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.
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 Tabletop Vanity Mirror in Nickel and Brass, circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A sophisticated tabletop vanity mirror by Karl Springer, executed in polished nickel and brass with the refined, luxurious sensibility that became synonymous with the designer’s work...
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
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 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 Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Karl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.
Brass, Nickel
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 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
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
1940s Mahogany Tabletop Vanity Mirror with Drawer
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1940s Mahogany Tabletop Vanity Mirror with Drawer Beveled Mirror Edges
Mirror, Mahogany
$1,644
H 20.48 in W 20.08 in D 4.73 in
Italian Polished Brass Table Mirror with Marble Adjustable Vanity Base, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful table mirror in brass with adjustable marble vanity base vanity. This elegant midcentury table or makeup mirror was designed and produced in Italy during the 1950s. ...
Brass
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Vanity Mirror, 1930s
By Barovier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A refined and sculptural Barovier Murano Glass vanity mirror, Italy, circa 1930s, executed in ribbed, hand-formed Murano glass with warm champagne undertones enhanced by the addition...
Brass
$1,500 / item
H 9.85 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Contemporary Table Mirror, HOT Collection, Lava Stone & Gradient Stainless Steel
By Buzao
Located in Paris, IDF
Mirror table Black lava stone, mirror (blue finish) 25 x 16 cm Side table from “HOT” collection, a creation by Buzao design studio. Close to Bentu design studio, Buzao creates ...
Stone, Lava, Stainless Steel
1980s Vintage Vanity Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Italian vanity mirror with lights made in Italy 1980s.
Chrome
Vintage Brass Vanity Mirror by Charles Hollis Jones, USA, 1960s
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage vanity or tabletop mirror designed and manufactured in the United States by Charles Hollis Jones in the early to mid-1960s. This sculptural piece exemplifies Jones’ r...
Brass
$2,450
H 19 in W 15 in D 8 in
Charles Hollis Jones Two-Sided Vanity Mirror in Polished Nickel and Lucite
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful two sided vanity mirror in polished nickel and Lucite by Charles Hollis Jones dating from the early to mid-1970s. The mirror is in good vintage condition, minor wear due t...
Nickel
Charles Hollis Jones Vanity Mirror in Polished Brass and Lucite
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning vintage table or vanity mirror in Lucite and polished brass by Charles Hollis Jones designed and manufactured in the late 1970s. This mirror is double-sided and it is perfec...
Brass
Vintage Teak Table Top Vanity Mirror
Located in London, GB
A wonderful vintage teak table top vanity mirror, made in England and dating from around the 1950-60’s. It is beautifully designed with an angular chevron shaped frame, the quality ...
Mirror, Teak
$2,121
H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 9.85 in
Postmodern Illuminated Vanity Mirror, Unique Piece, France, 1980s
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Ettore Sottsass
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare and highly expressive postmodern illuminated vanity mirror, conceived as a unique piece in France during the 1980s. Blurring the line between functional object and sculptural ...
Mirror
Vintage Brass Oval Vanity Mirror with Swivel Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage tabletop vanity mirror featuring an oval beveled glass mirror set in a warm brass frame. The mirror swivels smoothly for adjustable viewing and is supported by a deco...
Brass
Antique Vanity Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rich antique vanity or dressing table mirror, circa early-20th century. Mirror is rectangular with directional flexibility (north and ...
Mirror, Wood
Vanity Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass plated Nickel desk or vanity mirror. fully extended depth is 3.5
Brass
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
Personal Vanity Lighted Make Up Mirror
By Karl Springer, Charles Hollis Jones
Located in New York, NY
High Style Art Deco Revival make up mirror, table top, vanity mirror. This example features light up bulbs mounted on a canted lucite and chrome frame, which surround the rectangular mirror. Clean, original, and working condition, total glam style...
Chrome
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
Vintage Karl Springer Mid Century Modern Chrome & Brass Table Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Karl Springer Mid Century Modern Chrome & Brass Table Mirror.
Brass
Sold
H 19 in W 25.75 in D 6 in
Karl Springer Fine Large Vanity Mirror in Polished Brass and Chrome 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted extra large vanity/dressing table mirror in polished steel and brass with magnifier on one side and standard mirror on the other by Karl Springer, American 1980'...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Extra Large Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Extra Large Vanity mirror. Includes a standard, circular mirror and a convex, magnified mirror on the other side. Has a polished steel ...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Large Swivel Magnifying Round Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Largest size this mirror was executed by Karl Springer. One side is 1:1 and the other side is magnifying.
Brass, Nickel
Sold
H 19 in W 25.75 in D 6 in
Karl Springer Extra Large Vanity Mirror in Polished Steel and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted extra large 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 i...
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Fine Vanity Mirror in Polished Steel and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Meticulously crafted 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 be...
Brass, Steel
Chrome and Brass Vanity Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer mirror made in solid brass and chromed steel. Large scale tabletop or vanity mirror in original condition with natural aged patina to the brass. The revolving mirror ...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass and steel vanity mirror by Karl Springer. The mirror rotates and has a standard and a magnifying mirror.
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Brass and Chrome Table Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer table mirror, a bold statement in polished brass and chrome. A 17.5 inch diameter mirror sits on a very heavy and impressive stand. The mirror tilts to desired angle wi...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Table Top Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Karl Springer mirror, brass chromed steel, convex. tabletop or vanity mirror in original condition with natural aged patina to the brass. The revolving mirror is adjustable and flips...
Brass
Karl Springer Magnified Vanity Mirror with Light
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hello gorgeous! If you are a celebrity, rock star, or just think you are... this is the mirror for you! Your face will thank you! A rare Springer polished chrome table or vanity mir...
Chrome
Karl Springer Modern Vanity or Table Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Modern round vanity or table mirror designed by Karl Springer. The piece is made with a brass and heavy steel structure. Mirror revolves and can flip from the convex side to a flat r...
Brass, Steel
1980s Solid Brass Chrome-Plated Vanity Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid brass and chrome-plated mirror that rotates to feature a 13.5" diameter standard or convex magnifying mirror.
Brass, Chrome
Brass and Nickel Vanity Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular polish brass and polish nickel vanity mirror designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s. The mirror can be tilted. The back of ...
Brass, Nickel