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 Goatskin Modern Lacquered Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Goatskin Lacquered Console Table, in black with geometric base. 34" H x 54" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a 422 East 72nd Street Estate.
Goatskin
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 Goatskin and Steel Chest of Drawers
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare cabinet by Karl springer Goatskin and steel Subtle recessed drawer surrounds A good selection of cream colored goatskin
Goatskin
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Lamp White Finished Ostrich Skin Pattern doesn't include lampshade Original Lamp Fittings
Leather
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 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 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 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
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
Karl Springer Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table. Nice Classic Ivory Painted Finish. Beautiful texture too the touch on all surfaces. Add some Chic Springer Style to yo...
Wood
Karl Springer Signed Shagreen Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Glamour
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karl Springer Shagreen Coffee Table, signed with brass Karl Springer tag underneath, American, circa 1970s. This table is executed in a dark brown dyed shagreen with a dark espresso ...
Shagreen, Wood
Documented Mid-Century Modern Hand-Blown Scavo Glass Torchiere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This documented Mid-Century Modernist torchiere, designed by the renowned Karl Springer in America circa 1980, and hand-blown in Murano Italy by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, is a remarkable ...
Glass
$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
Signed Karl Springer Lizard Leather JMF Chair, 1984
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish JMF Chair by Karl Springer featuring an amazing embossed lizard leather skin veneer. Signed and dated on bottom 1984 with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The leather has...
Leather, Wood
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
$8,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Onasis Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Onassis chairs in Oak by Karl Springer. Updated upholstery in White Boucle. An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis Chairs, originally commission by Jacquelyn Kennedy O...
Bouclé, Oak
$7,680Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Low Plinth Coffee Table in Goatskin Parchment and Lacquer, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This low coffee table by Karl Springer features an inlay lacquered base with a tabletop from goatskin parchment, finished with clear lacquer. Beveled edges and a plinth-like base are...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer, Convex Mirror, USA, c. 1980s, Brass, Stainless Steel
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Original Karl Springer vanity mirror in brass and stainless steel. Original finish and mirror in good condition. Brass and stainless steel ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$29,500
Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Shagreen
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
Karl Springer Mark II White Leather w/Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II White Leather with Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table. Smooth white leather lacquered in white shiny finish with clear glass top. Original paperwork shown in pictures...
Metal
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
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
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
Karl Springer Finely Crafted Vanity Mirror in Polished Steel and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Superb iconic vanity/dressing table mirror in polished steel and brass with magnifier on one side and mirror on the other by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror has been comp...
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
$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
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 Grasscloth Tiered Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Grasscloth Tiered Coffee Table, 1970. Original
Grasscloth
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 Glass Bowl by Seguso, Hand-Blown Art Glass, Italy, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Glass Bowl by Seguso, Hand-Blown Art Glass, Italy, 1980s. Large, low, and heavy, artisan hand-blown clear glass bowl by Seguso for Karl Springer in the 1980's. Provenan...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
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
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
Brown Ostrich Leather “Onassis” Chair by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1984 brown ostrich leather “Onassis” chair by Karl Springer. Original commission by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Constructed of carved wood covered with ostrich leather. In b...
Ostrich Leather, Wood
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 Tessellated Stone Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A tessellated marble game table with brass trim designed by Karl Springer.
Marble
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
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 Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Nice mirror. Vanity or shaving.Brass and nickel. It swivels and one side is magnifying.
Brass, Nickel
Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror In Pale Yellow and Black Python 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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...
Mirror, Wood, Python
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
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 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
Superb Rosewood and Shagreen Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A grand dining table by Karl Springer, the broad top surfaced in panels of natural shagreen framed by exotic wood and a continuous band of gilt lattice stenciling with brass inlay, c...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid-Century Side Tables by Karl Springer, Green Canvas, Circa 1955
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century square green painted canvas cloth end / side tables with an Asian influenced design having a shaped bottom to the apron and legs (KARL SPRINGER) (PRICED ...
Paint
Karl Springer Saturn Mirror, 48", USA c1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This impressive example of Karl Springer's "Saturn" mirror measures 48". The simple design is created by layering round and curved mirrors panels each with deep beveling. Very fine ...
Mirror
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
Mohair and Walnut Stools by Karl Springer, C. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional set of vintage 1980s stools by Karl Springer, fully restored by the team at Stamford Modern. Newly reupholstered in luxurious navy blue mohair, these sculptural stools...
Mohair, Walnut
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 Prototype "Cathedral Table" in Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Cathedral Table" with both base and top covered in contrasting leathers by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. The ...
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 Glass Bowl by Seguso, Hand-Blown Art Glass, Italy, 1980s
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Glass Bowl by Seguso, Hand-Blown Art Glass, Italy, 1980s. Large, low, and heavy artisan hand-blown clear glass bowl by Seguso for Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Purchased ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Karl Springer Mark II Leather Coffee Table, 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II Leather and Brass Coffee Table, 1974. Original condition Measures 76" long 48" deep 15.5" tall
Brass
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
1980's Monumental Sized Karl Springer 'Sculpture' Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A monumental coffee table from the “Sculpture” series by Karl Springer. The table features a sculptural base composed of brass and patinated gunmetal brass supporting a large glass ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Pair of Karl Springer Rain Drum Occasional Tables in Bronze, Slate Tops, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Karl Springer "Rain Drum" occasional tables from the 1970s. This is a rare pair with bronze bases and original textured knife edge slate tops. In great vintage condition with...
Slate, Bronze
Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This rare and materially exquisite Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1980. This piece features a minimal body that ...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp by Karl Springer, Frosted Lucite, 1950s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern German frosted acrylic Lucite table lamp with a white shade. The clear desk light was designed by Karl Springer, featuring a on...
Acrylic, Glass
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 Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Dining Table, 86
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lacquered burl wood veneer dining table with a large rectangular top resting on two solid rectangular pedestal bases with a black lacquered central decorative sp...
Wood
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.