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.
Swing Arm Vanity / Shaving Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Swing arm chrome and brass vanity / shaving mirror by Karl Springer. Measured as shown. Mirror 13.5" diameter.
Brass, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Stacked Lucite Disc Table Lamp, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
This striking table lamp features a sculptural, architectural base composed of alternating stacked acrylic discs. The transparent discs are arranged along a central chrome rod, creat...
Lucite
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 ...
Leather, Glass
"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...
Stone, Brass
Karl Springer Shagreen End Table With Drawer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Shagreen Table with Drawer Shagreen covered surface Mahogany drawer interior Brass signature tag Original Heavy glass shelf Oversized
Shagreen
Postmodern Karl Springer Style Sculptural Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Postmodern Karl Springer Style Faux Travertine Waterfall Coffee Table with Glass Top A sophisticated Postmodern coffee table in the style of Karl Springer, featuring a sculptural wa...
Travertine
Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning one-of-a-kind hinged box in polished blue sodalite stone by Karl Springer, American 1980's (shown with original showroom tag from the 1980’s). Blue sodalite is a rare minera...
Stone, Brass
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Heavy Crystal Bowl and Plate Centerpiece, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
A Steuben American crystal designer two-piece serving bowl and underplate, produced for Karl Springer. Comprised of central bowl with flared opening, and shallow bowl underplate for ...
Crystal
Signed Karl Springer Table Lamp with a Sandblasted Glass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and rare table lamp by Karl Springer in the 1970s. Has a beautiful sandblasted glass base. In excellent condition, has a refurbished lampshade. Signed on bottom.
Glass
$18,500
Karl Springer Amoeba Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Amoeba table. Bronze patinated brass and black glass top.
Brass
Karl Springer Tabletop Vanity Mirror in Nickel and Brass, circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A sophisticated tabletop vanity mirror by Karl Springer, executed in polished nickel and brass with the refined, luxurious sensibility that became synonymous with the designer’s work...
Brass, Nickel
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
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
$1,137Sale Price|35% Off
Signed Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Box with Shagreen Interior
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very handsome and iconic lidded box by Karl Springer. Made of tessellated stone, this example has brass accents and a shagreen interior. The box is in very good condition w...
Stone, Brass
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Lacquered Goatskin Wrapped "Onasis" Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of lacquered goatskin wrapped "Onasis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980"s. The chairs are in good vintage condition with original upholstery and measure 24"W x 22"D x 30"H wi...
Goatskin, Wood, Upholstery
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Steel
Mid-Century Modernist Vermillion Red Lacquered Goat Skin Box by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Mid-Century Modernist vermillion red lacquered goat skin box by Karl Springer, crafted in America circa 1980, is a fine example of the designer's renowned artistry and...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Red Lacquered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Red Lacquered Box Red Suede Lined Interior
Wood
White Acrylic and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s White acrylic and polish chrome table lamp by Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new shade. It takes two 75w max Edison light bulbs.
Chrome
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Murano Glass
$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 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 Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer. Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Art Glass
Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Horn, Wood
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980.
Chrome
$7,500 / item
Karl Springer Leather Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer barstools. embossed Snakeskin leather and brass. Karl Springer Label below.
Leather
Karl Springer, JMF Barstools, Embossed Lizard Leather, Brass, USA, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Karl Springer, American Mid-Century Modern, JMF Barstools, Embossed Lizard Leather, Brass, USA, 1986 Pair of wonderful 'JMF' model barstools designed by Karl Springer for Karl Sprin...
Brass
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Hinged Lid Kyoto Box / Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Outstanding hinged and lidded Kyoto box by Karl Springer. Fair amount of storage with suede panel lining on bottom and top. Brown and ivory lacquer is hand applied. Sits in a parsons...
Brass
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 Hand Painted Batik Leather Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice example in beautiful condition. Original invoice pictured.
Leather
$773Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Table Lamp, Blue Stripes, Lacquer, Circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Table lamp designed by Karl Springer. These beautiful oval table lamps are typical for the Karl Springer Design and has dark black color with blue stripes inlay.
Lacquer
Karl Springer Bronze Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A bronze floor lamp from Karl springer Original surface Copy of a Giacometti design, Very Heavy.
