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 Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps Vintage
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful angled and sculptural Karl Springer lucite table base has brass caps.There is no glass provided for this great base. One...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage 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 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 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 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
Vintage Embossed Leather Desk by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An elegant vintage leather desk designed by iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States in the 1970s. This desk stands out for its minimalist design. It has 2 large drawers that are great for storing documents and office supplies...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer "Oval Table Lamp" In Black Granite with Lavastone Finish 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
“Oval Table Lamp” in solid black granite with lavastone finish and chrome hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This is a solid block of granite and it has been impeccably fini...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Granite, Chrome
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 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 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
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 Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Suede, Wood, Alligator
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
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 ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass
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
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. There's also a gorgeous wood trim d...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone, Brass
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
Pair Lucite Acrylic Lamps by Karl Springer for Hansen
By Hansen Lighting Co., Karl Springer
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
Karl Springer Pivoting Painted Goatskin Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pivoting box, covered in sliced petrified coral
Label below.
See photo can to get a sense of scale.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
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
Shagreen and Gilt Stenciled Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
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
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 Gunmetal and Gold Mirror, USA c 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This large mirror features what is perhaps Karl Springer's most iconic style: gunmetal with gold washed brass detail. Certainly his most luxurious combination. At 60 X 40 inches it ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
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
Large Dining Fossilized Coral Table with Stone Mosaic by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous dining table designed and retailed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. The iconic shape features a beveled horse track-shape top with ro...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone
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 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 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
Set 3 Karl Springer LTD Polished Brass Nesting Pillar Candlesticks Holders 1985
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
These 3 graduated Karl Springer LTD polished Brass Candlesticks are designed by Karl Springer circa 1985 in America.
Each features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cyli...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 2-Tier Side Table in Red Python with Horn Handles 1977, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique 2-tier side table in red python with authentic horn handles with small brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1977 (label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1977”). Fine materia...
Category
1970s 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
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...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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.
Category
1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Karl Springer Set of 3 Candle Holders in Brass with Chrome Accents 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 candle holders in polished brass with chrome accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Beautifully made, these iconic Springer candle holders would complement any interior...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Brass End Table with Beveled Black Glass Top 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in polished brass with beveled black glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine example of Springe...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Horn, Mirror
Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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 Pair of Hand-Blown Black Glass Candle Holders 1980s (Signed)
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of hand-blown black glass candle holders with scavo (rough) finish by Seguso Vetri d'Arte (Murano) for Karl Springer, American 1980's (Signed on bottom “Karl Springer”). T...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
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 Waterfall Side Table in Python with Stainless Steel Drawer 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional waterfall side table covered in python with stainless steel drawer and thick glass shelf by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This table exemplifies the meticulous craftsma...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
Karl Springer Meticulously Crafted Coffee Table with Lucite Legs 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Round Leg Lucite coffee table" with brass stretchers and inset glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Signed “Karl Springer” on brass stretcher). This table is beautifully mad...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Steel and Brass Tulip Bases for Dining or Console tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of metal tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd circa 1970-80s. The bases are currently configured as a pair of conso...
Category
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome
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
Karl Springer Tapering Pedestal in Embossed Ostrich Foot Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Tapering pedestal covered in embossed ostrich foot leather by Karl Springer, American 1970s.
Provenance: Purchased from a former employee of Karl Sprin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Ostrich Leather, Wood
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
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
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 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
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
Karl Springer Shagreen Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Karl Springer side table with Shagreen top. Signature to bottom.
Category
1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shagreen
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Light Brown Snakeskin Frame Wall Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wall mirror with a rectangular form with curved top and bottom, framed in a light brown snakeskin veneer frame. (KARL SPRINGER)
Condition: Good; Wear consistent...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
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.
Creators Similar to Karl Springer
Questions About Karl Springer Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019
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.
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