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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
Pair of American Mid-Century Karl Springer Green Embossed Side Table
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 ...
Category

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

Materials

Paint

Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf, Bronze

Karl Springer Prototype Box Table with Tray Top in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box Table with removable tray top covered in grass cloth inside and out by Karl Springer, American 1976-8. This was made as a prototype by one of Karl Springer’s premier artisans. It...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Karl Springer Large "Chinese Style Coffee Table" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Chinese Style Coffee Table" in pale yellow lacquered linen by Karl Springer, American, 1980s.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Linen, Lacquer

Karl Springer 2-Tier Side Table in Lacquered Linen 2002 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Telephone Table style side table in Bisque lacquered linen on brass castors with drawer lined in moire silk by Karl Springer LTD, American 2002 (signed on bottom with metal label whi...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pewter Finish Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Pewter and Brass Candlesticks Impressive size Original surface and Plexiglass Wax Protectors
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Important Karl Springer Polished Stainless Freeform Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Important Karl Springer Polished Stainless Freeform Coffee Table
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Lacquered Goatskin Wrapped "Onasis" Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of lacquered goatskin wrapped "Onasis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980"s. The chairs are in good vintage condition with original upholstery and measure 24"W x 22"D x 30"H wi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Upholstery

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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Leather, Bakelite, Wood

Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pewter finish cylinder with brass screw cap. Original Pie-shaped glass. Engraved signature Extremely heavy weighted cylinder counter balances the cantilever glass and anything placed on top of it. one of Karl Springer best...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

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 "Telephone Table" in Brown Pony Skin 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Telephone Table" in brown pony skin with leather on bottom and brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's (label on bottom reads “Karl Springer”). It is rar...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Circular Wall Mirror 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Round wall mirror is designed in the style of Karl Springer, known for his luxurious and sculptural aesthetic. The mirror features a double-layered circular design, with an elegant f...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s glamorous clear Lucite and polish chrome table lamp by renowned American designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new oatmeal linen shade. The acrylic shows some crazing from ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

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

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 Rare Large Illuminating Vanity Magnifying Mirror, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted extra large adjustable illuminating magnifying mirror in polished steel and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Venetian Glass Table Top Torcheres" 1980s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of large illuminating hand-blown “Venetian Glass Table Top Torcheres” with scavo finish and uplights inside by Seguso Vetri d'Arte (Murano) for Karl Springer, American 1980...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces", 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces" in artisan mercury glass with scavo finish, lucite backs and brass accents by Seguso for Karl Springer...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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 "Tray Top Side Table" in Embossed Lizard Leather 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
2-tier "Tray Top Side Table" covered in embossed lizard leather with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed on drawer with metal label which reads "Karl Springer"). This ta...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, 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 Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970’s. Measures 16.25” tall 40.25” x 40.25”
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Python Console on Brass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Striking console table designed and produced by Karl Springer in the mid-1970s. The top is covered in Python and the base is made of solid polished brass. Authentication by Tom Lange...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Countryside, 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 This piece is available in what we call restored vintage condi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

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.  
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer, c. 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-Century Modern lucite lamp comprised of stacked and beveled blocks of solid lucite. Fitted with chrome metal stem with two lights and two pull chains. Includes linen drum shade ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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 Pair of "JMF Barstools" in Black Lizard Leather 1986 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of “JMF Barstools” in black embossed lizard leather with brass footrests by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The embossed leather is very luxurious and these are fine examples of Springer’s superb craftsmanship. Reference: Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 21...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Pair of "Mandarin Table Lamps" in Deep Blue Glaze, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of artisan “Mandarin Table Lamps”, ceramic double gourd forms with deep blue mirror glaze, with polished brass bases and hardware by Karl Springer ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Stunning Molded Bullseye Mirror in Egyptian Porphyry Lacquer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning wall-hanging molded "Bullseye Mirror" with frame in Egyptian porphyry lacquer by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Springer’s artisans mastered this complex and subtle lacquer...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

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

Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table with Brass and Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer stainless steel coffee table with brass and glass top Offered for sale is a 1980s Karl Springer stainless steel coffee t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Striking Hinged Box in Mottled Lacquer with Silver Foil 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning hinged box in mottled red and yellow lacquer with applied silver foil by Karl Springer, American 1970s. This is an early Springer design. The interior is lined in red suede...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver

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 Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in Lacquered Mahogany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in mirror lacquered mahogany with upholstered seats and oxidized bronze footrests by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The beautiful wood and meticulous fin...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Mirror

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 Octagonal Mirror in Shagreen Lacquer with Brass Accents, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wall hanging mirror, octagonal with artisan shagreen lacquer with brass accents, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Mirror is beveled. Reference: Karl Springer LTD pa...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Set of Three Waterfall Nesting Tables in Python 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 3 waterfall nesting tables in white python by Karl Springer, American 1980's (metal label reads “Karl Springer”). Largest table comes with a glass top. These tab...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Python

Karl Springer Rare Pair of Monumental Illuminated "Athena Pedestals" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of monumental illuminated "Athena Pedestals" in mirror polished stainless steel with inset sand-blasted glass tops with lights underneath by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Thes...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

Pair Of Signed Karl Springer 1987 JMF Lizard Print Leather Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Pair of JMF Chairs Signed 1987 Pair of Lizard Print Leather Arm Chairs Brown Tones with Abstract Patchwork Accents In overall Very Good Condition with some visibl...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Stunning "Kyoto Box" in Tessellated Penshell 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1980s American 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

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 "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 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...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Goat Hair

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

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 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

Pair of Karl Springer Modern Pearl Grey Goatskin Sphere Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Modern sphere pearl grey goatskin table lamps. (KARL SPRINGER LTD) (PRICED AS PAIR) (NOTE: lamp shades can be purhased separately) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Petrified Wood Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1970s. A rare and quite chic side or accent table by Karl Springer (1931-1991). Features curved solid brass base with asymmetrical top fashioned from a large specimen of pet...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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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