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.
Rare Large Karl Springer Bronzed Dressing Table/ Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This iconic large Karl Springer Art Deco inspired vanity make-up mirror dates to the 1970s-1980s. Made from stainless steel and bronzed finish brass,...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Optic Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of our favorite Karl Springer mirrors. Wood trim is dark blue.
Lacquer, Mirror
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror, 1970s, chrome-plated steel and gold-tone brass. 15.25" H x 21" W x 5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Coll...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Brass, Nickel
Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror In Pale Yellow and Black Python 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large and exceptional "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in pale yellow and black python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is a superb example of Ka...
Mirror, Wood, Python
$4,500
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
Karl Springer Saturn Mirror, 48", USA c1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This impressive example of Karl Springer's "Saturn" mirror measures 48". The simple design is created by layering round and curved mirrors panels each with deep beveling. Very fine ...
Mirror
"Signed" Karl Springer Large Brass & Tessellated Stone Wall Mounted Mirror 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Stunning, large, tall and very rare 'signed' domed or curved top Mid-Century brass and tessellated stone wall-mounted / hung vanity or hallway bevelled edged mirror by legendary Germ...
Stone, Brass
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
Glass
Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Nice mirror. Vanity or shaving.Brass and nickel. It swivels and one side is magnifying.
Brass, Nickel
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...
Animal Skin
Karl Springer Large Double Table Mirror, Brass and Nickel 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular mirror by Karl Springer. Substantial yet graceful design, achieved by the use of sumptuous and modern materials, an icon by any standard. The double mirror can be tilted....
Brass, Nickel
Vintage Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Karl Springer vanity mirror Vintage wear and patina as shown. As Found Condition.
Brass
Mid-Century French Polished Tortoise Hue Finish Molding Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist molding mirror by renowned designer Karl Springer, crafted in circa 1970, showcases the timeless elegance and innovative materials characteristic of Spring...
Mirror
Karl Springer Finely Crafted Vanity Mirror in Polished Steel and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Superb iconic vanity/dressing table mirror in polished steel and brass with magnifier on one side and mirror on the other by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror has been comp...
Brass, Stainless Steel
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.
Leather
Karl Springer, Convex Mirror, USA, c. 1980s, Brass, Stainless Steel
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Original Karl Springer vanity mirror in brass and stainless steel. Original finish and mirror in good condition. Brass and stainless steel ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer, Alligator Pressed Leather Wrapped 52”h x 36”w Beveled Wall Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Large and impressive, Alligator embossed leather wrapped 52”T x 36”W wall mirror by Karl Springer. This luxurious mirror came from the home of Susie Hillfiger, wife of Tommy Hilfig...
Leather, Mirror, Wood
Karl Springer Large Vanity Mirror in Brass and Chrome, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer large modernist vanity or table mirror in polished brass and chrome with one side a magnifying mirror and the other side a standard mirror...
Brass, Chrome
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Mirror Labeled
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Karl Springer tessellated stone mirror with a nice bevel. The mirror is quite substantial with a deep angle as it is almost 3 inch...
Bone, Mirror
Karl Springer Faux Snakeskin Rectangular Mirror, 1970s Hollywood Regency Style
By Karl Springer
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This Mid-Century Karl Springer Faux Snakeskin Mirror showcases luxury and refined craftsmanship. Wrapped in cream faux snakeskin, it highlights Karl Springer’s signature style. The t...
Faux Leather
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Gold Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Karl Springer (American, 1931-1989); Karl Springer Ltd. (USA) Marking(s); notes: no marking(s) apparent Materials: chromed metal, brass, mirrored glass...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Monumental "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Enormous "Saturn" mirror in bevelled glass by Karl Springer, 1980s. Minor age appropriate wear (see photos) that in no way detracts from the striking and impressive quality of this m...
Mirror
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.
Brass, Chrome
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...
Horn, Mirror
Important Python Skin Covered Rectangular Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Important python skin covered rectangular mirror by Karl Springer , bearing painted brass manufacturer's label to reverse ‘Karl Springer’. With authentication from Tom Langevin, form...
Animal Skin
Karl Springer Circular Wall Mirror 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This Karl Springer circular wall mirror from the 1970s represents the essence of luxury design, blending sculptural elegance with the refined craftsmanship that defined Springer’s wo...
Mirror
Karl Springer Large Lacquered Goatskin or Parchment Beveled Wall Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer large exquisite rectangular wall mirror with lacquered goatskin frame and beveled mirror, USA, 1970s. This exquisite mirror has a simpl...
Goatskin, Wood
Unique Colourful Lacquered Fabric Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unique colourful lacquered fabric mirror by Karl Springer Provenance: Property from the personal collection of Jeff Schuerholz of Fat Chance, the iconic Los Angeles store for the Ho...
Fabric
Price Upon Request
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A Large Round Python-Skin Mirror signed Karl Springer, USA, 1985 A superb large round mirror by Karl Springer in pink faded to mauve python skin. Two concentric circles create a 6" ...
Leather