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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $5,649 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$12,500
H 17 in W 60 in D 40 in
Karl Springer Mid - Century 1980's Lucite and Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table.
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
1980's Large rectangle Lucite and smoked glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Four Lucite columns support the 3/4" thick piece of smoked glass which is held in position by polished b...
Brass
Pair of Karl Springer Lacquered Linen Nightstands, circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An elegant pair of original nightstands designed by Karl Springer, dating to the 1980s. Celebrated for his luxurious materials and refined modernism, Springer frequently employed lac...
Linen, Glass, Lacquer
$4,250 / set
H 25.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
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
Karl Springer Burlwood and Chrome Backgammon Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Burlwood and Chrome Backgammon Table, 1980’s. Measures 48” long 30” deep 29” tall
Chrome
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
$14,000
H 25 in Dm 13 in
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome and Original Purple String Shade Ball Lamps, 1980s
By Leviton, Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning and very rare pair of iconic midcentury "Ball" lamps was designed in the 1980s by illustrious American designer Karl Springer. This pair features two hemispheres of pol...
Brass, Chrome
$18,950
H 29.5 in W 77.5 in D 42 in
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
$18,000
H 32 in W 45.25 in D 18 in
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
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $5,649 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $235-$23,800 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |