Karl Springer Lighting
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 Elegant Black Scavo Glass Torchere, 1980s 'Signed'
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glass Torchere in hand blown black glass with scavo finish by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980's (retains original Seguso paper label). These art pieces were h...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Postmodern Karl Springer Design Metal Ball Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Metal ball lamp, documented by designer Karl Springer.
"Confetti" painted shapes and colors all the way around,
circa 1980s.
No shade included.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Steel
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 Lighting
Materials
Lacquer
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 Lighting
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Shagreen
Karl Springer "Sculpture Desk Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Sculpture Desk Lamp" in polished chrome with brass accents and 2 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on side). This lamp is a tribute to Springer’s metic...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass, Chrome
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 Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 Lighting
Materials
Gold, Brass, Nickel
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 Lighting
Materials
Brass
Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's
Superb pair of heavy ovate table lamps constructed of solid wood with polished sm...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Stacked Disc Lucite Table Lamp, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Impressive midcentury Lucite stacked disk table lamp by Karl Springer, 1970s
Shade not included.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Lucite
Pair of Rare Karl Springer "Galaxy Sconces" in Brass and Faceted Lucite, 1990s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare “Galaxy Sconces” in brass with illuminating green faceted lucite backs by Karl Springer, American 1990's. The lucite on these sconces has the appearance of hand-chipped ...
Category
1990s American Art Deco Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 Lighting
Materials
Lucite
Karl Springer "Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" in amber glass with scavo finish and bronze detail by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980s ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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.
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Acrylic
Karl Springer Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp" 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp” in patinated bronze by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on bottom). This artisan table lamp is superbly made.
Measures:
Shade ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces", 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces" in artisan mercury glass with scavo finish, lucite backs and brass accents by Seguso for Karl Springer...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
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 Lighting
Materials
Glass
Complimentary Pair Karl Springer Lucite and Gun Metal Torchiere Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gunmetal mirror finish shade and base with clear Lucite stem set in bronze cuffs, circa 1970s, American. These are from two different production runs, ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Lucite
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.
Category
20th Century North American Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Lacquer
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.
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
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 Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare Collectible Pair of Karl Springer Mustard and Khaki Ceramic Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare valuable pair of Karl Springer hand painted table lamps in mustard and khaki with an abstract loose zebra-esque pattern.
Adjustable rod, two sockets 60 watt each
Note: Str...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Brass and Lucite Tulip Sconces by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
By Karl Springer circa 1970s, this pair of sconces were made of solid brass and Lucite, wall-mounted and each holds two sockets, a great example of 1970s design that is inspired by g...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
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 Lighting
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 Lighting
Materials
Metal
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 marbleized blue lacquered finish over three ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Chrome
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...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Adrian Purcell Wall Sconces Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in New Haven, CT
This Classic pair of Art Deco gunmetal wall sconce's was designed for "Purcell" by Karl Springer. This form comes in a few color and material variations.
The gunmetal and clear Glass...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Glass
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 Lighting
Materials
Glass
Massive Pair of Karl Springer Purcell Sconces in Gun Metal finish , 1970s , USA
By Karl Springer
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic pair of Art Deco style sconces.
Extremely light conductive vertical sculptural (waterfall like) slice of Lucite stacked together, mounted on a brass structure plated with...
Category
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic table lamp by Karl Springer. This great lamp features three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. It has a two light cluster socket with Sprin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Lucite
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...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 Lighting
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Nickel and Lucite Lamp By Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thick lucite stem with incised center channel on each side sites in chromed base with chrome accents. Highest quality construction.
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Lucite
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 Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Large Karl Springer Murano Scavo Glass Table Lamps, Signed
By Archimede Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pr Karl Springer Murano art glass table lamps.
Large Trumpet form glass elements with lobed glass base. Textured milky finish. Signed Karl Spring...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Murano Glass
Pair of Sconces in Patinated Bronze and Lucite by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of patinated bronze sconces with illuminating sand-blasted Lucite inserts by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. This is the large version of these sconces. These sconces give off a lot of up light since each has 2 bulbs. They are stunning Springer sconces.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in gunmetal with Lucite backs and inserts by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Lucite illuminates when lights are on (see photo).
Total of three ar...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Metal
Table Lamp in Brown Whip Snake by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp covered in brown whip snake with bronze hardware by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. A clean timeless form in an exotic luxurious material. Classic Karl Springer.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Lucite and Brass Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall incised Lucite column on heavy brass base with brass cap and double socket cluster.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare "Mushroom Table Lamp" in Polished Brass 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Mushroom Table Lamp" in polished brass with 3 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The shade was hand-spun by metal artisans. An iconic Karl Springer design. Brass has b...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare "Sculpture Reading Lamp" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Sculpture Reading Lamp" in brushed stainless steel with two additional lights in feet, all lights with thick solid lucite covers, by Karl Springer, American 1980s. These floor...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Documented Pair of Midcentury Lucite and Chrome Mushroom Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern "Mushroom" sconces were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most important and influential designers of the 20th century- in Ame...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer Pair of Superbly Crafted Swing Arm Wall Lamps 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully made swing-arm wall lamps in polished chrome and brass, each with 2 bulbs, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Each comes with a back mounting plate. The craftsman...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Metal, Chrome, Brass
Karl Springer Elegant Pair of "Greek Column Table Lamps" in Solid Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Greek Column Table Lamps" in solid lucite with brass hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The cords are embedded into the sides of the lamps so they are invisible wh...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Brass
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 Lighting
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer “Tortoise Shell” Sculptural Desk/Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a sculptural wide heavy lamp shaped as a rectangular block in the lower part and as a ninety degree angle semi-tunnel in the upper part. Both parts are joined by a solid rect...
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Karl Springer "Bullet" Up Light in Gunmetal, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet" up light in gunmetal by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. This comes with the original honeycomb diffuser. This up light is beautifully made.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Pair of Table Lamps In Bronze With Black Cobra ca 1972
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of meticulously crafted table lamps with black cobra on all sides with bronze fittings and bone accents on tops by Karl Springer, American ca 1972. Springer was a master at usi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
Karl Springer lighting 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 lighting, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lighting 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 lighting by Chapman Manufacturing Company, Robert Sonneman, and George Kovacs. Prices for Karl Springer lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $428 and can go as high as $42,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,500.
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