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.
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
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
$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
Signed Karl Springer 1991 Floating Embossed Leather Shagreen Desk Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare, monumental signed desk or oversized console table by master American designer Karl Springer (1931–1991), executed and incised/signed in his final year of production, 1991. This piece showcases Springer's celebrated mastery of high-end surface textures and structural minimalism. A thick, inset "floating" top wrapped in rich, leather embossed with a fine shagreen skin pattern rests above a custom architectural base crafted in lacquered steel. The base features an open-frame perimeter with offset inner supports, creating a weightless visual effect. Functioning seamlessly as a executive desk, library table, or grand entryway console, this late-period work represents the culmination of Springer's career. Signed and dated Karl Springer 1991. Dimensions: Width: 72 1/4" (183.5 cm) Depth: 30" (76.2 cm) Height: 32 1/4" (81.9 cm) Karl Springer (1931–1991) was an influential German-born American furniture designer who helped define the aesthetic of late 20th-century luxury design. After emigrating from Berlin to New York City in 1957, Springer initially worked as a window dresser at Lord & Taylor, using his off-hours to craft leather-bound accessories that were picked up by Bergdorf Goodman. His career skyrocketed in the 1960s after gaining the patronage of the Duchess of Windsor, which established his standing among elite interior designers and high-society clients. Springer became celebrated for reintroducing rare, exotic materials into modern furniture forms—most notably shagreen (stingray skin), lacquered parchment, python, goatskin, Lucite, and heavy polished metalwork. Drawing aesthetic cues from Art Deco, classical Chinese furniture, and the Bauhaus movement, he distilled intricate historical shapes into bold, modern silhouettes. His studio produced handcrafted, made-to-order pieces until his death in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of the defining voices of American modernism and luxury craft. Designer / Studio: Karl Springer Ltd. Period: 1991 (Dated) Style: Postmodern / Maximalist Minimalism / Modernist Luxe Materials: Lacquered Steel, Leather Embossed Faux Shagreen, Wood Frame Markings: Incised / Stamped "Karl Springer 1991" Condition Report: Excellent vintage condition overall. The lacquered steel base retains its original luster with light, age-appropriate surface wear. The leather embossed faux shagreen top displays rich tone and texture with minimal minor scuffs consistent with careful light use. Structurally sound and solid. Creator: Karl Springer Period: 1990–1999 Styles: Postmodern, Mid-Century Modern Revival, Contemporary Luxe Materials: Steel, Leather, Lacquer Item Type: Desks / Console Tables / Library Tables Keywords: Karl Springer desk, signed Karl Springer 1991, Karl Springer console table, embossed leather shagreen desk, floating top console table...
Steel
Pair of Vintage Acrylic and Brass Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, GB
An extremely stylish and highly sought after pair of vintage acrylic and brass table lamps by Karl Springer. They were made in USA, they date from around the 1970’s. They are of out...
Brass
Karl Springer Cocktail Table Polished Stainless Steel 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Karl Springer in the 1970s, this rare oval cocktail table, coffee table exemplifies the refined glamour and sculptural minimalism that defined Springer’s iconic body of w...
Stainless Steel
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer. Bearing Original Sticker Karl Springer: "hand made in Philippines"
Shagreen
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
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
Vintage Boho Karl Springer Shagreen Wrapped Writing Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Boho Karl Springer writing desk, wrapped in luxurious shagreen, combines sleek lines with exotic texture. A sophisticated and s...
Shagreen, Wood
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
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
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, Chinese Curved Back Chair, USA, c. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This documented rare chair by Karl Springer, found in his catalogue of original creations, is made of chrome-plated steel, brass and lucite. The seat cushion is upholstered in a fine...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Pair of "Gun Metal" and Polished of Steel Ottomans by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of gun metal and polished of steel ottomans by Karl Springer Literature: Red Binder Product Catalogue, Karl Springer LTD, New York, 1983, Seating Section, p. 14 (model illustrated)
Steel
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
$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
Large Murano Green Glass Vase Designed by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautiful, vintage, large green Murano glass vase designed by Karl Springer in the 1980's. "Karl Springer" is etched on the bottom of the vase. The vase stands approximately 21 1...
Murano 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
$11,000 / set
Pair of Sandblasted Lucite Torchere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of monumental torchiere floor lamps. These oversized lamps were designed by Karl Springer for Karl Springer Ltd, circa 1970s for bespoken spacious interior as statement lighting. Will look amazing in a large living room or dinging room...
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.
Wood
Pair of Karl Springer Ottoman with Grey Faux Shagreen Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of Karl Springer ottomans, embodying the designer's signature blend of luxury and playful sophistication. These ottomans feature ...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Karl Springer Parchment Bullnose Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern Karl Springer Parchment Bullnose Mirror Dimensions: Height: 51 in (129.54 cm) Width: 5 in (12.7 cm) Depth: 40.5 in (102.87 cm) Mid Century Modern Style made in 19...
