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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
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 ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Python

Pair Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps with Original Polished Steel Shades
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare pair of large solid clear acrylic oval block lamps with the original mirror-polished steel shades and diffusers. Cords are embedded in the lucite blocks, which support a double ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Karl Springer Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous Pair of Karl Springer Ottomans with brass bases and faux shagreen upholstery. Some superficial damage to the upholstery.
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "Heavy Parsons Table"in Penshell w/Brass Inlay Coffee Table 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer "Heavy Parsons Table"in Penshell with Brass Inlay Coffee Table 1980. Brown tessellated and lacquered penshell with brass inlay.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Documented Karl Springer Mid Century Brass Wrapped Armchair in Holly Hunt Fabric
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This super luxe Mid-Century Modern documented Karl Springer swivel club chair was realized in the United States circa 1985. It offers a sculptural body- full of interesting curvilin...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

Gun Metal and Brass Coffee Table with Glass Top, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a striking 1970s Karl Springer coffee table. The size works well in a large or intimate space. The dark smoky glass is inset, surrounded by a .25" brass border. The border ex...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

Brass Kudu Antelope Sculptures, Karl Springer, set of two
By Karl Springer
Located in Voorburg, NL
Exclusive and Graceful Brass set of Kudu/ Antelope Busts designed by Karl Springer. The set consists of two solid brass bust with tall twisted horns. There is a certain asymmetry to ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of Bullet Lights
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Designed Pair of Bullet Lights. Polished brass with gun metal finish. Original honey comb diffuser. Heavy, and solid, with felt bottom. These lights can be floor light...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Free Form Coffee Tables in Polished Stainless Steel with Black Glass Tops 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Free Form Coffee Tables in mirror polished stainless steel with inset black glass tops in the style of Karl Springer, custom design, American 1980's. These tables are beau...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Stunning "Curved-End Console Table" in Emu Skin 1993 (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
“Curved-End Console Table” in ivory emu skin with gold overlay by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signed “Karl Springer 1993” on the underside of the console). The gold overlay beautif...
Category

1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer "Triangular Leg Metal End Table" with Shagreen Top 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in brass with shagreen top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" under top). This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine ex...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional coffee table in lacquered goatskin, rectangular with chamfered corners, by Karl Springer, 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and an iconic Springer form. Reference: Copy of original Karl Springer invoice dated 1985 with the description, “Di-Gerlando Style Coffee Table 54...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

'Double JMF' Lacquered Goatskin Console by Karl Springer w COA & Stamped, c 1977
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a truly exquisite collectors item, and equally sought after by top interior designers, the 'Double JMF' console table in lacquered goatskin by Karl ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Set 3 Karl Springer LTD Polished Brass Nesting Pillar Candlesticks Holders 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
These 3 graduated Karl Springer LTD polished Brass Candlesticks are designed by Karl Springer circa 1985 in America. Each features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cyli...
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Kartl Springer Double Sided Gunmetal and Chrome Vanity Mirror 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted iconic double sided vanity mirror in polished gunmetal and chrome with magnifier on one side and regular mirror on the other by Karl Springer, American 1980's. I...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome, Nickel

1970s Enrique Garcel Armchair Tessellated Bone Inlay Colombia
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Enrique Garcel (in the style of Karl Springer + Maitland Smith) Armchair in tessellated bone Fabulous sculptural profile Original vintage preowned condition with new upholstery...
Category

1970s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Fabric

Deep blue lacquered goatskin console
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Deep blue lacquered goatskin console with brass details attributed to Karl Springer.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Exceptional "J.M.F. Side Table" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "J.M.F. Side Table" in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The artisanship of this piece is superb. Marrying fine materials with sublime forms is what made...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Pair Lucite Acrylic Lamps by Karl Springer for Hansen
By Karl Springer, Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Lucite and Chrome Lamps signed Hansen New York. Designed by Karl Springer. Lucite and Chrome construction.
Category

1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Large "Saturn Mirror" with Peach Glass Ring 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large hand-crafted "Saturn Mirror" with large beveled panels, outside arced mirrors in peach glass, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror was typi...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass

Karl Springer Style Modern Cantilevered Glass Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer style modern cantilevered glass surface cocktail or coffee table, made in the 1980s. The piece consists of a slanted column with an oval glass top cantilevered into a w...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage lucite and glass coffee table designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1980s. This coffee table has a unique design in which its co...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Lucite

