steel
1970s Modern Angled Leg Table or Desk by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A 1970s modern table by Karl Springer. This table is covered with goat hide, creating a smooth texture. It features two hidden drawers. With its light tones and linear profile soften...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Goatskin and Brass Executive Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Large waterfall desk by Karl Springer, circa 1970. Natural goatskin with brass pulls. Desk has two small top drawers, two large bottom drawers and two pull-out writing surfaces over ...
Leather
Embossed Leather Clad Executive Desk Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A substantial leather-clad desk designed by Karl Springer, circa 1982. Heavy wood construction completely encased in pattern embossed leather on all sides. The desk features two rows...
Metal