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.
4 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here's a polished version suitable for a high-end listing such as 1stDibs: A rare set of four original Karl Springer **Onassis** chairs, upholstered in luxurious goatskin and sourc...
Goatskin
$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
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
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
$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
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
Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous Murano scavo glass torchère floor lamp designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s for Seguso Italy. The lamp is signed by Karl Springer. The lamp takes a regular Edison ligh...
Murano Glass
$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
Rare Karl Springer Leather and Metal Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Karl Springer leather and metal stool. Has a red leather seat and metal base.
Metal
Late 20th Century Vintage Contemporary Signed Karl Springer Waterfall Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible vintage Contemporary Writing desk. Made by the iconic Karl Springer and Signed and dated 1986 on the bottom. Wrapped I’m black leather on a chic waterfall shape. Acquir...
Leather, Wood
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
Karl Springer Sculpture Table Sandstone Cantilever 1980s Glass Brass Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Karl Springer "Sculpture" table in sandstone. This table will have a new glass-the one picture has a large chip.
Sandstone
$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
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Murano Glass
$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
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 Hand Painted Batik Leather Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice example in beautiful condition. Original invoice pictured.
Leather
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
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, 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
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
$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
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
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 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
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
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
$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
$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
$4,500
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
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
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980.
Chrome
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
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 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
$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
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
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
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
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
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
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
Karl Springer JMF Floor Lamp in Lacquered Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant, organic floor lamp by American designer Karl Springer. It features his signature lacquered goatskin finish with brass accents, giving it a sculptural presence and a dist...
Brass
Pair of lacquered Shagreen Side Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of lacquered shagreen side tables by Karl Springer
Parchment Paper
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
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
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
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Lucite
$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
Karl Springer Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Maitland Smith, Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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...
Travertine, 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...
Brass
Karl Springer Set of 4 Candle Holders in Travertine and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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 ...
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer "Bristol Side Table" in Black Cobra 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Artisan crafted "Bristol Side Table" in black cobra with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed with metal label in drawer "Karl Springer"). This table is meticulously craf...
Animal Skin, Wood, Glass
Pair of Brass and Gunmetal Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare pair of gunmetal and brass table lamps design by Karl Pringer in the 1980s. It’s rare to find this as lamps, they are usually candlesticks. They have been newly rewired with n...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptional pair of artisan candle holders in tessellated coral with bronze bases by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Sculptural forms in beautiful materials. Measures: W: 3.5 inch...
Coral, Bronze
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
Polish Stainless Steel Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980’s solid polish stainless steel wastebasket by Karl Springer. Out of a Steve Chase designed estate. We also have one available in pol...
Stainless Steel
Gunmetal and Chrome Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1970s gunmetal and chrome floor lamp by American renowned designer Karl Springer. The lamp has been newly rewired and has a new chocolate brown faux lizard shade. Overal...
Metal, Chrome
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.