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 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
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
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Lucite and Glass Top Coffee Table, Singed
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer lucite and glass top coffee table circa 1970s, signed on one leg. The table legs can be sold without the glass top if a custom size is required. Inquire for shippin...
Glass, Lucite
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 Souffle Ottoman or Pouf in Original Condition
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an iconic vintage Souffle ottoman by Karl Springer, exemplifying the designer’s signature blend of sculptural form and refined luxury. This piece features Springer’s celebrat...
Brass
Set of 6 Karl Springer Gold Onassis Chairs with Leather Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Karl Springer Onassis chairs with leather upholstery. The Iconic Onassis chair is one of Karl Springers most famous designs and the beautiful lines contour to the body perf...
Leather, Wood
Signed Karl Springer Square White Venetian Scavo Glass Catchall Bowl, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer square white Venetian glass bowl, catchall, candy dish, 1980s. Produced by Seguso and signed on the underside by Karl Springer. Features an acid-etched Scavo surface wi...
Murano Glass
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
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome and Original Purple String Shade Ball Lamps, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Leviton
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
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 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 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
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
$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 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 draw...
Brass, Chrome
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
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
Style of Karl Springer Natural Shagreen Waterfall Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Style of Karl Springer Natural Shagreen Waterfall Coffee Table, 1980s. Original in great condition. Measures 43.25” long 26” deep 20.5...
Shagreen Stingray
Karl Springer Red Goatskin Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning example From Karl Springer Beautiful Red Goatskin A simple Modern Form
Goatskin
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s This large-scale hand-blown glass vase was created in Murano, Italy, by Seguso for American designer Karl Springer in the 19...
Glass
Pair of “Onassis” Barstools in Dowelwood & Boucle by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of glamorous 1980’s “Onassis”Barstools by Karl Springer. Constructed of whitewashed dowelwood and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Italian natural sheep ...
Bronze
Lacquered Goatskin Parchment Credenza by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s goatskin parchment lacquered credenza by Karl Springer. In amazing vintage condition shows minor wear consistent with age. Constructed of wood covered with a grayish tan g...
Wood, Lacquer, Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Rare and Monumental Shagreen Pair of Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of exquisite lamps by Karl Springer. The large spheres are solid wood meticulously covered in shagreen, the Pyramid shades are also wood covered in shagreen. Reportedly just a...
Shagreen
1980s Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Dry Bar Cabinet
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1980s Vintage Karl Springer Ltd Modern Dry Bar Service Cabinet Lacquered Leather Goatskin Creamy Parchment Wood and Brass 36 h x 53 w...
Leather, Wood, Parchment Paper, Goatskin
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
Set of Three Oak ‘Onassis’ Barstools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three glamorous 1980's "Onassis" barstools by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid oak and aged bronze footrests, the seats were recovered at one point with this burnout orange...
Bronze
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980’s. Newly upholstered in green leather. Measures 20” tall 48” long 20” deep
Stainless Steel
Huge Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A huge Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table Probably a Custom Design Authenticated by Tom Langevin
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer for Seguso large bronze Art Deco frosted glass vase 1980
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Paris, IDF
This monumental Art Deco inspired vase in hand-blown frosted glass with scavo finish, is a design by Karl Springer, and was produced by Seguso in the early 1980s. The structure is ma...
Bronze
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 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 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
Pair of Mid-Century Brass & Lucite "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming and bold Pair of Mid-Century Modernist "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in Brass and Frosted Lucite are by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and originate from t...
Brass
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
1970s Coromandel Screen by Karl Springer, Hand-Carved, Vintage Decor
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An Incredible 1970 rare four panel “Coromandel” Screen by Karl Springer. The front design is hand carved and painted with black and coral...
Brass
Karl Springer Upholstered Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Karl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a rectangular form braced with polished brass cross bar frame, a top four solid and sturdy cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, with new luxe woven Blue upholstery...
Brass
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
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Floor Lamps in Chrome & Brass by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of floor lamps by renowned designer Karl Springer exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetic of Mid-Century Modernist design, with a focus on the...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Brass
Monumental Karl Springer Goatskin Credenza / Buffet, 1980's With COA
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
This is the kind of piece that makes designers whisper and collectors lean in: a monumental Karl Springer credenza, completely clad in creamy, glossy goatskin from head to toe. (Even...
Goatskin
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
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s, chrome-plated steel and gold-tone brass. 15.25" H x 21" W x 5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Coll...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
$36,664Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Canopy King Bed with Wood Base, Gunmetal Frame, Brass Corners, and
By Karl Springer
Located in Cheyenne, WY
Karl Springer’s sleek and inviting canopy bed captures his unparalleled eye for fusing unusual materials into the ultimate statement piece. The frame, constructed from exquisitely fi...
Metal, Brass
Rare Large Karl Springer Bronzed Dressing Table/ Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic large Karl Springer Art Deco inspired vanity make-up mirror dates to the 1970s-1980s. Made from stainless steel and bronzed finish brass,...
Brass, Steel
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 Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s Heavy, polished stainless steel over wood server, buffet, cred...
Stainless Steel
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
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 Onassis Bar Stools, A Set of 4, Goatskin, Boucle & Bronze, C. 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
These bar stools are absolutely gorgeous! If you have an eye for opulence and a taste for the finer things in life we've got a treat for you. Dive headfirst into the lap of luxury with these iconic Karl Springer barstools...
Bronze
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
Karl Springer Freeform Coffee Table, circa 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Black Glass Freeform Coffee Table, circa 1970. 18.5" H x 31.75" W x 26" D. Provenance: From a 422 East 72nd Street Estate.
Stainless Steel
Pair of Leather and Brass Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular pair of 1980’s polish brass and leather J.M.F. floor lamps by renowned American designer Karl Springer. The lamps are constructed of solid brass and wood that’s covered...
Brass
Pair of Lucite and Chrome Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of beautiful Lucite and chrome floor lamps designed and manufactured by Karl Springer in the early 1970s for a private home in NY. The lamps came from the original owners and a...
Chrome
$7,300Sale Price|22% 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 Optic Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of our favorite Karl Springer mirrors. Wood trim is dark blue.
Lacquer, Mirror
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 "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 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
Documented "Regina Side Chair" in Black Lacquer by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
The "Regina Side Chair" designed by Karl Springer showcases the designer's hallmark mastery of luxurious materials and bold, sculptural forms. Finished with sleek black lacquer, the...
Fabric, Walnut, Lacquer
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.