Goatskin, Mirror
Karl Springer Patinated Embossed Leather Mirror, C. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional vintage mirror designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s, showcasing the luxurious materials and refined craftsmanship that defined his work. The substantial frame is ful...
Leather, Mirror
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
Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Waterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.
Marble
Karl Springer Gunmetal Brass, Glass End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
End table by Karl Springer in gunmetal, brass, glass and enameled wood. Crafted in New York circa 1980. This lovely piece has some light oxidation to the gunmetal and brass that is c...
Brass
Karl Springer Dowelwood Ottoman with Upholstered Cushion, circa 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural dowel wood ottoman by Karl Springer, featuring the designer’s characteristic use of bold architectural forms and luxurious materials. The substantial wood base is construc...
Oak
$21,000 / set
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis bar stools. The stools' frame is lacquered wood with fabric covered cushioned seats. The stools have a nice, lacquered...
Fabric, Wood
Karl Springer Pedestal Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1980s. A scarce post modern coffee table by American designer Karl Springer (1931-1991). Features monolithic pedestal form supported by inset plinth base. Wrapped in a chic ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Molding Mirror in Red & Black Python Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary Mid-Century Modernist molding mirror, designed by the legendary Karl Springer circa 1980, is a striking example of his signature luxurious aesthetic. Featuring an ...
Mirror, Python
Karl Springer Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Springer often incorporated fine works of ethnic art into his showroo...
Bronze
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.
Chrome
Vintage Karl Springer JMF Armchair (Gilt) by Enrique Garcel for Jimeco
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Vintage Karl Springer style Chair by Jimeco. Designed by Enrique Garcel. Loss and damage to the Applied Gold Leaf . Will require some restoration. As well as the creation/u...
Wood
Tall Helix Floor Lamp by Karl Springer, Frosted Lucite, Mid-Century
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vintage Mid-Century Modern American stacked helix spiral staircase floor lamp made of hand crafted clear frosted lucite glass with a new white shade. Designed and produced by ...
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Standing Buddha Sculpture in Gilt Bronze 19th Century
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully made large 19th century Siam standing Buddha sculpture in gilt bronze sold through the Karl Springer showroom on custom ebonized wood ...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
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...
Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Raffia Clad White Lacquer Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Karl Springer Raffia Clad White Lacquer Coffee Cocktail Table
Raffia, Glass, Wood
Pair of “Onassis” Barstools in Dowelwood & Boucle by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of glamorous 1980’s “Onassis”Barstools by Karl Springer. Constructed of dowelwood with an amber packer finish and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Itali...
Bronze
Karl Springer Python Wrapped Document Box
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Genuime Pytnon wrapped desk/document trunk. Sold thru Karl Springer, C80s.
Python
Center Table by Karl Springer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superb polished stainless steel "tulip" center table having a thick disc base and three flaring brass accented arms supporting a round glass top.
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer "Sculpture Table" in Sandstone and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sculpture" table by Karl Springer in sandstone, brass screw cap and 1" thick glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer. This table is very heavy at over 200 lbs!
Sandstone, Brass
Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Stone, Brass
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
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Southampton, NY
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table, By Karl Springer White lizard wrapped over wood with chrome detailing under apron and around each leg. A classic design which looks as chic t...
Chrome
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...
Brass
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
Chrome
Monumental Chrome, Brass and Lucite Torchiere Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental chrome, brass and lucite Torchiere floor lamp by Karl Springer. Karl Springer (1931–1991) was a famed America designer known for...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Polished Steel and Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Original circa 1970s Karl Springer polished stainless steel X-frame bench, with brass details and new black kid glove leather upholstery.
Steel
Pair of Large Tessellated Penshell Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large scale tessellated penshell end tables signed with Karl Springer metal tags.
Shell
Signed Karl Springer Square White Venetian Scavo Glass Catchall Bowl, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer square white Venetian glass bowl, catchall, candy dish, 1980s. Produced by Seguso and signed on the underside by Karl Springer. Features an acid-etched Scavo surface wi...
Murano Glass
Pair, Karl Springer Lucite Swivel Function Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern frosted and clear Lucite Bar Stools made in America in the early 1980. They have a smooth swivel and tilt Function and come with the origina...
Lucite, Faux Leather
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Hinged Lid Kyoto Box / Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding hinged and lidded Kyoto box by Karl Springer. Fair amount of storage with suede panel lining on bottom and top. Brown and ivory lacquer is hand applied. Sits in a parsons...
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.
Goatskin
Karl Springer Snakeskin Covered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer snakeskin box with suede interior.
Animal Skin
Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Art Glass
4 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here's a polished version suitable for a high-end listing such as 1stDibs: A rare set of four original Karl Springer **Onassis** chairs, upholstered in luxurious goatskin and sourc...
Goatskin
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
Karl Springer Sculpture Table Sandstone Cantilever 1980s Glass Brass Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Karl Springer "Sculpture" table in sandstone. This table will have a new glass-the one picture has a large chip.
Sandstone
$2,600
Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Goatskin
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.