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 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
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
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
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 Style, Mid-Century Modern, Cabinets or Nightstands, Black Lacquer
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Mid-Century Modern cabinets, chests, nightstands, karl springer Style Pair of Nightstands or Chests in the Manner of Karl Springer, having a black lacquer and rattan finish. The base giving a floating chest...
Bronze
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
$54,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
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 1977 Goatskin Backgammon Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer - Authenticated 1977 Extremely Rare Goatskin Backgammon Game Table Parsons Style Backgammon Table with Cover Bakelite Game Pieces All Original Condition Beautiful...
Goatskin, Leather, Bakelite, Wood
$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
Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Leather, Wood
Tall Helix Floor Lamp by Karl Springer, Frosted Lucite, Mid-Century
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vintage Mid-Century Modern American stacked helix spiral staircase floor lamp made of hand crafted clear frosted lucite glass with a new white shade. Designed and produced by ...
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Brass, Nickel
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
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
Karl Springer Grasscloth Nightstand/Side/End Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Black Grasscloth Nightstand/Side/End Table, 1980s. Original. Measures 24.25” tall 20” deep 26” long
Grasscloth
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
Three Patinated Leather & Brass Barstools Signed Karl Springer, 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three Patinated Leather & Brass Barstools Signed Karl Springer, 1990 Each work is is signed and dated.. Karl Springer, 1990 Designed by legendary designer Karl Springer in 1990, th...
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
$18,500
Karl Springer Amoeba Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Amoeba table. Bronze patinated brass and black glass top.
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
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 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...
Goatskin, Wood
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
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
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...
Goatskin
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 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...
Wood, Parchment Paper
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 for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Murano Glass
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 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
Monumental Vintage Gunmetal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A rare and exceptional vintage coffee table by the legendary designer Karl Springer, showcasing his masterful approach to materials and finish work. This piece features Springer's ch...
Metal, Brass
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
Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Cast Stone
Karl Springer Custom Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer round custom dining table. Polished Stainless Steel with a Oxblood Red Glasurite Top. Glasurite is a Stone compound developed by Ka...
Stainless Steel
Rare Pair of Mid-Century Waterfall Side Tables in Python, Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Curved Side Tables in Python are fabricated and signed by Karl Springer and originate from the United States, created in 1986. Featuring ...
Python
Signed Karl Springer Table Lamp with a Sandblasted Glass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and rare table lamp by Karl Springer in the 1970s. Has a beautiful sandblasted glass base. In excellent condition, has a refurbished lampshade. Signed on bottom.
Glass
Illuminated Lucite Drum Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, London
This illuminated drum table by Karl Springer exemplifies the designer’s bold, glamorous modernism of the 1970s–1980s. The piece features a striking cylindrical base finished in high-...
Lucite
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 Shagreen End Table With Drawer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Shagreen Table with Drawer Shagreen covered surface Mahogany drawer interior Brass signature tag Original Heavy glass shelf Oversized
Shagreen
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer. Signed: Karl Springer
Shagreen
Karl Springer Freeform Coffee Table, Stainless Steel & Black Glass
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
Karl Springer Python Skin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This can be used as either a bench or a table. A classic Michael Frank 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer, Label below
Leather
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
$7,500 / item
Karl Springer Leather Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer barstools. embossed Snakeskin leather and brass. Karl Springer Label below.
Leather
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...
Brass
$8,400Sale Price|30% Off
Large Dining Fossilized Coral Table with Stone Mosaic by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous dining table designed and retailed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. The iconic shape features a beveled horse track-shape top with ro...
Stone
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
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
$11,500
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
Brass
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
$7,500Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$2,642Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Goatskin Ball Table Lamp with Brass Details, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Ball table lamp designed by Karl Springer covered in grey goat skin with brass details.
Lacquer
Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Rectangular Coffee Table, Gunmetal, Brass 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Signed Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee / Cocktail Table. Guaranteed. Karl Springer "Round Leg Coffee Table" in Gunmetal and Brass. Chic mid-century low profile t...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Scroll Table in Embossed Lizard 1988 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully crafted embossed lizard leather scroll table by Karl Springer, 1988 (signed with label on bottom "Karl Springer 1988") Matching pair of chairs available separately.
Leather
Pair of Karl Springer "Shuffle" Poufs in brass, USA c 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer was renowned for fine quality materials and construction as well as innovative design. The "Souffle" pouf was an instant hit when introduced, and continues to be a favo...
Brass
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Southampton, NY
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table, By Karl Springer White lizard wrapped over wood with chrome detailing under apron and around each leg. A classic design which looks as chic t...
Chrome
KARL SPRINGER Mid-Century ITALIAN Rosewood Octagon Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Listing Description – Mid-Century Italian Rosewood Octagonal Wall Mirror, c. 1950s. The artist and furniture designer is KARL SPRINGER (1931–1991), a renowned German-American desig...
Rosewood
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.