Ivory Goatskin Parchment Coffee Table by Karl Springer with an Inlay Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This low coffee table by Karl Springer features an inlay lacquered base with a table top from goatskin parchment, finished with clear lacquer. Beveled edges and a plinth-like base ar...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Elegant Gunmetal and Brass Center Table by Karl Springer w/ Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and rare table, exquisitely crafted in the distinguished style reminiscent of Maison Jansen's "Table Royale," by the talented Karl Springer. ...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Karl Springer "Art Moderne Game Table" in Gunmetal with Shagreen Top 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning "Art Moderne Game Table" in polished gunmetal with polished chrome accents and tessellated pale plum shagreen top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This table is a wonderf...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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...
Category

1980s Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamp with Original Polished Steel Shade
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare solid clear acrylic oval block lamp with the original mirror-polished steel shade. Cord is embedded in the lucite block, which supports a double cluster socket and adjustable ri...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer Rare "Royal Palm 4 Door Cabinet" in Lacquered Goatskin ca. 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Royal Palm 4 Door Cabinet" in olive/beige color lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American ca. 1990. Interior is finished in green lacquer. This cabinet exemplifies Karl Springer...
Category

1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Meticulously Crafted Coffee Table with Lucite Legs 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Round Leg Lucite coffee table" with brass stretchers and inset glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Signed “Karl Springer” on brass stretcher). This table is beautifully mad...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Postmodern Lucite Torchiere Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) Postmodern torchiere lamp in opaque sandblasted lucite with brass elements, circa 1970s. Dealer: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Two-toned Saturn Round Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A elegant Karl Springer "Saturn Mirror" with curved mirrored panels. A Taupe (dark gray-brown) bevelled frame surrounds a bevelled mirror center.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror

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
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer JMF Arm Chair in Lacquered Goat Skin
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer's lacquered goat skin pieces are amongst his most impressive. Springer, well known for outstanding quality and attention detail, produced the JMF chairs starting in 198...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Mid-Century Free Form Cocktail Table in Gunmetal & Vitrolite by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This minimal, organic and elegant Mid-Century Modernist "Free Form" Cocktail Table by the esteemed designer Karl Springer is a highly rare and sought after piece, originating from t...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Vitrolite

Karl Springer Exotic Leather and Patinated Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Karl Springer coffee table in what appears to be sea snake leather with Patinated brass accents. Lovely simplistic form with nods of elegance through the reversed arched sides. Brass...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Glazed Porcelain Planter by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare burgundy purple glazed porcelain planter by renowned designer Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age( see detail photos). Measureme...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Asian Buddha Mask on Karl Springer Custom Base
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Asian monumental silvered wood Hotei Buddha head mask upon a custom lacquered wood base by Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991). Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Pair of Black Leather Arm Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer designed, Pair of black "Bentwood" arm chairs Authentic and documented. Lacquered wood with leather upholstery. Ready for use. The color is black. Good example of this...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather

Karl Springer Bronze Mounted Table Box, 1987
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991) red and black decorated bronze-mounted sculptural table box, signed "Karl Springer" and dated "1987" to underside. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Late 20th Century Brutalist Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Pouf Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Both have been reupholstered in mohair from fishman's fabrics. Featuring a comfortable upholstered seat with a steel base and hidden rubber ball castors for super smooth mo...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mohair

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 ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Pair of 1970s Gunmetal Candelabras with Brass details by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This pair of candleholders in gunmetal feature an ornately detailed brass stand, offering a perfect balance of both refinement and warmth to any table. Springer was a prevalent Germa...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer parchment dining table, USA/Germany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in London, GB
This parchment table attributed to Karl Springer, is monolithic with grand proportions, seating up to 12. A designer of luxury furniture and objects, Springer (born Berlin, 1931) cut...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper

Pair of Gunmetal & Brass Candleholders by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Large Pair of polis gunmetal and brass candleholders by Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition. We also have a set of three in a different listing, shown in last phot...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Rare Backgammon/Games Table in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Parsons Style Backgammon Table" in lacquered goatskin with brass trim, backgammon board with inset gray and ox blo...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Rare & Exceptional Pair of Lacquered Goatskin Bedside Tables 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted bedside tables in lacquered goatskin, each with 2 doors and drawer, by Karl Springer, American 1985 (fabrication date stamped on back “7 19 85”). Lacquer...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood

Karl Springer Lidded Box with Artisan Lacquered Exterior 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely hand-lacquered lidded box with wood motif exterior and interior covered in beige suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This box is meticulously crafted. Springer had...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Suede, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Ming Writing Desk/Console in Embossed Crocodile 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Ming Writing Desk/Console in lacquered embossed crocodile leather with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This was originally designed as a console whi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

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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