Skip to main content

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.

to
40
481
11
484
7
3
200
178
10
10
1
484
10
29
417
5
151
225
12
257
184
176
140
124
425
406
22
19
5
494
492
492
283
7,604
3,967
2,555
2,244
Creator: Karl Springer
Karl Springer JMF "C" Bench in Stainless Steel with Original Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here's a very desirable bench by German-born New York designer Karl Springer. Known as the JMF bench because of Springer's admiration of the French designer Jean Michel Frank and als...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer "Bristol Side Table" in Black Cobra 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood, Glass

Karl Springer Alligator Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer embossed leather mirror. Original surface. Distinct Alligator pattern. Leather label present.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Karl Springer Unique Hinged Box in Polished Sodalite Stone 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

Clear Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s Clear acrylic and polish chrome table lamp by Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new shade. It takes two 75w Max Edison lightbulbs. Measurements: 17” Diameter, 6” Diamet...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Brass

Female Torso in Cast Stone Karl Springer Ltd
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This cast stone female torso was purchased in 1983 from the Karl Springer showroom in 1983. We have the original receipt for the purchase which where the torso was displayed in Honol...
Category

1980s American Classical Roman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Cast Stone

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 Stunning "Saturn Mirror", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Saturn Mirror" with curved mirrored panels, all with beautifully beveled edges, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. It is difficult to bevel on a curve. This mirror is nothing but cu...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

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...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Goatskin and Steel Chest of Drawers
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare cabinet by Karl springer Goatskin and steel Subtle recessed drawer surrounds A good selection of cream colored goatskin
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin

Karl Springer Stunning Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Octagonal wall-hanging mirror in lacquered goatskin with darker lacquered goatskin edge by Karl Springer, American 1970's (Karl Springer leather label on back reads “Karl Springer LT...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...
Category

1980s American American Craftsman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather

Pair of Mid-Century Brass & Lucite "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming and bold Pair of Mid-Century Modernist "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in Brass and Frosted Lucite are by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and originate from t...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Set of Stunning Polished Petrified Wood Orbs on Custom Bases 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 polished petrified wood orbs on custom metal bases by Karl Springer, American 1980's (retain original labels from the 1980s showing the original pric...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Exceptional Chrome and Brass Swing-Arm Floor Lamp 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted swing-arm floor lamp in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of construction of this lamp is superb. It has been cleaned and...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Rectangular Coffee Table, Gunmetal, Brass 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern Signed Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee / Cocktail Table. Guaranteed. Karl Springer "Round Leg Coffee Table" in Gunmetal and Brass. Chic mid-century low profile t...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer Set of 4 Candle Holders in Travertine and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
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 ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Karl Springer Octagonal Chrome and Marbelized Lacquer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer octagonal mirror with 1" bevel, framed in a butterscotch yellow veined lacquer that resembles marble at much less weight. Polis...
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer Upholstered Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Karl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a rectangular form braced with polished brass cross bar frame, a top four solid and sturdy cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, with new luxe woven Blue upholstery...
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Rare Antique Gold Leaf and Lucite Torchere, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare torchere in antique gold leaf with lucite accents at top and bottom by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Newly rewired by Lobel Modern with brown silk cord and new foot swich. The ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Karl Springer Iconic Hinged Box in Yellow Cobra, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Iconic sculptured box in yellow cobra, piano hinged with interior in suede, by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The craftsmanship on this box is simply superb.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Wall-Mounted "Round Leg Console Table" by Karl Springer (signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Round leg console table", wall-mounted in copper and gunmetal with inset smoked glass top, by Karl Springer, American, 1980s (signed on side "...
Category

1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Copper

Karl Springer "Greek Column Table Lamp" in Solid Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Greek Column Table Lamp" in solid lucite with brass hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The cord is embedded into the side of the lamp, so it is invisible when looking from ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Gunmetal and Brass Candle Holders by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three glamorous large gunmetal and brass with lucite covers candle holders designed by renowned designer Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition with minor wear consist...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Brass Base and Silk Upholstery 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman", base in solid seamlessly welded brass with hidden castors and silk upholstery, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This ottoman is not only chic, it is comfortable...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer Hinged Box in Brown and Black Cobra, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Hinged box covered in brown and black cobra with interior covered in moiré silk by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are superb.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer "Metal Ball Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Metal Ball Lamp" in polished chrome with pleated silver shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's This artisan lamp is impeccably crafted. Reference: K...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Roberto Estevez Incredible Large Unicorn Sculpture 1979 'Signed and Numbered'
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite large unicorn bust sculpture in cast resin with inlaid bronze mane, solid engraved brass alicorn, and gold leaf ears on a sculptural solid brass base by Roberto Estevez, Am...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf, Bronze

Pair of Lucite and Brass Greek Column Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous pair of 1980s clear lucite and polished brass “Greek Column Table Lamps” by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid acrylic and polish brass. Newly rewired and new shades....
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere" in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare artisan made "Spun Shaped Torchere" in gunmetal and gold-tinted brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of the craftsmanship is off the charts. Reference: Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s in the section “lighting” on page 11...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold, Brass, Nickel

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...
Category

1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Lizard with Matching Leather Shade 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" with gently curving shaft in black lizard with polished brass base and hardware with black leather shade by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The matching shade is ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror In Pale Yellow and Black Python 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and exceptional "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in pale yellow and black python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is a superb example of Ka...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Python

Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Ivory Lacquer with Chrome Accents, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
8 Sided mirror with custom artisan ivory lacquer and polished chrome accents by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. The mirror is beveled. A classic Springer design. Reference: Karl ...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Karl Springer "Triangular Leg Metal End Table" with Shagreen Top 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in brass with shagreen top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" under top). This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine ex...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Crocodile Leather 2 Drawer Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Alligator leather console by Karl Springer 2 drawers make this a useful form. Karl Springer leather label below   
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box Original surface with minor touchups Original suede interior.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Karl Springer Copper Rain Drum Table With Original Textured Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of timeless sophistication with this original Karl Springer Rain Drum Cocktail Table; a dazzling tribute to Southeastern As...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Copper

Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Glass

Karl Springer Large "Candlestick Table Lamp" in Brushed Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "candlestick table lamp" in brushed nickel with gunmetal accents and polished chrome hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. A very elegant Springer design. This lamps has ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Nickel

Pair of Karl Springer Contemporary American Stacked Clear Lucite Benches
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Contemporary rectangular benches constructed from stacked clear lucite in graduating and descending sizes. (KARL SPRINGER)(PRICED AS Pair) Some wear and scuffs to l...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

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.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Karl Springer Large "Molding Mirror" Covered in Black Cobra, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American, 1970's. Mirror is beveled. This piece is meticulously crafted in the finest materials.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass, Animal Skin

Karl Springer Cobra Telephone Table with Brass Castors 1988 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Telephone Table" covered in beige cobra with moire silk on the bottom in brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1988 (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1988").
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Lacquered Snakeskin Decorative Box
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A scrupulously-crafted, decorative trinket or jewelry box by Karl Springer comprising a rectangular body with a domed, hinged lid and a suede-lined interior. The outside is wrapped e...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Suede, Animal Skin

Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

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...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Karl Springer "Athena Pedestal" in Chrome with Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Athena Pedestal" in polished chrome with inset brass channel by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. Springer loved to mix metals in luxurious ways. This pedestal exemplifies that.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid Century Modern Python Skin Table Lamp by Karl Springer 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original python skin table lamp by Karl Springer C1970. Original shade which should be updated. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Brass fittings and hardware...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer floor lamps executed in the style of Maison Jansen.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.
Questions About Karl Springer Furniture

Recently Viewed

View All