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.
Vintage Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Karl Springer vanity mirror Vintage wear and patina as shown. As Found Condition.
Brass
Karl Springer Rain Drum Table w/Concrete Top, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Rain Drum table with concrete top, 1970’s. Concrete top is a knife edge. Beautiful patina. Measures 19.5” tall 26” diameter
Concrete, Copper
Pair of Vintage Acrylic and Brass Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, GB
An extremely stylish and highly sought after pair of vintage acrylic and brass table lamps by Karl Springer. They were made in USA, they date from around the 1970’s. They are of out...
Brass
Black Faux Shagreen Square Coffee / Cocktail Table (manner of Karl Springer)
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black faux shagreen wrapped coffee table with a square profile and rounded corners on an inSet platform base. (manner of Karl Springer) Stains and damage to sh...
Wood, Shagreen
Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
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
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
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
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
Pair of Karl Springer Modern Brass & Ebonized Metal End / Side Table Frames
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century American Modern (1970s) square form end / side table frames comprised of 4 cylindrical ebonized metal legs with brass caps and anchored by 4 horizontal ebonized m...
Brass
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...
Leather
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
Karl Springer fortuni covered Rolling Two-Tier Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer signed and dated, muted green and black covered black Foo Dog printed animal two-tier table, with original brass casters.
Brass
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
Unique Colourful Lacquered Fabric Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unique colourful lacquered fabric mirror by Karl Springer Provenance: Property from the personal collection of Jeff Schuerholz of Fat Chance, the iconic Los Angeles store for the Ho...
Fabric
Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf Double Size
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Custom created for a home filled with Karl Springer is this rare double length "souffle" ottoman pouf. A unique piece for it's size. Original fabric is in great condition but would a...
Brass
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
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
Vintage Karl Springer Acrylic & Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage acrylic and glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Heavy cast acrylic, original green tint with 1/2" plate glass insert. Great sty...
Acrylic
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980.
Chrome
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
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
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
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Goatskin
Karl Springer Faux Snakeskin Rectangular Mirror, 1970s Hollywood Regency Style
By Karl Springer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This Mid-Century Karl Springer Faux Snakeskin Mirror showcases luxury and refined craftsmanship. Wrapped in cream faux snakeskin, it highlights Karl Springer’s signature style. The t...
Faux Leather
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
Large Murano Green Glass Vase Designed by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautiful, vintage, large green Murano glass vase designed by Karl Springer in the 1980's. "Karl Springer" is etched on the bottom of the vase. The vase stands approximately 21 1...
Murano Glass
Gun Metal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Solid brass and gun metal by Karl Springer. Signed etched to one of the legs: "Karl Springer"
Metal
Pair of Karl Springer "Sculpture" Side Tables in Sandstone
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a rare pair of "Sculpture" tables in sandstone, bronze and glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer.
Sandstone, Bronze
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
$2,402Sale Price / set|40% Off
1970s Spun Shaped Wall Sconces by Karl Springer, Gunmetal & Lucite
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These unique pair of 'Spun Shaped Wall Scones´ were designed by Karl Springer. The wall scones are made of Gunmetal and are placed on detailed Lucite backs which are made of satinate...
Metal
$2,437Sale 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 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.
Acrylic
Pair Rare Karl Springer Onyx Top and Brass End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare oval onyx brass side tables by Karl Springer. Heavy brass tables with an onyx beveled insert top. One table is slightly taller and wider. Taller: 17.75H x 17.25W x 15D....
Onyx, Brass
$16,000 / set
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.
Lacquer
Original Signed Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Tessellated Horn
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare and signed large Karl Springer mirror in tessellated horn with deco style accents. It is very heavy and beveled mirror which makes this a wonderful and impressive scale mir...
Horn, Mirror
Pair Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic pair table lamps by Karl Springer. These great lamps feature three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. They have a two light cluster socket ...
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
Pair of "Gun Metal" and Polished of Steel Ottomans by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of gun metal and polished of steel ottomans by Karl Springer Literature: Red Binder Product Catalogue, Karl Springer LTD, New York, 1983, Seating Section, p. 14 (model illustrated)
Steel
$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
Rare Karl Springer Signed Faux Crocodile Desk or Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous signed Karl Springer dining table of white faux crocodile leather with chrome accents. Bearing wood Karl Springer Ltd plaque on underside. Provenance: From a private Tex...
Nickel
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...
Leather, Glass
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 ...
Brass
Karl Springer Python Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versatile table 30“ x 30“ x 23“ tall…Covered in a faux python parchment.. shades of brown and black … a Classic design..Excellent condition signed.
Wood
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...
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer Circular Wall Mirror, Italian, Mid-Century Modern, 90cm
By Karl Springer
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This Karl Springer circular wall mirror from the 1970s represents the essence of luxury design, blending sculptural elegance with the refined craftsmanship that defined Springer’s wo...
Mirror
Center Table by Karl Springer, 1970s
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.
Brass, Chrome
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 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...
Brass
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Lucite FLoor Lamp with Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lucite square top table with a floor lamp center post (KARL SPRINGER)
Lucite
$3,200 / set
Pair of Three-Light Wall Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Three-Light Wall Sconces
Metal
$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
Pair Of Signed Karl Springer 1987 JMF Lizard Print Leather Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Pair of JMF Chairs Signed 1987 Pair of Lizard Print Leather Arm Chairs Brown Tones with Abstract Patchwork Accents In overall Very Good Condition with some visibl...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Continental Karl Springer GoatSkin Pedestal End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table base) with a rounded front and flat back (KARL SPRINGER) (3 identical REG4050 and similar oval...
Karl Springer Gunmetal Brass, Glass End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
End table by Karl Springer in gunmetal, brass, glass and enameled wood. Crafted in New York circa 1980. This lovely piece has some light oxidation to the gunmetal and brass that is c...
Brass
Glamorous Vintage Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Fabulous vintage Karl Springer grasscloth dining table restored and refinished in a beautiful teal-black lacquer. Square top with bullnose edge a...
Metal
Price Upon Request
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer, USA, 1985 A superb large round mirror by Karl Springer in pink faded to mauve python skin. Two concentric circles create a 6" ...
Leather
Price Upon Request
Karl Springer Red And Black Custom Striped Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer Rare and unusual Custom red and black striped Table one of a kind,with original Label and customers name Circa 1960's (Karl Springer 1931...
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.