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.
$2,316Sale Price / set|65% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Pedestals, Anigre Wood Veneer, Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These two beautiful crafted pedestal which have been produced by Karl Spinger Ltd., have a Anigre- Wood Veneer and the base and top is covered in dark Lea...
Leather, Wood
Hand-Painted Ceramic Elephant Garden Seat, Vintage Pedestal, 1970s
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Hand painted garden stool/pedestal.
Ceramic
Pair of Carved Wood Columns Pedestals
Located in London, GB
Classical carved wood columns pedestals in leafy scrollwork.
Wood
Pair of Late 19th c. Carved Painted and Gilded Wood Pedestals
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in the very late 19th or early 20th century, this pair of carved of pine pedestals are tall and thin and painted a deep rich Verde antique bronze color...
Pine
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.25 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in
Mid Century Modern Tessellated Travertine Pedestal manner of Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking Mid Century Modern tessellated travertine pedestal is a bold and elegant statement piece, designed in the highly coveted manner of Karl Springer. Featuring a cylindrical form, the pedestal showcases a refined contrast between smooth polished travertine and a textured, raw tessellated stone surface. This interplay of textures creates visual depth and highlights the craftsmanship associated with Springer’s iconic style. Perfectly proportioned, the pedestal functions as a versatile design element—ideal for displaying sculpture, art glass, or decorative objects. The natural tones of travertine, with their subtle cream and beige variations, make this piece a seamless fit for both modern and transitional interiors. Its minimalist cylindrical silhouette, paired with organic stone detailing, embodies the timeless sophistication that defines luxury mid-century design. Whether used as an art display...
Marble
$1,675 / set
H 26 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
Pair of Vintage Malachite Painted Wood Pedestals, c. Early 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Pair of vintage wooden pedestals painted to resemble malachite, c. early 20th century. Some chips and signs of wear; please inquire review ...
Paint, Wood
Cylindrical Cork Veneer Pedestal
By Paul Frankl
Located in New York, NY
Stylish cylindrical pedestal in allover cork veneer, circa 1970s. This example is in good condition, showing minor loss to veneer (see images) and expected cosmetic wear, normal and ...
Cork
Faux Marble Painted Wooden Pedestal, circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
Faux Marble Painted Wooden Pedestal, Circa 1970s. Very good condition. Measures 11"W x 11"D x 30H W Churu.
Wood, Paint
Pair of Carved Wood Pedestals - France, 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Wonderful pair of unusual antique hand-carved pedestals, with chevron motif and acanthus leaf detail mid-stem. Lovely bases.
$3,850
H 43.13 in W 15.25 in D 15.25 in
Pedestal Column Stand, Goatskin Parchment, Springer Style, circa 1970s 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A cylindrical goatskin parchment-clad pedestal column, in the Modern style Postmodern Period, in the manner of design Karl Springer, circa late-20th century, 1970s–1980s. The column ...
Goatskin
$2,850
H 48.75 in W 16 in D 16 in
Incredible Tall Karl Springer style Goatskin Chrome Pedestal Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Tall rectangular Karl Springer pedestal or plinth featuring a fabulous goatskin finish with abstract, softly contoured paneling on all visible sides. The top is fitted with a mirrore...
Goatskin
Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu, Wood and Marble Pedestals
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style ormolu, wood and marble pedestals French, 20th Century Height 83cm, diameter 52cm This superb pair of French 20th century pedestals celebrates the ver...
Marble, Ormolu
$7,634 / set
H 50.4 in W 18.51 in D 18.12 in
Pair (2) of magnificent golden columns/pedestals, solid wood, 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair (2) of magnificent golden columns/pedestals, solid wood An impressive and high-quality pair of French columns made of gilt wood and marble. Each pedestal stands on a square bas...
Wood
Glazed Porcelain Planter by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare burgundy purple glazed porcelain planter by renowned designer Karl Springer. In beautiful vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age( see detail photos). Measureme...
Porcelain
Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer. Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Metal
Beautiful "Coromandel" Planter by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Hand-decorated "Coromandel" planter by Karl Springer, American, circa 1980s.
Karl Springer Folding Glass Fire Screen
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
KARL SPRINGER (1930-1991) Folding screen in tempered glass with chrome frame and hinges American, c. 1970 Screen: 26.5”H x 45”W (unfolded) x .5”D
Brass, Chrome