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.
$6,850Sale Price|27% Off
Karl Spinger 'Sculpture' Brass Table Lamp, c 1980, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegantly crafted, this rare 'Sculpture' table lamp by Karl Springer embodies the essence of his meticulous artistry. This example is fashioned from hefty brass, crafted in the 1980s...
Brass
Karl Springer Attributed Chrome 2-Tier Stand with Alligator-Embossed Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking Karl Springer attributed two tier stand features a sleek, polished chrome frame paired with luxurious alligator style embossed leather covering both the top surface and...
Chrome
Karl Springer Optic Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of our favorite Karl Springer mirrors. Wood trim is dark blue.
Lacquer, Mirror
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
Vintage Karl Springer Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps 80's
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful angled and sculptural Karl Springer lucite table base has brass caps. There is no glass provided for this great base. On...
Brass
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
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
Rare Gunmetal and Black Lacquer Etagere or Bookcase by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1970’s ‘Cole Porter Etagere’ or bookcase by Karl Springer. Constructed of metal with a polish gunmetal finish and black lacquered shelfs. It...
Metal
Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Suede, Animal Skin
Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptionally crafted "Kyoto Box" in tessellated penshell with brass inlays on top and trim around base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Sprin...
Brass
Pair of Poufs / Ottomans by Karl Springer, Original Tan / Taupe Fabric, Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Karl Springer Poufs / "Souffle Ottomans" / stools in the original silk fabric, solid seamlessly welded brass bases, and hidden casters. These work well in any environment inc...
Brass
Karl Springer Chic Waste Basket in Ostrich Skin 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chic waste basket in ostrich skin on the outside and inside by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. The bottom is covered in silk moiré. The craftsmanship of all Springer skin work is ex...
Ostrich Leather, Silk, Wood
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 Lucite Coffee Table With Angle Corners
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer lucite coffee table with angled corners and inset glass top. Nice detail work and quality construction from the 1980s. ...
Lucite
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
Vintage Architectural Parsons Square Goatskin Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice early vintage table by Karl Springer. Dating to the 1960's/70s. Beautifully wrapped Parsons table form in Goatskin. Brass capped feet. The clear protective coating has yell...
Goatskin
Mid-Century Goat Skin Pedestal End Table by Karl Springer, Beige
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
3 Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table bases) with a rounded front and flat back (PRICED EACH) (KARL SPRINGER) (1 identical in Florida showroom-REG4050A; similar...
Animal Skin
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
Black Faux Shagreen Coffee Table by Karl Springer, Mid-Century USA
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black faux shagreen wrapped coffee table with a square profile and rounded corners on an inSet platform base. (manner of Karl Springer) Stains and damage to sh...
Wood, Shagreen
Karl Springer Rare "Sculpture Reading Lamp" in Gunmetal and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic "Sculpture Reading Lamp" in polished gunmetal and brass with reading light on top and two additional lights at bottom with thick solid lucite covers by Karl Springer, American...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer, Alligator Pressed Leather Wrapped 52”h x 36”w Beveled Wall Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Large and impressive, Alligator embossed leather wrapped 52”T x 36”W wall mirror by Karl Springer. This luxurious mirror came from the home of Susie Hillfiger, wife of Tommy Hilfig...
Leather, Mirror, Wood
Karl Springer Rain Drum Table w/Concrete Top, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Rain Drum table with concrete top, 1970’s. Concrete top is a knife edge. Beautiful patina. Measures 19.5” tall 26” diameter
Concrete, Copper
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
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
Vintage Karl Springer Console Table, Desk With Lucite, Gold Plated Brass & Glass
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Gold, Brass
Pair of Karl Springer "Sculpture" Side Tables in Sandstone
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a rare pair of "Sculpture" tables in sandstone, bronze and glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer.
Sandstone, Bronze
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 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
"Jansen Style" Octagonal Dining Table in Gun Metal and Brass by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, London
This elegant octagonal dining table, by Karl Springer, exemplifies the designer’s refined balance of geometry, luxury materials, and tailored detailing. The expansive thick octagona...
Brass
Set of Three Lacquered and Emerald Green Mohair Barstools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three 1980’s off white lacquered ‘Onassis Barstools’ by Karl Springer for Steve Chase. Out of a Steve Chase Design Estate in Rancho Mirage CA. ...
Fabric, Wood
Karl Springer Chippendale-Style Horn Wall Mirror. U.S.A. Late 20th Century.
