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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
Karl Springer Large Dining Table in Goatskin with Brass Bases 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Racetrack dining table with top in lacquered goatskin with 2 half-moon brass bases by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The goatskin finish is both luxurious and stunning. The custom b...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

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 ...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

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

Large and Important Signed Karl Springer Mirror with Lacquered Goatskin Frame
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A large and important signed Karl Springer mirror with lacquered goatskin frame in tortoise color with beveled glass mirror and silvered brass tone insets around the frame. Mirror ha...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

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 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 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

Rare Karl Springer Natural Shagreen Waterfall Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Karl Springer Natural Shagreen Waterfall Coffee Table, 1980s. Original in great condition. Measures 43.25” long 26” deep 20.5” tall
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer style Etagere
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Karl Springer Etagere with polished nickel support, brass hardware and adjustable glass shelves. Provenance: An interior at River House desig...
Category

20th Century Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Karl Springer Gunmetal Wall Scones
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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

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!
Category

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

Materials

Sandstone, Brass

Mid-Century Modernist "Molding" Mirror in White Python by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of luxurious elegance to your décor with this Mid-Century Modernist Karl Springer "Molding" Mirror in White Python, originating from the United States, Circa 1970. This s...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Python

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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Karl Springer Rare Set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" in Antique Silver Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" with elegant curving frames in lacquered antique silver leaf with blue velvet upholstery by Karl Springer, American 1980s. It is very hard to fi...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Karl Springer Telephone Table Snakeskin and Brass, 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern 'telephone' side or end table by designer Karl Springer, 1990. Table is covered in a beautiful authentic snakeskin in a medium brown and supported by small bra...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Wall Mounted Console and Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Karl Springer wall mounted parchment console table and mirror. Console table is 34" high, 42" wide and 18" deep. Mirror is 48" high, 38.25' wide ...
Category

1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper

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.
Category

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

Materials

Glass

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

20th Century American Tall Frosted Lucite Helix Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vintage Mid-Century Modern American stacked helix spiral staircase floor lamp made of hand crafted clear frosted lucite glass with a new white shade. Designed and produced by ...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite, Glass

Karl Springer Mark V Parchment Macassar Ebony & Gilt Iron Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Macassar ebony veneer, gilt iron and parchment coffee table by Karl Springer circa 1995. Signed on underside.
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Macassar, Parchment Paper

1970s Enrique Garcel Armchair Tessellated Bone Inlay Colombia
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Enrique Garcel (in the style of Karl Springer + Maitland Smith) Armchair in tessellated bone Fabulous sculptural profile Original vintage preowned condition with new upholstery...
Category

1970s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bone, Fabric

Karl Springer "Sculpture Bench" in Scored Leather 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted large "Sculpture Bench" in scored brown leather with seat cushion by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The clean lines and sumptuous leather make this bench very lu...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sleek and Modern Karl Springer 48" long bench with Stainless tubular legs. The leather is in great condition and the stainless is also in good condition. A compliment to many spa...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Lighthouse Lamps" in Blue Shagreen and Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare "Lighthouse Table Lamps" in exquisite blue-gray shagreen with polished nickel bases and shades by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Karl Springer only worked with the most...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Table in Tessellated Stone Signed, USA, 1980s Two-Tier Table with Drawer signed Karl Springer. Gorgeous, seldom-seen two-tier table in tessellated stone with brass inla...
Category

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

Materials

Stone, Brass

Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Pewter Finish Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Pewter and Brass Candlesticks Impressive size Original surface and Plexiglass Wax Protectors
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This rare and materially exquisite Mid-Century Modernist Glass Ice Bucket Signed Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1980. This piece features a minimal body that ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lacquered goatskin two drawer desk by Karl Springer.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Rare Wall-Mounted Mirror in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-mount retractable finely crafted make up/shaving mirror in heavy gauge polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of this mirror is off ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Lucite and Chrome Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of beautiful Lucite and chrome floor lamps designed and manufactured by Karl Springer in the early 1970s for a private home in NY. The lamps came from the original owners and a...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Lacquered Gold Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning "Half Round Molding Mirror" in mirror lacquered gold leaf by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror is the epitome of glamor. Hangs on a wire on the back. Mirror is ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Shagreen and Gilt Stenciled Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A rare dining table, the top having inset shagreen panels, framed by a design of gilt stenciling and brass inlay. The whole on four square and concave legs similarly decorated. signe...
Category

20th Century Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Karl Springer Python Skin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This can be used as either a bench or a table. A classic Franc 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer, Label below
Category

Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture

Karl Springer Table Lamp
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.  
Category

20th Century North American Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Pair, Karl Springer Lucite Swivel Function Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern frosted and clear Lucite Bar Stools made in America in the early 1980. They have a smooth swivel and tilt Function and come with the origina...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Faux Leather

Karl Springer Coffee Table in Walnut with Macassar Ebony & Gold Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted "Dorchester Coffee Table" in French walnut with macassar ebony inlays on top with gold leaf accents by Karl Springer, American late 1980's. The border inlays and...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Matching Pair of Karl Springer Modern Chrome & Lucite Torchiere Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A matching pair of Torchieres by Karl Springer circa 1980s. These feature mirror polished chrome with thick acrylic accents. Base diameter is 11.5 inches. Top shade Diameter is 16 in...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Coral, Bronze

Rare Pair of Mid-Century Waterfall Side Tables in Python, Signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Curved Side Tables in Python are fabricated and signed by Karl Springer and originate from the United States, created in 1986. Featuring ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Python

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.  
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

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...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Wall hanging mirror, octagonal with lacquered light goatskin in front of darker lacquered goatskin edge, with beveled mirror inside, by Karl Springer, American, 1970’s. The combinati...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass, Wood

Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Unique Pair of Large Mirrors in Polished Chrome and Gunmetal 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unique large wall-hanging “Half Round Metal Molding Mirrors” in polished chrome with gunmetal corners and beveled mirrors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These mirrors wer...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

20th Century German Vintage Frosted Lucite Table, Desk Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern German frosted acrylic Lucite table lamp with a white shade. The clear desk light was designed by Karl Springer, featuring a on...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

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.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer Impressive Chest of Drawers in Lacquered Goatskin, circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional chest of drawers in lacquered goatskin, top drawers with artisan brass pulls, by Karl Springer, American 1980s. This is one of the only known Karl Springer chest...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "Parsons Style Side Table" in Embossed Lizard 1989 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted “Parsons Style Side Table” in beige lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1989 (leather label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1989...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

Karl Springer Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Travertine 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted table top box in tessellated travertine with wood interior by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on bottom). This box has a nice scale and t...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine

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.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Lighthouse Lamps" in Shagreen and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare "Lighthouse Table Lamps" clad in gray shagreen with polished brass bases and shades by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The color and texture of the shagreen is exquisite...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Wood, Upholstery

Pair Lucite Acrylic Lamps by Karl Springer for Hansen
By Karl Springer, Hansen Lighting Co.
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Lucite and Chrome Lamps signed Hansen New York. Designed by Karl Springer. Lucite and Chrome construction.
Category

1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
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 Pair of Bedside Tables in Lacquered Barkwood 1986 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted bedside tables in lacquered barkwood, each with a drawer, by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated “Karl Springer 1986” with leather label on bot...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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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