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 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
Mid-Century Modernist Chrome & Lucite Waterfall Sconce by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Mid-Century Modernist waterfall sconce by celebrated American designer Karl Springer, circa 1980. This exceptional piece exemplifies Springer’s renowned ability to combine...
Chrome
Mid-Century Mushroom Sconce by Karl Springer in Polished Chrome & Lucite
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A refined Mid-Century Modernist mushroom sconce designed by the renowned Karl Springer, American, circa 1970. This iconic piece demonstrates Springer's...
Chrome
$2,328Sale Price / set|40% Off
1970s Spun Shaped Wall Sconces by Karl Springer, Gunmetal & Lucite
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
Five Mid-Century Modernist Chrome Wall Lamps by Richard Essig
By Richard Essig
Located in Wien, Au
Five Mid-Century Modernist chrome wall lamps by Richard Essig Original condition Sold and priced per piece.
Chrome
Nice pair of wall sconces
By Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Munich, DE
Amazing pair of wall sconces with amazing details. check pictures to see the shape of the metal part.
Brass
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
Pair of Natural Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Pair of wall sconces made of natural brass with two inner lights per sconce. Straight backplate on which are coming two curved brass sheets, with the light escaping from the gap b...
Brass
$480 / set
H 12.88 in W 9.25 in D 4.5 in
Pair of Floral Lucite Sconces, Vintage Brass Wall Lights, 1970s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
These beautiful wall sconces will make a statement in your home. The lucite flowers are handmade, so each flower is slightly different. This listing is for 2 sconces. It can be used ...
Metal
Italian Pair of Wall Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian pair of vintage wall sconces Murano glass brass and wood base .
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Shell Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Pair of pretty Murano glass wall sconces shaped like sea shell. The Murano glass is smooth on the outside while having a rough inner texture, it also has golden speckles allowing...
Brass
Sold|$1,650 / set
H 10 in W 14 in D 7 in
Fine Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Polished Brass Lucite Pair Deco Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine pair of Karl Springer style Mid-Century Modern polished brass & lucite deco style sconces
Brass
$2,222 / set
H 17.72 in W 12.21 in D 6.3 in
Mid-Century Brass & Lucite Wall Sconces - Hollywood Regency - Spain 1970s
By Maison Charles, Maison Jansen
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Mid-Century Brass & Lucite Wall Sconces - Hollywood Regency - Spain 1970s Magnificent pair of large-scale wall sconces in polished brass and lucite, with a highly sculptural pre...
Brass
Karl Springer Style Lucite Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Superb and impressive large Karl Springer style Lucite table lamp Heavy and massive Without finial and harp: 27" H.
Lucite
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
$2,750 / set
H 19.75 in W 12 in D 6 in
Fine Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Polished Brass Lucite Purcell Pair Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in Roslyn, NY
A fine pair of Karl Springer style Mid-Century Modern polished brass & lucite "Purcell" sconces, each sconce wired with two candelabra sockets. These iconic and dramatic sconces ...
Brass
Lighting - Pair of wall sconces
Located in Porto, PT
Lighting - Pair of wall sconces. Portuguese; 20th century, made of metal with glass pendants. Dimensions: 38x50 cm.
Metal
$900Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 30 in W 12 in D 6.5 in
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite Sconces, Brass Hardware, Wall Lighting
Located in Dallas, TX
These are in beautiful condition and 30" tall. Each sconces has four light sockets. Brass finish hardware. Polished brass finish backs. As shown are not lit. It is the reflection fro...
Metal
A Pair of Zeppelin Shaped Opaline and Chrome Wall Sconces, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of highly decorative wall lights in the shape of the Zeppelin Airship. These were manufactured and designed anonymously in Scandinavia during t...
Steel
Sold
H 19 in W 12 in D 7 in
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...
Chrome
Karl Springer Pair of Superbly Crafted Swing Arm Wall Lamps 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Style Karl Springer "Spun Shaped" Sconces, Pair
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Art Deco Style Karl Springer "Spun Shaped" wall sconces of frosted lucite and chromed metal. Dimensions: 11" H x 25" W x 12" D. Dealer: ...
Chrome
"Art Deco Style Karl Springer "Spun Shaped" Sconce, Pair
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Art Deco Style Karl Springer "Spun Shaped" wall sconces of frosted lucite and chromed metal. In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions: 11" H x ...
Chrome
Karl Springer Swing Arm Wall Lamps, Polished Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Swing Arm Wall Lamps, Polished Brass. Pair of heavy swing arm wall lamps with super quality build and Springer's signature coffin pull...
Brass
Sold
H 23 in W 16.5 in D 8.5 in
Karl Springer Pair "Purcell Sconces" with Illuminating Lucite Inserts 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Purcell Sconces" in polished brass with illuminating molded lucite inserts by Karl Springer, 1980's. These are beautifully made and the combination of materials is chic. ...
Brass
Sold
H 23 in W 16.5 in D 8 in
Karl Springer Pair of "Purcell Sconces" in Gunmetal with Hand-Chipped Glass 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Purcell Sconces" in polished gunmetal with illuminating hand-chipped glass inserts by Karl Springer, 1980's. These are stunning in person. Joseph Spohr, a New York glass art...
Metal
Sold
H 22.5 in W 17 in D 9 in
Karl Springer Pair of "Purcell Sconces" in Brass with Hand-Chipped Glass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Purcell Sconces" in polished brass with illuminating hand-chipped glass inserts by Karl Springer, 1980's. The color of the glass is green/blue. These are stunning in person....
Brass
Sold
H 7 in W 13.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Rare Karl Springer "Galaxy Sconces" in Brass and Faceted Lucite, 1990s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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 ...
Brass
Karl Springer Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces" 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces" in black scavo glass with illuminating Lucite backs by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Both sconces are...
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Sconces, Chrome Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer sconces, chrome brass. Adjustable swing arm. Great quality. Sold with shades which measure: 9.25” H x 9.5” top across x 12” across the bott...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Wall Sconce", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Spun Shaped Wall Sconce" in gunmetal with Lucite backs and insert by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Lucite illuminates when lights are on (see photo). Total of 3 are available for p...
Metal
Sold
H 22 in W 17.5 in D 8.5 in
Documented Karl Springer Midcentury Polished Brass and Lucite "Purcell" Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
These iconic and dramatic sconces were designed by Karl Springer- one of the most important and influential designers of the 20th century- in America ...
Brass
Pair of Chrome and Glass Wall Sconces by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular pair of polish chrome and glass ‘Percell’ Wall Sconces design by Karl Springer in the 1980’s. The Sconces take two regular Edison lightbulbs. One of the glass pieces h...
Chrome
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...
Brass