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A dramatic large-scale Chippendale-style wall mirror designed by Karl Springer, American, circa 1980s. Springer reinterprets the traditional 18th-century silhouette through his unmis...
Horn, Mirror
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Wayne, NJ
A stunning conversation table lamp designed by Karl Springer. It features a solid clear oval lucite block base. Rounded edges with a cutout to run the cord through. Double sockets...
Lucite
Karl Springer Chic Lidded Box with Green Shagreen Lacquer Top 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Artisan box in black lacquer with hand-lacquered shagreen top and interior in green shagreen printed suede by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on brass label on...
Brass
Karl Springer for Seguso, Monumental Scavo Glass Vase, Murano
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This monumental hand-blown glass vase was designed by Karl Springer and produced by Seguso Vetri d'Arte in Murano, Italy, during the 1980s. Standing 18.5 inches tall, the vase has a ...
Murano Glass
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
Mid-Century American Armchair by Karl Springer, Goatskin & Shagreen
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century style \"Onassis\" armchair with a curved back frame of lacquered goatskin with a brown shagreen seat cushion (Style of KARL SPRINGER)
Goatskin
Mid-Century Oval Goat Skin Pedestal End Table by Karl Springer, 1950s
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American beige oval goat skin oval pedestal / end table base) (KARL SPRINGER) (similar to 3 of REG4050: oval front, flat back)
Animal Skin
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Metal, 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
Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Karl Springer Mid Century lacquered goat skin side end table Table measures: 36.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 25.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Goatskin
Late 20th Century Vintage Contemporary Signed Karl Springer Waterfall Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible vintage Contemporary Writing desk. Made by the iconic Karl Springer and Signed and dated 1986 on the bottom. Wrapped I’m black leather on a chic waterfall shape. Acquir...
Leather, Wood
$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
$2,384Sale Price / set|40% Off
1970s Spun Shaped Wall Sconces by Karl Springer, Gunmetal & Lucite
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These unique pair of 'Spun Shaped Wall Scones´ were designed by Karl Springer. The wall scones are made of Gunmetal and are placed on detailed Lucite backs which are made of satinate...
Metal
Pair of Lucite and Brass Greek Column Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous pair of 1980s clear lucite and polished brass “Greek Column Table Lamps” by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid acrylic and polish brass. Newly rewired and new shades....
Brass
Important Python Skin Covered Rectangular Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Important python skin covered rectangular mirror by Karl Springer , bearing painted brass manufacturer's label to reverse ‘Karl Springer’. With authentication from Tom Langevin, form...
Animal Skin
Pair Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic pair table lamps by Karl Springer. These great lamps feature three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. They have a two light cluster socket ...
Lucite
Karl Springer Macassar Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A macassar ebony and ebonized coffee table on solid brass casters. A larger form of Springers classic 'telephone table' form. Red Binder Product Catalogue, Karl Springer LTD, New ...
Macassar
Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...
Wood
$9,800 / 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
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
Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Chrome
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Lemon Yellow Python Skin Jewelry Box
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Lemon Yellow Python Skin Jewelry Box (KARL SPRINGER)
Animal Skin
Pair of Mid-Century Tessellated Lizard & Bronze Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Mid-Century Modernist tessellated lizard table lamps, designed by renowned American designer Karl Springer, showcases his distinctive mastery in combining exotic materia...
Bronze
Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf Double Size
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Custom created for a home filled with Karl Springer is this rare double length "souffle" ottoman pouf. A unique piece for it's size. Original fabric is in great condition but would a...
Brass
$4,665Sale Price|25% Off
Karl Springer Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair Lounge Chair, Signed, 1991, Gold, USA.
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair, Signed, 1991, USA. Gilt leather over wood tulip armchair. Signed with leather label, Karl Springer 1991.
Gold Leaf
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Gold-Tinted Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Bullet Up Light" in gold-tinted brass with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This accent light is a chic additional to any room. ...
Metal, Brass
Signed Karl Springer Gunmetal and Brass Cocktail Table, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Karl Springer is renowned for his finishes and elegant designs. This table is gunmetal and brass with a glass top. Incised signature on side.
Brass, Steel
Gun Metal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Solid brass and gun metal by Karl Springer. Signed etched to one of the legs: "Karl Springer"
Metal
Vintage Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Karl Springer vanity mirror Vintage wear and patina as shown. As Found Condition.
Brass
Embossed Leather Square Table Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A square end table completely clad in embossed leather that mimics Shagreen skin circa 1970-80s. The versatile table features a skirted top supported four slightly curved legs. The f...
Leather, 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.