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.
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome and Original Purple String Shade Ball Lamps, 1980s
By Leviton, Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning and very rare pair of iconic midcentury "Ball" lamps was designed in the 1980s by illustrious American designer Karl Springer. This pair features two hemispheres of pol...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Rare and Monumental Shagreen Pair of Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of exquisite lamps by Karl Springer. The large spheres are solid wood meticulously covered in shagreen, the Pyramid shades are also wood covered in shagreen. Reportedly just a...
Shagreen
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Brass
Pair of Leather and Brass Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular pair of 1980’s polish brass and leather J.M.F. floor lamps by renowned American designer Karl Springer. The lamps are constructed of solid brass and wood that’s covered...
Brass
$6,000 / set
Karl Springer Brass Sphere Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of brass lamps by Karl Springer. Contemporary shades.
Brass
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.
Glass
Vintage Karl Springer Lucite and Crackle Painted Table Lamps, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
A wonderful rare pair of Karl Springer Clear Lucite and crackled yellow painted bubble lamps. A central stem in chrome hold two light sockets.
Metal
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...
Chrome
$6,300
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Brass
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....
Brass
Pair of Lucite & Chrome Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous pair of clear lucite and chrome table lamp by renowned designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new shades. Wired for US and take two 75w Max regular editions light bulb...
Chrome
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer for Seguso Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp
Murano Glass
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...
Brass
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.
Bronze
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Wayne, NJ
A stunning conversation table lamp designed by Karl Springer. It features a solid clear oval lucite block base. Rounded edges with a cutout to run the cord through. Double sockets...
Lucite
Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Karl Springer
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
Pair of Karl Springer Modern Citron Goatskin Sphere Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Modern sphere citron goatskin table lamps. (KARL SPRINGER LTD) (PRICED AS PAIR) (NOTE: lamp shades can be purhased separately) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Metal
Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s glamorous clear Lucite and polish chrome table lamp by renowned American designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new oatmeal linen shade. The acrylic shows some crazing from ...
Lucite
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...
Chrome
$2,681Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Grey Goatskin Ball Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Ball table lamp designed by Karl Springer covered in grey goat skin with brass details.
Lacquer
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Metal, Chrome
$11,000 / set
Pair of Sandblasted Lucite Torchere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of monumental torchiere floor lamps. These oversized lamps were designed by Karl Springer for Karl Springer Ltd, circa 1970s for bespoken spacious interior as statement lighting. Will look amazing in a large living room or dinging room...
Brass
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
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 ...
Glass, Lucite
$9,500 / set
Karl Springer Chromed Metal Orb Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lamps Original surface,Lamp Mounts and Finials Oversized Please ignore reflections in chrome finish from photographer
Chrome
Mid-Century Modernist Tessellated Shagreen Geometric Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This remarkably scaled and materially stunning Mid-Century Modernist Large Geometric Table Lamp in Tessellated Shagreen is by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and origi...
Shagreen
Karl Springer Rare "Sculpture Reading Lamp" in Gunmetal and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Iconic "Sculpture Reading Lamp" in polished gunmetal and brass with reading light on top and two additional lights at bottom with thick solid lucite covers by Karl Springer, American...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Floor Lamps in Chrome & Brass by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of floor lamps by renowned designer Karl Springer exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetic of Mid-Century Modernist design, with a focus on the...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Ostrich Wrapped Column Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Ostrich Wrapped SquareColumn Floor Lamp resting on a square brass base (KARL SPRINGER)
Brass
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...
Chrome
$5,500 / set
Karl Springer Lucite and Steel Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Lucite and Stainless Steel Floor Lamps A Classic understated design Original adjustable Stem lamp Standard Replaced with a Harp
Lucite
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Lamp White Finished Ostrich Skin Pattern doesn't include lampshade Original Lamp Fittings
Leather
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.
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Stacked Lucite Disc Table Lamp, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
This striking table lamp features a sculptural, architectural base composed of alternating stacked acrylic discs. The transparent discs are arranged along a central chrome rod, creat...
Lucite
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...
Brass
Karl Springer Lucite Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lucite table Lamps Polished Brass Lamp Hardware and fittings New Replaced shades If you want the shades,they will ha...
Lucite
$6,900Sale Price|27% Off
Karl Spinger 'Sculpture' Brass Table Lamp, c 1980, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegantly crafted, this rare 'Sculpture' table lamp by Karl Springer embodies the essence of his meticulous artistry. This example is fashioned from hefty brass, crafted in the 1980s...
Brass
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural Karl Springer Polished Chrome Desk Lamp, 1980.
Chrome
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Lucite
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere", 1980s, gunmetal tone and gold-tone brass. 72.5" H x 18.5" Diameter. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Brass
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Brass, Steel
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
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
$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 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
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...
Glass, Acrylic
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...
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 ...
Glass
$801Sale Price|40% Off
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.
Lacquer
$2,514Sale Price|40% Off
Karl Springer Lighthouse Tablelamp
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
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Magnificent Pair Karl Springer Marbleized Blue Lacquer Lucite Table Lamps, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare pair of Karl Springer marbleized blue lacquer and Lucite bubble table lamps, USA, 1970s. Retains Springer's original marbleiz...
Chrome
$2,477Sale Price / set|40% Off
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...
Metal
$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
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
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Gold-Tinted Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Bullet Up Light" in gold-tinted brass with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This accent light is a chic additional to any room. ...
Metal, Brass
$3,200 / set
Pair of Three-Light Wall Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Three-Light Wall Sconces
Metal