Bronze
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.
Leather
Karl Springer Mid-Century Blue Velvet Souffle Ottoman, Gilt Steel Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'Souffle' ottoman with blue velvet upholstery with a square gilt steel base. (Karl Springer)
Upholstery, Velvet
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
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Patinated Karl Springer JMF Goatskin Console Table, Signed, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have an incredible JMF Table by the legendary Karl Springer. A piece that oozes sophistication and charisma, perfect for that trendsett...
Goatskin
$21,000 / set
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis bar stools. The stools' frame is lacquered wood with fabric covered cushioned seats. The stools have a nice, lacquered...
Fabric, Wood
$4,500
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
$3,800 / set
Pair of Etruscan Wall Sconces Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of wall Etruscan sconces designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, circa 1970s. Made of chromed steel with opaque Lucite. Great proportion with modern materials and silhouet...
Steel, Chrome
$2,419Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Pale Blue Shagreen Table Lamp with Brass Details, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
‘Lighthouse’ table lamp designed by Karl Springer. This cone shaped lamp is covered by Pale Blue Shagreen with brass details.
Shagreen
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
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 ...
Chrome
MCM Karl Springer Brass Base Pouf Ottoman Newly Reupholstered
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Karl Springer Brass Base Pouf Ottoman Newly Reupholstered in Mohair Elegant mid-century modern pouf ottoman by Karl Springer, newly reupholstered in luxurious c...
Mohair
Karl Springer Chic "Tulip Chair" with Unique Lacquer Finish 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and very chic “Tulip Chair” in hand-applied antiqued ivory bone lacquer with leather seat by Karl Springer, American 1980’s. This chair is a superb example of Springer’s fine c...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
$3,200Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Black Glass & Brass Barrel End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Beveled Black Glass Top and Gilt Brass Barrel End Table, unmarked. 17.25" H x 18" W x 14" D. Provenance: From a 500 Park Avenue Estate.
Brass
Karl Springer Superb Waste Basket in Gray Cobra 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted waste paper basket in gray cobra with inside and bottom in silk moiré by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This piece is beautifully made using the finest materials.
Animal Skin, Silk, Wood
Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s glamorous clear Lucite and polish chrome table lamp by renowned American designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new oatmeal linen shade. The acrylic shows some crazing from ...
Lucite
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Brass, Gunmetal & Lucite Floor Lamp America
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
6 feet tall amazing and rare floor lamp by Karl Springer made in American in the 1970s. The Bronze Finish gunmetal stem is covered in Lucite with Brass De...
Brass, Steel
Italian Scavo Murano Glass Candlestick by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous Italian Scavo Murano glass candlestick designed by Karl Springer for Seguso. Constructed of rough texture amber and clear M...
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Lucite
Karl Springer Prototype Box Table with Tray Top in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Box Table with removable tray top covered in grass cloth inside and out by Karl Springer, American 1976-8. This was made as a prototype by one of Karl Springer’s premier artisans. It...
Grasscloth, Wood
Clear Murano Glass Candleholder by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980s hand blown Murano glass candleholder designed by Karl Springer. Hand signed by Karl Springer (see detail photos). Measuremen...
Murano Glass
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Mirror Labeled
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Karl Springer tessellated stone mirror with a nice bevel. The mirror is quite substantial with a deep angle as it is almost 3 inch...
Bone, Mirror
Karl Springer "Sculpture Table" in Sandstone and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sculpture" table by Karl Springer in sandstone, brass screw cap and 1" thick glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer. This table is very heavy at over 200 lbs!
Sandstone, Brass
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, Brass Base, Modern Design, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Brass
$1,120Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Solid Lucite Karl Springer Greek Column Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Doraville, GA
A solid lucite Greek column table lamp with chrome hardware designed by Karl Springer, probably from the mid 1980's. As with all of Karl Springer designs, the lamp has top quality co...
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.
Glass, Lucite
Monumental "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Enormous "Saturn" mirror in bevelled glass by Karl Springer, 1980s. Minor age appropriate wear (see photos) that in no way detracts from the striking and impressive quality of this m...
Mirror
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...
Brass
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 ...
Glass
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.