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Karl Springer Furniture

American, German, 1931-1991

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.

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Creator: Karl Springer
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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Lucite

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
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Stool
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful shades of brown, this a design piece truly worth coveting. The stool is in solid, ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Rare and Exceptional Set of 3 "Free Form Coffee Tables" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and early complete set of 3 "Free Form Coffee Tables" in polished stainless steel on hidden casters by Karl Springer, American early-1980’s. It is rare to see a complete...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Pair of "Free Form Coffee Tables" in Polished Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic pair of “Free Form Coffee Tables” in seamlessly welded and polished brass with thick black glass tops by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of these tables is a...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Brass Sphere Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of brass lamps by Karl Springer. Contemporary shades.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

1970s Philippine Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shell, Wood

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.
Category

1980s Philippine Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shell

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
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Stunning Flip Top Game/Dining Table in Lacquered Linen 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Ming Style Flip Top Game/Dining Table in black lacquered linen by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The top opens on brass hinges which allow it to extend out to do...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Asian Inspired Parchment Covered Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Asian inspired parchment covered coffee table in original lacquered finish. Very large square shaped coffee table with the perfect amount of surface space to display yo...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Parchment Paper

Karl Springer Sandstone Glass Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sandstone Sculpture Console with base in cast composite stone with thick glass top and polished chrome caps by Karl Springer. , American 1980's. The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Sandstone, Chrome

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...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror In Pale Yellow and Black Python 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and exceptional "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in pale yellow and black python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is a superb example of Ka...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Python

Karl Springer Stunning Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Octagonal wall-hanging mirror in lacquered goatskin with darker lacquered goatskin edge by Karl Springer, American 1970's (Karl Springer leather label on back reads “Karl Springer LT...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Parchment Paper

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...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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...
Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Felt, Wood

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 ...
Category

1990s Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

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
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Impressive Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made square coffee table in lacquered goatskin on a recessed plinth base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed with label that reads “Karl Springer” on base). The col...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd Dowelwood Sofa1980c.
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd. Dowelwood Sofa, 1980c Solid bleached oak frame with rattan panels and canvas webbing. Fully restored, with all rattan replaced and handwoven. Re...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Oak

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 20” high. Only gla...
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Lacquered Gold Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning "Half Round Molding Mirror" in mirror lacquered gold leaf by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror is the epitome of glamor. Hangs on a wire on the back. Mirror is ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

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”
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

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 ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Monumental 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...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass

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.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

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...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Brass Bench Original upholstery A large example of this form
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer 1991 Snakeskin Telephone Table Signed & Dated
By Karl Springer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Karl Springer two-tiered design is commonly referred to as a "Telephone Table", a design he produced in various skins and finishes. This particular table with snakeskin fin...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Large Dining Table in Goatskin with Brass Bases 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Racetrack dining table with top in lacquered goatskin with 2 half-moon brass bases by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The goatskin finish is both luxurious and stunning. The custom b...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Large Coffee Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1986, Signed & Dated
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive "Mark II Coffee Table" in 2-tone chocolate lacquered embossed lizard leather with inset polished chrome trim and bronze glass top by Karl Springer, American 1986...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

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
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer Exquisite "Chinese Style Game Table" in Lacquered Linen 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Superbly crafted "Chinese Style Game Table" in vanilla lacquered linen with pop up top to reveal a leather backgammon game board with black and cream points by Karl Springer, America...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Linen, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Set of 4 Swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" in Suede 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique and stunning set of 4 swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" covered in cream suede with brass footrails by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The Onassis Barstool was rarely made in a ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Lizard with Matching Leather Shade 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently curving shaft in black lizard with polished brass base and hardware with black leather shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The matching shade is ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer "Dowelwood Ottomans", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of “Dowelwood Ottomans” with cushions upholstered in brown zebra printed pony skin by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans, like all of Springer’s pieces, are beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Standing Buddha Sculpture in Gilt Bronze 19th Century
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made large 19th century Siam standing Buddha sculpture in gilt bronze sold through the Karl Springer showroom on custom ebonized wood ...
Category

19th Century Thai Other Antique Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Parchment Expandable Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and versatile Karl Springer flip-top games table in ivory parchment (lacquered goatskin), dating from the 1970s. The table showcases Springer’s signature mastery of luxuri...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, 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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

Patinated Karl Springer JMF Goatskin Console Table, Signed, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have an incredible JMF Table by the legendary Karl Springer. A piece that oozes sophistication and charisma, perfect for that trendsett...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently twisting shaft in tessellated fossilized coral with polished brass base and fittings by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp showcases the meticu...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Coral, Brass

Karl Springer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Springer furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 596 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Hollis Jones, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Karl Springer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $428 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
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