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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
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Glass Bowl, Seguso, Signed. Tall, chunky, and heavy artisan hand-blown clear glass bowl by Seguso for Karl Springer in the 1980's. Provenance: purchased directly from ...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful. ...
Category

1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Raffia, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Contemporary American Lucite Dining Table Base
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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Rare and Iconic "Pagoda Lamp" in Python and Bronze 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning and rare "Pagoda Lamp" in brown and black python with bronze base, trim, shade interior and lighting assembly by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Because the inside of the s...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Elegant Chrome Tulip Table Possibly by Karl Springer.
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous 1980's polished chrome Tulip table possibly by Karl Springer. The beautifully constructed heavy polished chrome base has 3 channeled Tulip style leaf supports which hold ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Pagoda Dining Table in Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
This Springer pagoda dining table, with a custom bullnose edge, was acquired from the estate of the original owner. The natural goatskin parchment is of ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Gesso, Wood

Karl Springer Goat Skin Coffee Table, 1977
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table, dated 1977. Original with chrome caps on legs, Measures 22" tall 42" long 23" deep
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Continental Karl Springer Oval GoatSkin Pedestal End Table
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)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin

Karl Springer Gunmetal and Gold Mirror, USA c 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This large mirror features what is perhaps Karl Springer's most iconic style: gunmetal with gold washed brass detail. Certainly his most luxurious combination. At 60 X 40 inches it ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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

Karl Springer "Marmol Style Mirror" in Black Leather and Bronze 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Marmol Style Mirror" with frame covered in black leather with bronze accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on back). This mirror is beautifully made a...
Category

1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer 2-Tier Tray Top Side Table in Blue Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted Tray Top Side Table with removable tray in blue shagreen with bone inlays by Karl Springer, American 1980's (remnant of brass Karl Springer label on top of table ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Impressive Stacked Lucite Table Lamp 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic table lamp with stacked solid lucite slabs with radius corners and chrome hardware and double socket assembly by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp comes with the orig...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Style, Mid-Century Modern, Cabinets or Nightstands, Black Lacquer
By Karl Springer
Located in Manhasset, NY
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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Waterfall Side Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1993 'Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Waterfall side table covered in embossed lizard leather with drawer and glass shelf by Karl Springer, American 1993, (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). The quality of this...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

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
Category

Late 20th Century Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Serpentine, Brass

Karl Springer Rain Drum Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A great example of this form complimented by its original iridized surface. With a marble top.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Marble, Steel

Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dowelwood arm chair", a lounge chair in solid oak with seat and back cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is impressive and beautifully crafted. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Oak

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 Stunning Monumental "Dome Top Art Deco Mirror" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning monumental "Dome Top Art Deco Mirror" with front covered in artisan beveled mirrored panels by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror is very impressive in person. Beau...
Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This beautiful rectangular coffee table is designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer. This table has a unique design in which its construction materials and the shape of its desi...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Lucite

Karl Springer American Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Dining Table
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...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Chic Waste Basket in Ostrich Skin 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Ostrich Leather, Silk, Wood

Karl Springer "Telephone Table" Style End Table in Leather and Shagreen, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Telephone Table style end table covered in brown leather with tops in dark brown shagreen on brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The bottom is covered in mat...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Heavy Crystal Bowl and Plate Centerpiece, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
A Steuben American crystal designer two-piece serving bowl and underplate, produced for Karl Springer. Comprised of central bowl with flared opening, and shallow bowl underplate for ...
Category

1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Karl Springer Tulip Armchair
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Tulip armchair. The chair is gilt leather over wood. Signed underneath.
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather

Extra Large Goatskin Beveled Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular extra large half round molding beveled mirror with step down detail. The mirror was designed by Karl Springer LTD in the 1980s. The mirror is covered with goatskin and ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer "Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" in amber glass with scavo finish and bronze detail by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980s ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Karl Springer, Freeform Coffee Table, United States, 1994
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer's voracious appetite for design knowledge can be seen in his work, which is influenced by a wide variety of aesthetics, from the more contemporary Bauhaus, to those of ...
Category

1990s American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Table Lamp in Brown Whip Snake by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp covered in brown whip snake with bronze hardware by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. A clean timeless form in an exotic luxurious material. Classic Karl Springer.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Ultrasuede

Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass

Karl Springer Set of 3 Unique Candle Holders in Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique set of 3 artisan candle holders in tinted and textured lucite designed to look like hand-blown scavo glass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These were done as prototypes. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Large Coffee Table, Chrome, Glass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Manhasset, NY
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...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Karl Springer Large "Saturn Mirror" with Bronze Glass Outer Ring 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large hand-crafted "Saturn Mirror" with large beveled panels, outside arched mirrors in bronze glass, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror was typically done with regular ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass

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

Karl Springer Large "Coffee Table with Sculpture Leg" in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and exceptionally crafted "Coffee Table with Sculpture Leg" with cylindrical legs in tessellated coral with solid brass tops and thick glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Coral, Metal, Brass

Pair of Soufflé Ottomans by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage "Soufflé" ottomans by Karl Springer that are upholstered in velvet fabric atop polished brass bases that have four recessed castors on the underside for even and effo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Rare Pair of Cognac Leather and Brass Swivel Lounge Chairs, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer documented rare pair of swivel club chairs in saddle or cognac leather with brass bases, USA, 1980s. This incredibly chic pair of swivel club chairs is an iconic Spring...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pivoting Painted Goatskin Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pivoting box, covered in sliced petrified coral Label below. See photo can to get a sense of scale.   
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer 2-Tier Side Table in Red Python with Horn Handles 1977, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique 2-tier side table in red python with authentic horn handles with small brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1977 (label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1977”). Fine materia...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Rare Mounted Magnifying Lens, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mixed metal gives it a truly bespoke look.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer "Molding Box" in Multicolor Lacquers 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hinged “Molding Box” with multi-colored lacquer design and dark green suede interior by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer’s superb lacquer work and attention to detail make t...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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

Karl Springer American Modern Polished Steel Dining Table Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern dining table with a fluted polished steel pedestal base. (KARL SPRINGER)
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Steel

Chrome and Lucite with Snakeskin Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980’s clear acrylic and polish chrome with Italian snakeskin embossed leather bench By renowned designer Karl Springer (1931 - 1991). Newly recovered. The bench has ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Superb "Dome Top Mirror" in Ivory Shagreen with Bone Inlays 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional and iconic “Dome Top Mirror” in ivory shagreen with bone inlays and outside edge in tessellated travertine with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mat...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine

Karl Springer Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine, 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. ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Karl Springer Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps Vintage
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. One...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Python Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versatile table 30“ x 30“ x 23“ tall…Covered in a faux python parchment.. shades of brown and black … a Classic design..Excellent condition signed.
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

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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