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
Recognized Seller Listings
Karl Springer Pair of End Tables in Black Lacquer with Bone Inlays, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional hexagonal side tables in black lacquer with bone inlays on the top, sides and bottom by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These end tables showcase the meticulous c...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Bone, Lacquer
2 Karl Springer Crystal Bowls
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Retailed thru the Karl Springer Showroom, The pair of bowls was probably made by Seguso
Minor chip to the foot of 1 bowl.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Alligator, Suede, Wood
Karl Springer Large "Molding Mirror" Covered in Black Cobra, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American, 1970's. Mirror is beveled. This piece is meticulously crafted in the finest materials.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Glass, Animal Skin
Karl Springer & Lynn Shelton, Coffee Table, Painted Paper, Wood, America, c 1980
By Lynn Shelton , Karl Springer
Located in High Point, NC
An organic / biomorphic coffee / cocktail table, designed and produced by Karl Springer, painted by Lynn Shelton in beige / yellow tones, c. 1980. Signed Lynn Shelton 11/80' along lo...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Plywood, Paper
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Sculpture Desk Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Sculpture Desk Lamp" in polished chrome with brass accents and 2 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on side). This lamp is a tribute to Springer’s metic...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer.
Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Resin
Karl Springer "Bristol Coffee Table" in Lacquered Goatskin circa 1990 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bristol Coffee Table" in dark brown lacquered goatskin with ivory goatskin sabots by Karl Springer, American circa 1990 (signed on bottom). This ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Rare Sea Shell Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-hanging mirror covered with sea shells arranged in a beautiful arc top pattern by Karl Springer, American 1970's. As with all Springer pieces, this is meticulously crafted ...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shell, Wood
Karl Springer Brass End Table with Beveled Black Glass Top 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in polished brass with beveled black glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine example of Springe...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Molding Mirror Covered in Black Cobra 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is meticulously crafted.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Python
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Large Waterfall Side Tables in Black Lizard Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare pair of large waterfall side or end tables covered in black lizard embossed leather with brass drawers and original thick glass shelves below. These exquisite pair of side tables are the larger scaled model...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Vibrant Gray Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Half Round Molding Mirror" in vibrant gray python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Exceptional materials and craftsmanship are the h...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Python
Karl Springer Cobra Telephone Table with Brass Castors 1988 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Telephone Table" covered in beige cobra with moire silk on the bottom in brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1988 (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1988").
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere" in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare artisan made "Spun Shaped Torchere" in gunmetal and gold-tinted brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of the craftsmanship is off the charts.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s in the section “lighting” on page 11...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold, Brass, Nickel
Karl Springer Set of 4 Candle Holders in Travertine and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 4 candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine and polished brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retains original showroom labels on bottoms). This set ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Tapering pedestal covered in embossed ostrich foot leather by Karl Springer, American 1970s.
Provenance: Purchased from a former employee of Karl Sprin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer floor lamps
executed in the style of Maison Jansen.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "T-Style Console Table" in Lacquered Linen, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"T-Style Console Table" covered in two-tone lacquered linen with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970’s. A classic Springer design, meticulously made in the finest materials. D...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Hippo Suede 1977 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large wall-hanging "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in hippopotamus suede by Karl Springer, American 1977 (signed on back “Karl Springer 1977”). Mirror is beveled. It is one of th...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood
Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Batik with Recessed Lighting 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Faceted rectangular coffee table in black batik fabric with bone inlays, over pedestal base with recessed lighting, by Karl Springer, American 1970's...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wire
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Karl Springer White Snake Skin Lidded Box with Semi Precious Stone, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Artisan box in white snake skin on outside with a semi-precious stone on top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The craftsmanship on Springer’s pieces is unsurpassed.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Ivory Lacquer with Chrome Accents, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
8 Sided mirror with custom artisan ivory lacquer and polished chrome accents by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. The mirror is beveled. A classic Springer design.
Reference:
Karl ...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970s. This mirror is a superb example of Karl Springer’s craftsmanship.
Referen...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Python
Pair of Rare Karl Springer "Galaxy Sconces" in Brass and Faceted Lucite, 1990s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare “Galaxy Sconces” in brass with illuminating green faceted lucite backs by Karl Springer, American 1990's. The lucite on these sconces has the appearance of hand-chipped ...
Category
1990s American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 "Athena Pedestal" in Chrome with Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Athena Pedestal" in polished chrome with inset brass channel by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. Springer loved to mix metals in luxurious ways. This pedestal exemplifies that.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.
Category
1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Snakeskin Covered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer snakeskin box with suede interior.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
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 Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Cobra and Hippo Suede 1987 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive artisan wall hanging mirror in brown cobra trimmed with hippopotamus suede edges with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1987 (signed with label on back t...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Mirror, Wood
Karl Springer "Dorchester Coffee Table" in Figured Anigre, 1990s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dorchester Coffee Table" in figured Anigre with Marquetry border inlay on top with gold leaf accents by Karl Springer, American, 1990s (signed with Springer label). This table is me...
Category
1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Karl Springer Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp" 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp” in patinated bronze by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on bottom). This artisan table lamp is superbly made.
Measures:
Shade ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces", 1980s
By Seguso, Karl Springer
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
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
Large Copper Vase by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Art Deco inspired large, substantial copper vase on three solid brass disc feet. Designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s.
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Copper
Karl Springer Python Snakeskin Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Coffee table by Karl Springer wrapped in python snake skin. Hand-signed to underside [Karl Springer 1987].
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer White Scored Leather Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer white leather bench
Original surface
Leather label.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer "Pagoda Style Dining Table" in Lacquered Goatskin, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Pagoda Style Dining Table" in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1980s. This beautiful dining table is meticulously crafted and a wonderful example of Springer’s craftsma...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
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 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 Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom Lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970s (comes with a Letter of Authentication from Karl Springer's former Dire...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1970s Modernist Chromed Center Table by Karl Springer
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
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.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful set of eight "Regency" armchairs designed by Karl Springer in original lacquered lacewood.
Category
1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Pair of Modernist Lacquered Parchment Side Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unusual pair of lacquered parchment side tables by Karl Springer with interlocking glass top.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass
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.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Waste Paper Basket
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer (1930-1991)
Square waste paper basket with curved sides wrapped entirely
in tan lizard embossed leather.
American, circa 1980.
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
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 Monumental "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Monumental "Half Round Molding Mirror with Step Down Detail" in lacquered goatskin with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is very impressive in scale and the goatskin is luxurious.
Reference:
Karl Springer Ltd red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “mirrors...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer, Goatskin
Karl Springer White Lacquered Crocodile Leather Coffee Table 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table covered in white embossed crocodile leather by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. A beautiful and luxurious Karl Springer design.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Exceptional Ostrich Skin Coffee Table 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Elegant coffee table covered in ostrich skin with glass top by Karl Springer, American 1970's (signed with metal Karl Springer label on bottom). This table is a beautiful example of...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, 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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