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
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...
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Postmodern Chrome Glass and Lacquered Legs Karl Springer Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
From Le Shoppe Too in Michigan comes this simply stunning, this large scale coffee table by Karl Springer, a foremost name in postmodern and modern design. The table consists of a la...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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
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
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
Lacquer, Bone, Wood
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Gold-Tinted Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in gold-tinted brass with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This accent light is a chic additional to any room.
...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
Karl Springer Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with Polished Gunmetal Bases, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with custom graphic fabric and bases in seamlessly welded solid polished gunmetal with recessed castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans are classic Karl Springer. The recessed castors make them very easy to move around. They are beautiful accents for any room.
Reference:
Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 14...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 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
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
Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Waterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.
Category
1960s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Marble
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 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
Karl Springer Hand Lacquered Kyoto Box 1984
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Kyoto Box" in double glaze faux mushroom shagreen lacquer with faux ivory inlay detail on matching Stand by Karl Springer, American, 1984. (Shown with origi...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
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 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 Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair Lounge Chair, Signed, 1991, Gold, USA.
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair, Signed, 1991, USA. Gilt leather over wood tulip armchair. Signed with leather label, Karl Springer 1991.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
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
Vintage Boho Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in west palm beach, FL
Elevate your dining space with this stunning vintage Karl Springer-style grasscloth dining table. The beautifully textured grasscloth veneer wraps around the pedestal base and expans...
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Seagrass, Wood
Large-Scale Leather and Brass Ottoman by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large-scale leather and heavy brass ottoman designed by Karl Springer.
Newly reupholster in a distressed gray leather.
The round heavy brass bottom has hidden wheels, making movi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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 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 "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 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 1970s Midcentury Octagonal Bar Cart with Red Snakeskin Finish
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Karl Springer octagonal bar cart from the mid 20th century, with red snakeskin and casters. Made by renowned designer Karl Springer in the 1970s, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare Jansen Style Console Table in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Jansen Style Console Table" in polished chrome and gold-tinted brass with inset glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The sides of this table taper in towards the front....
Category
1980s American 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
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 "Souffle Ottoman" with Polished Steel Base, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman" with artisan decorated fabric and base in polished stainless steel with hidden castors, by Karl Springer, American 1980s. As with all of Karl Springer’s designs, th...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 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 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
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 Grey Goatskin Ball Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Ball table lamp designed by Karl Springer covered in grey goat skin with brass details.
Category
20th Century North American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Monumental Lacquered Parchment Cocktail Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Taller Maria Teresa Mendez
Located in Dallas, TX
Monumental Karl Springer custom free-form pattern goatskin coffee table. The fantastically figured top is raised on a mirror polished stainless steel clad base that reflects whatever...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Large Lacquered Goatskin or Parchment Beveled Wall Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer large exquisite rectangular wall mirror with lacquered goatskin frame and beveled mirror, USA, 1970s. This exquisite mirror has a simpl...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
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
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 Python Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular coffee table covered in real brown python with polished steel banding on the legs.
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel
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 Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Beige Parchment Side / Dining Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 American Mid-Century Modern dining / side chairs with lacquered beige parchment veneers. (KARL SPRINGER)(PRICED AS Set)
Minor wear and cracking to lacquer throughout.
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Parchment Paper
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
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
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
Large Dining Fossilized Coral Table with Stone Mosaic by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous dining table designed and retailed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. The iconic shape features a beveled horse track-shape top with ro...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone
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
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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Lucite, Wood
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
LUCITE AND GLASS COFFEE TABLE BY KARL SPRINGER, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in PARIS, FR
Mid-century modern octagonal coffee table attributed to designer Karl Springer, dating from the 1970s. It features four prismatic Lucite legs supporting a thick glass top. The combin...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Lucite Sculpture Leg Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Lucite sculpture leg coffee table by Karl Springer with glass top.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Lucite
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
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
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Signed Karl Springer Ostrich Embossed Leather Nightstand - Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic and rare waterfall design vintage side table by Karl Springer features a recessed drawer and 3/4 inch thick glass shelf (chip to glass on backside - not visible). Can be ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass
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.
Creators Similar to Karl Springer
Questions About Karl Springer Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
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.
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Karl Springer End Tables
Karl Springer Floor Lamps
Karl Springer Ottomans and Poufs
Karl Springer Center Tables
Karl Springer Benches