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 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
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
$12,700 / set
Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract pat...
Steel
Karl Springer Snakeskin Telephone Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Water Mill, NY
Karl Springer signed snakeskin telephone table on brass wheels. In pale yellow
Serpentine, Brass
$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
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 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
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
$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 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
Karl Springer Signed Snake Skin Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A snake skin covered 'telephone' side table on brass casters by Karl Springer, signed and dated. A second similar table available separately.
Animal Skin
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
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
$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 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
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
1970s Enrique Garcel Armchair Tessellated Bone Inlay Colombia
By Enrique Garcel, Karl Springer
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...
Bone, Fabric
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
Karl Springer Alligator Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer embossed leather mirror. Original surface. Distinct Alligator pattern. Leather label present.
Leather
Rare Karl Springer Signed Faux Crocodile Desk or Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous signed Karl Springer dining table of white faux crocodile leather with chrome accents. Bearing wood Karl Springer Ltd plaque on underside. Provenance: From a private Tex...
Nickel
$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 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 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 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
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
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Oval Dinning Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval ivory-colored goatskin and lacquer dinning table designed by Karl Springer featuring thick rounded table legs. Karl Springer developed bold proportions and often used exotic fi...
Lacquer, Goatskin
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.
Brass
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
Set of Three Gold Leaf Brass and Chrome Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of three gold leaf brass and chrome candlesticks design by renowned American designer Karl Springer in the 1980s. The gold leaf brass finish is very unusual as they a...
Brass, Chrome
Vintage Architectural Parsons Square Goatskin Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Milo Baughman, Aldo Tura
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
Dark Brown Scored Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970s H dark brown scored leather bench by renowned designer Karl Springer. The bench is constructed of wood covered in dark brown scored leather. Newly restored. Shows minor wear consistent with age. Sheep rug...
Leather
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
Original Signed Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Tessellated Horn
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare and signed large Karl Springer mirror in tessellated horn with deco style accents. It is very heavy and beveled mirror which makes this a wonderful and impressive scale mir...
Horn, Mirror
Karl Springer “Heavy Parsons” Lizard Skin Coffee Table w/Gunmetal Inlay, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer “Heavy Parsons” Bullnose Detail covered in American Lizard Embossed Leather and Lacquered with Gunmetal inlay Coffee Table, 1986. Measures 60” long 40” deep 16” tall Co...
Metal
Large Ron Seff Goat Skin Rare Lucite Base Expandable Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Ron Seff Goat Skin Lucite base versatile extra-large expandable dining/conference table, when closed 72" with two leave 20"each when fully opened 112" in exceptional condition bevel...
Goatskin, Lucite, Wood
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
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970’s. Original beautiful condition. Measures 16.5” tall 53” long 37” deep
Bone, Goat Hair
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
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 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
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
Karl Springer Lizard-Embossed Leather Pedestal Dining Table, 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking dining table by Karl Springer, its broad circular top cantilevered over a substantial drum-form pedestal base. The table is fully wrapped in a rich cognac-toned lizard-emb...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" in Blue Velvet
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Original pair of Karl Springer Souffle ottomans/poufs on casters for easy moving. Polished steel base and blue velvet upholstery.
Steel
Mid-Century Continental Karl Springer GoatSkin Pedestal End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table base) with a rounded front and flat back (KARL SPRINGER) (3 identical REG4050 and similar oval...
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
Karl Springer Lucite Dining Table Base, Contemporary, Late 1900s
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American dining / conference table base constructed from a circular piece of clear lucite with three wide flared legs. (KARL SPRINGE...
Glass
Elegant Goatskin Table Design by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful table design by the iconic Karl Springer, made of goat skin, please check the pictures, it has some wearing, totally normal, the color and patina is allot nicer in person.
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer Mid-Century Wall Mirror with Snakeskin Frame, 1955
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wall mirror with a rectangular form with curved top and bottom, framed in a light brown snakeskin veneer frame. (KARL SPRINGER) Condition: Good; Wear consistent...
Animal Skin
"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 Five (5) Karl Springer Grey Lacquered Goatskin Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Karl Springer set of five JMF grey goatskin lacquers clad bar stools, 1980s. In original preserved condition. Lacquered Goat Skin Clad over Wood. Not signed. Stored 20+ years in a...
Brass
$2,308Sale Price / set|65% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Pedestals, Anigre Wood Veneer, Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These two beautiful crafted pedestal which have been produced by Karl Spinger Ltd., have a Anigre- Wood Veneer and the base and top is covered in dark Lea...
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.