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 Backgammon Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Backgammon Table Lizard impressed Leather and Polished Steel Produced in 1988, Karl Springer label present A fine example comple...
Leather
Large Karl Springer Lucite Leg Coffee Table, Glass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Large Karl Springer Lucite Leg Coffee Table, glass top is 0.75 thick. Glass top without legs is 53.75" by 65.50". The height of the top 16" and the height legs is 18"
Glass, Lucite
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Goatskin and Suede Flip Top Game Table, Karl Springer, 1970's, W/ COA
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Some tables hold a drink. Some hold a vase. This one holds grudges ~ and the receipts to back them up. Welcome the Karl Springer Backgammon Game Table, the only piece of furniture th...
Goatskin, Suede, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modernist Python Side Table with Brass Castors by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist side table, designed by Karl Springer circa 1980, is an exceptional example of his ability to merge luxury materials with functional design. The table is f...
Brass
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
6 Karl Springer 1986 JMF Lizard Print Leather Dining Chairs Minimalis Modern MCM
By Karl Springer
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of six iconic J.M.F. Chairs signed by Karl Springer, circa 1986. Features a minimalist design with embossed lizard print frame. The chair features a curved back and contoured s...
Leather, Hardwood
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
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
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
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
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
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
$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 “banker“ coffee table in embossed white leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a large scale “banker” coffee table by Karl Springer .executed in a fine printed cream white leather .extremely well built and large… It is 60“ x 40“ x 17“ tall… Wear is co...
Leather, Glass
Mid-Century X Form Polished Brass & Lucite Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking piece showcases Springer's signature blend of bold geometry and luxurious materials. The base is formed by intersecting, sculptural elements in highly polished brass, c...
Brass
$12,000 / set
Light Beige Seguso Scavo Murano Glass Lamps
By Karl Springer, Archimede Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Seguso scavo Murano glass lamps with a grecian influence. The textured urn bodies are fitted with bronze hardware and sit on gilded bases. Sold thru Karl Springer, c. 80s.
Bronze
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 Oval Dining Table, Beige Parchment, 1980s
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
Mid-Century Modernist Tessellated Shagreen Geometric Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This remarkably scaled and materially stunning Mid-Century Modernist Large Geometric Table Lamp in Tessellated Shagreen is by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and origi...
Shagreen
Karl Springer Tortoise Style Brass and Penn Shell Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer coffee table. This table is stunning with great lines and proportions. The size is quite versatile as it is not too big or too small. No sharp corners.
Brass
Karl Springer Large 'Mark II" Coffee Table Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A monumental 'Mark II' coffee table with lizard embossed leather and smoked glass top. Signed and dated Karl Springer, 1986.
Leather
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
Karl Springer Mark V Parchment Macassar Ebony & Gilt Iron Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Macassar ebony veneer, gilt iron and parchment coffee table by Karl Springer circa 1995. Signed on underside.
Macassar, Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench. Item features a red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfall ...
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Lizard Skin Side/End Table with Brass Trim, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lizard Skin Side/End Table with Brass Trim, 1970’s. Measures 17.25” tall 32” wide 24” deep
Brass
Karl Springer Two Tier Side Table in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully crafted petit side table in grasscloth with sculpted edges by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. It is very chic. Reference: Purchas...
Grasscloth, Wood
Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s Two-Tier Table with Drawer signed Karl Springer. Gorgeous, seldom-seen two-tier table in tessellated stone with brass inla...
Stone, Brass
$6,300
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Brass
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Large Coffee Table, Gunmetal, Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Signed Large Midcentury Karl Springer Coffee / Cocktail Table, Gunmetal, Brass Priced well below site and market value comes this Large and Impressive Glass top Coffee or Cocktail ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Lucite & Chrome Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous pair of clear lucite and chrome table lamp by renowned designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new shades. Wired for US and take two 75w Max regular editions light bulb...
Chrome
$9,500 / set
Karl Springer Chromed Metal Orb Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lamps Original surface,Lamp Mounts and Finials Oversized Please ignore reflections in chrome finish from photographer
Chrome
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
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 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
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 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
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
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
Karl Springer Signed Snake Skin Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A snake skin covered 'telephone' side table on brass casters by Karl Springer, signed and dated. A second similar table available separately.
Animal Skin
Karl Springer 1970s Midcentury Octagonal Bar Cart with Red Snakeskin Finish
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Karl Springer octagonal bar cart from the mid 20th century, with red snakeskin and casters. Made by renowned designer Karl Springer in the 1970s, ...
Brass
Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Large Coffee Table, Chrome, Glass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Signed Chrome Coffee, Cocktail Table, Glass Top Karl Springer Chrome Coffee, Cocktail Table, Glass Top. Base having the impressed signature. A l...
Steel, Chrome
Modern Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Waterfall Coffee Table. 18" H x 48" W x 26" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Grasscloth
Karl Springer Lizard-Embossed Leather Pedestal Dining Table, 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking dining table by Karl Springer, its broad circular top cantilevered over a substantial drum-form pedestal base. The table is fully wrapped in a rich cognac-toned lizard-emb...
Leather, Wood
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
Karl Springer Coffee Table with Lucite Legs and Engraved Glass Top 1980s Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large one-of-a-kind round coffee table with 3 solid lucite legs and table top engraved by glass artist Joseph Spohr for Karl Springer, American 1980’s (signed “Karl Springer” on luci...
Art Glass, Lucite
Pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans/Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans Brass bases Re-upholstered in faux Shearling
Brass
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
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
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
$6,100Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Reptile Embossed Leather Cocktail Table, Signed and Dated 1983
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Karl Springer (signed) reptile embossed leather coffee table is signed and dated 1983, the same year that brought us Risky Business, Scarface, National Lampoon...
Leather
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
$12,000 / set
Karl Springer Tray Top End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1980's tray top two tier end tables with a single drawer by Karl Springer, well made with beautiful craftsmanship, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina d...
Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lucite table Lamps Polished Brass Lamp Hardware and fittings New Replaced shades If you want the shades,they will ha...
Lucite
Mid-Century Mushroom Sconce by Karl Springer in Polished Chrome & Lucite
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modernist mushroom sconce designed by the renowned Karl Springer, American, circa 1970. This iconic piece demonstrates Springer's...
Chrome
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Copper Rain Drum Table With Original Textured Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of timeless sophistication with this original Karl Springer Rain Drum Cocktail Table; a dazzling tribute to Southeastern As...
Copper
Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gold Cocktail Table, USA c 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
The metal finishes developed by Karl Springer elevate his furniture to fine jewelry status. Springer was renowned for his use of exotic materials and proprietary finish techniques in...
Metal
Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box Original surface with minor touchups Original suede interior.
Wood
Karl Springer Snakeskin Telephone Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Water Mill, NY
Karl Springer signed snakeskin telephone table on brass wheels. In pale yellow
Serpentine, Brass
Karl Springer Gunmetal and Brass Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer X Base Stool Executed in Gunmetal and Brass Upholstered in Lambs Wool An Elegant Example
Brass
Karl Springer Goatskin Onassis Chairs With New Ultrasuede Upholstery Set Of 4
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Amazing set of 4 custom order Karl Springer goatskin Onassis armchairs, newly re-upholstered in ultra suede fabric, lightly restored with some wear and patina to the leather due to a...
Goatskin, Ultrasuede
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970’s. Measures 16.25” tall 40.25” x 40.25”
Brass
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.