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 Freeform Coffee Table in Brass and Black Granite Top, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer for Karl Springer LTD exceptional free-form coffee table with polished brass base and black granite top, designed circa 1970. This iconic Springer low table design has ...
Granite, Brass
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
Karl Springer JMF Floor Lamp in Lacquered Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant, organic floor lamp by American designer Karl Springer. It features his signature lacquered goatskin finish with brass accents, giving it a sculptural presence and a dist...
Brass
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
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
$18,000
Karl Springer style Etagere
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Karl Springer Etagere with polished nickel support, brass hardware and adjustable glass shelves. Provenance: An interior at River House desig...
Brass, Nickel
Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s Two-Tier Table with Drawer signed Karl Springer. Gorgeous, seldom-seen two-tier table in tessellated stone with brass inla...
Stone, Brass
$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
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 fortuni covered Rolling Two-Tier Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer signed and dated, muted green and black covered black Foo Dog printed animal two-tier table, with original brass casters.
Brass
Karl Springer Wall-Mounted Retractable Vanity/Shaving Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A rare, large wall-mounted retractable shaving or makeup mirror by Karl Springer. Crafted in heavy polished chrome with brass accents, this mirror features a beautifully engineered ...
Brass, Chrome
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
$2,357Sale 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
1980s Karl Springer “Sculpture” Chrome Desk Lamps (set)
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A rare matched pair of chrome “Sculpture” desk lamps designed by Karl Springer. Finished in polished chrome, the lamps feature a minimalist architectural silhouette that reflects Sp...
Chrome
Karl Springer Rare Large Painted Goatskin Jewelry Box, USA, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare and exquisite large lacquered painted goatskin jewelry box, divided into compartments inside, and completely lined inside and on the bottom with brown felt ending ...
Goatskin, Felt, Wood
Pair of Karl Springer Mahogany Club Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in orange velvet, signs of normal wear on the velvet. Mahogany has been recently polished and is in excellent condition.
Velvet, Mahogany
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
Rare Large Karl Springer Bronzed Dressing Table/ Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic large Karl Springer Art Deco inspired vanity make-up mirror dates to the 1970s-1980s. Made from stainless steel and bronzed finish brass,...
Brass, Steel
Vintage Architectural Parsons Square Goatskin Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Aldo Tura, Milo Baughman, Karl Springer
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
Pair of Signed Karl Springer Goatskin JMF Chairs, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of signed and dated iconic Karl Springer JMF chairs featuring a dark, rich parchment leather goatskin finish. Each chair has a si...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Mushroom Sconce by Karl Springer in Polished Chrome & Lucite
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modernist mushroom sconce designed by the renowned Karl Springer, American, circa 1970. This iconic piece demonstrates Springer's...
Chrome
Rare Karl Springer Leather and Metal Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Karl Springer leather and metal stool. Has a red leather seat and metal base.
Metal
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
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 Console Dining Table Authenticated
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of authenticated tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd. The bases are currently configured as a pair of console tables with glass tops, but they can ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer, Convex Mirror, USA, c. 1980s, Brass, Stainless Steel
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Original Karl Springer vanity mirror in brass and stainless steel. Original finish and mirror in good condition. Brass and stainless steel ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
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
Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Waterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.
Marble
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
Karl Springer Italian Seguso Silver Infused Candlesticks, 1980s, a Pair
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Italian Seguso Silver Infused Candlesticks, 1980s, a Pair Offered for sale is a pair of Karl Springer-designed, silver-infused candlesticks manufactured by Seguso in I...
Silver Leaf
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
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
Pair of Karl Springer Rain Drum Occasional Tables in Bronze, Slate Tops, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Karl Springer "Rain Drum" occasional tables from the 1970s. This is a rare pair with bronze bases and original textured knife edge slate tops. In great vintage condition with...
Slate, Bronze
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
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
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
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
Karl Springer Seguso Scavo Torchere Floor Lamp, In-Line Dimmer Switch, 1980s
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Seguso Scavo Torchere Floor Lamp, In-Line Dimmer Switch, c. 1980s Offered for sale is a 1980s Scavo glass torchère floor lamp by Karl Springer. The shade, post, a...
Murano Glass
$5,500 / set
Karl Springer Lucite and Steel Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Lucite and Stainless Steel Floor Lamps A Classic understated design Original adjustable Stem lamp Standard Replaced with a Harp
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
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
Glass
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
$21,000 / set
Set of 6 Karl Springer JMF Chairs, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Set of six Karl Springer JMF dining chairs, restored using antique Japanese washi paper from the early 1900s. The chair frames have been covered with pieces of vintage ledgers and m...
Hardwood, Paper
Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Brass, Nickel
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
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
Karl Springer Hand Painted Batik Leather Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice example in beautiful condition. Original invoice pictured.
Leather
Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd Dowelwood Sofa1980c.
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd. Dowelwood Sofa, 1980c Solid bleached oak frame with rattan panels and canvas webbing. Fully restored, with all rattan replaced and handwoven. Re...
Upholstery, Cane, Oak
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
Karl Springer Mark V Parchment Macassar Ebony & Gilt Iron Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Macassar ebony veneer, gilt iron and parchment coffee table by Karl Springer circa 1995. Signed on underside.
Macassar, Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Signed Shagreen Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Glamour
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Karl Springer Shagreen Coffee Table, signed with brass Karl Springer tag underneath, American, circa 1970s. This table is executed in a dark brown dyed shagreen with a dark espresso ...
Shagreen, Wood
1980 Karl Springer Knife Edge Oval Dining Table Lacquered Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Karl Springer Ltd 1980 cream lacquered goatskin knife edge dining table. Dramatic double pedestal base. Dimensions: 28.75 H 47.25 D x 94.5 L inches Maker l...
Goatskin, Lacquer
6 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six original Karl Springer Onassis Chairs upholstered in luxurious goatskin. These chairs come from a single-owner household and remain...
Goatskin
Karl Springer (German/American, 1931-1991), Large Scavo Glass Vessel. Signed.
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Large scavo, or acid washed, vase in Amethyst by Seguso, Murano Italy, for Karl Springer. Signed on the bottom.
Glass
Karl Springer Designs Seguso Italy, Black Scavo Candlesticks, 1980s, Set of 3
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer Designs Seguso Italy, Black Scavo Candlesticks, 1980s, Set of 3 Offered for sale is a set of three (3) Karl Springer Murano glass designed candlesticks manufactured in Italy by Seguso. These three "Scavo" finish black glass candlesticks...
Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Documented Karl Springer Set of Three Midcentury Brass and Chrome Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic set of candlesticks were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century- in America, circa 1985. It features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cylindrical body all in lustrous brass with a chrome banding at the base and pinnacle of the bodies. Two of the candles are the same length, while the third (meant to be positioned in the center) is taller. The candle affixes to the center of the top of each candle stick via a pointed conical pin in chrome. With its austere form and bold modernist lines- inspired by the verve and élan of first rate Art Deco design- these candlesticks are as versatile as they are gorgeous. They would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent condition. The candlesticks are documented on page 17 of the Springer catalogue...
Chrome, 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
$11,500
Karl Springer Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Brass Bench Original upholstery A large example of this form
Brass
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.