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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
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

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 Lidded Box with Artisan Lacquered Exterior 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely hand-lacquered lidded box with wood motif exterior and interior covered in beige suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This box is meticulously crafted. Springer had...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Suede, Wood, Lacquer

Set of 6 American Post-War Geometric Side Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 American Post-War Design (1980s) all parchment veneer side chairs with a simple geometric form (att: KARL SPRINGER)
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper, Wood

Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional coffee table in lacquered goatskin, rectangular with chamfered corners, by Karl Springer, 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and an iconic Springer form. Reference: Copy of original Karl Springer invoice dated 1985 with the description, “Di-Gerlando Style Coffee Table 54...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer

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 American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Roberto Estevez 1, Karl Springer
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 "Round Leg Etagere" in Solid Lucite and Steel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional "Round Leg Etagere" in solid lucite and brushed and polished steel with 5 customized glass shelves by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently twisting shaft in tessellated fossilized coral with polished brass base and fittings by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This lamp showcases the meticu...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Coral, Brass

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

"Signed" Karl Springer Large Brass & Tessellated Stone Wall Mounted Mirror 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, large, tall and very rare 'signed' domed or curved top Mid-Century brass and tessellated stone wall-mounted / hung vanity or hallway bevelled edged mirror by legendary Germ...
Category

1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

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 Octagonal Chrome and Marbelized Lacquer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer octagonal mirror with 1" bevel, framed in a butterscotch yellow veined lacquer that resembles marble at much less weight. Polis...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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

White Parsons Desk with Embossed Leather, Shagreen, by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York City, NY
A sleek desk covered in eye-catching embossed leather. In excellent condition.
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer, Shagreen Stingray

Karl Springer Snake-Textured Leather and Bronze Regency Modern Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Snake-textured leather (or leatherette) and bronze Regency modern cocktail table. This is an original Karl Springer piece and retains...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Glass

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 and very chic.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Python

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

Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, 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 whitewashed dowelwood and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Italian natural sheep ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...
Category

1980s American American Craftsman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 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 ...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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

Set of 3 Karl Springer for Seguso Italian Venetian Gray Scavo Glass Candlesticks
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Italian Venetian-style (circa 1980) candlesticks in graduating heights in gray pebble scavo blown glass. (KARL SPRINGER FOR SEGUSO)(PRICED AS SET) Condition: Good; Wear con...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

Karl Springer Deep Green Snakeskin and Brass Floorlamp, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Are you or are you feeling like a rockstar? This is the perfect floor lamp for your space. This is one iconic floor lamp covered in green snakeskin with solid brass base and hardware...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Pair of Souffle Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer pair of soufflé ottomans with thick rounded ivory bouclé cushions on rounded square lacquered brass bases with caster wheels. The brass bases are in very good original ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen, Wood

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 Large Double Table Mirror, Brass and Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular mirror by Karl Springer. Substantial yet graceful design, achieved by the use of sumptuous and modern materials, an icon by any standard. The double mirror can be tilted....
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

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

Karl Springer Style Modern Cantilevered Glass Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer style modern cantilevered glass surface cocktail or coffee table, made in the 1980s. The piece consists of a slanted column with an oval glass top cantilevered into a w...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

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

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 Exceptional Lacquered Goatskin Console Table 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional console table in lacquered goatskin with 3 drawers, each with an artisan brass pull, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This is one of Springer’s best console d...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 American Mid-Century Blue Velvet and Steel Souffle Ottoman
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'Souffle' ottoman with blue velvet upholstery with a square gilt steel base. (Karl Springer)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Upholstery

1980 Karl Springer Knife Edge Oval Dining Table Lacquered Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Karl Springer Ltd 1980 cream lacquered goatskin knife edge dining table. Dramatic double pedestal base. 28.75 H 47.25 D x 94.5 L inches Maker label present. Original preowned vinta...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Lacquer

Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in gunmetal with Lucite backs and inserts by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Lucite illuminates when lights are on (see photo). Total of three ar...
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Karl Springer Signed 'Mark II" Lucite Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A large scale lucite and glass 'Mark II' coffee table designed and signed by Karl Springer.
Category

1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen

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

Polished Brass Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980s polish brass and black lacquered wastebasket by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid brass with the inside black lacquered. Newly professionally polished and lacquer...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Scroll Table in Embossed Lizard 1988 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully crafted embossed lizard leather scroll table by Karl Springer, 1988 (signed with label on bottom "Karl Springer 1988") Matching pair of chairs available separately.
Category

1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Karl Springer Scavo Glass Floor Lamp, Seguso, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Scavo glass floor lamp, Seguso 1980. Murano Scavo glass torchere floor lamp designed by Karl Springer for Seguso, Italy, circa ...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Console Table in Embossed Lizard Leather with Chrome Drawers 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"T-Style Console Table" in charcoal gray embossed lizard leather with 2 drawers with fronts in polished chrome by Karl Springer, American 1970’s. This is a classic Karl Springer desi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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

Karl Springer Clear and Marbleized Brown Bubble Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful rare pair of Karl Springer clear and cased brown Lucite bubble lamps. A central stem in chrome hold two-light sockets.
Category

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

Materials

Acrylic

Magnificent Pair Karl Springer Marbleized Blue Lacquer Lucite Table Lamps, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare pair of Karl Springer marbleized blue lacquer and Lucite bubble table lamps, USA, 1970s. Retains Springer's original marbleiz...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic table lamp by Karl Springer. This great lamp features three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. It has a two light cluster socket with Sprin...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Modern Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Brown Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern sculptural bench clad in brown scored leather by Karl Springer. Very good condition. Dimensions: 18" depth x 44" W x 22" H, seat height 16.5".
Category

20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

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 1970's. Springer often incorporated fine works of ethnic art into his showroo...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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 crafted in the finest materials....
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Linen, Silk, Wood, Lacquer

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.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel

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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