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 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
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
Art Deco-Style "Dome Top" Wall Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large wall mirror with illuminated arched crest, glass keystone cartouche, and paneled border. Designed and manufactured by Karl Springer Ltd. Single socket uplighter integrated into...
Glass
"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
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
$4,500
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
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
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Modern Snakeskin Mirrors, Karl Springer
Glass
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, 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 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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
$850
H 41.34 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in
Italian Florentine Mirror by Chelini Painted Fruit Carving Decoration, 1980s
By Chelini Firenze
Located in Milano, MI
Italian mirror by Florentine manufacture Chelini with a Della Robbia style fruit carving decoration with polychrome soft color painting. Italian manufacture dating back to, circa 19...
Wood
1980's Op Art Square Brass Framed Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Op art square mirror framed mirror with lacquered brass frame, circa 1980s.
Mirror
Bernhardt Octagonal Beveled Mirror in Green Lacquer, Karl Springer
By Karl Springer, Bernhardt
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful octagonal mirror by Bernhardt. Finished in a rich green lacquer. Nicely beveled mirror set in beveled lacquer frame with beaded trim. Capstone reminiscent of Karl Springer ...
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Style Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Karl Springer style white oak bull nose wood mirror with brass detailing.
Brass
$3,300
H 40 in W 40 in D 6 in
1970's Post-Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror in the Style of Designer Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Wichita, KS
1970's Post-Modern octagonal wall mirror in the style of designer Karl Springer. it is attributed to Campbell Stoll in Brooklyn, although this mirror is missing its sticker on the ba...
Mirror, Wood
Monumental Karl Springer Inspired Goatskin Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental midcentury Karl Springer style goatskin smoked glass round mirror with two keystones. Can be hung either direction.
Mirror, Goatskin
Italian Wall Mirror, Large
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and relatively large Italian wall mirror, circa mid-20th century, 1940s - 1950s, Italy. This rectangular mirror has chrome corner detail and etched design on its mirrored...
Chrome
Wall Mirror Karl Springer Style, Octagonal, 1970s Disco Era New York
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This is an incredible vintage '70s Modern or Post-Modern [Postmodern] period octagonal wall mirror in the style of designer Karl Springer. A very beautiful and large mirror; a specia...
Mirror, Glass
Bone Lacquered Round Beveled Mirror in the Style of Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Bone lacquered round beveled mirror in the manner of Karl Springer. This came out of a Steve Chase estate, were he used several Karl Springer items. Measurements: 41.5” diame...
Wood
$8,400Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 13 in W 60 in D 20 in
Karl Springer Style Goatskin Wall Mount Console and Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a stunning console and mirror in the style of Karl Springer. In goatskin with browns, blacks, beige coloration. Console is 6 stacked layers of various sizes with softly round...
Goatskin, Wood
Goatskin and Brass Wall Mirror in the Manner of Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980s goatskin and brass wall mirror in the manner of Karl Springer. The frame is constructed of wood covered with goatskin and then clear lacquered the keystone is solid...
Brass
Extra Large Goatskin Beveled Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular extra large half round molding beveled mirror with step down detail. The mirror was designed by Karl Springer LTD in the 1980s. The mirror is covered with goatskin and ...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Shagreen Wall Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Shagreen Wall Mirror Shagreen Panels separated by faux Ivory Dividers A classic Design of the highest Quality
Shagreen Stingray
Mid-Century Modernist Documented "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist "Saturn" mirror, designed by the iconic Karl Springer in America circa 1980, is a striking exemplar of the bold and innovative design approach characterist...
Mirror
Mid-Century Modernist "Molding" Mirror in White Python by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of luxurious elegance to your décor with this Mid-Century Modernist Karl Springer "Molding" Mirror in White Python, originating from the United States, Circa 1970. This s...
Mirror, Python
Mid-Century Modernist Documented "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist "Saturn" mirror, designed by the iconic Karl Springer in America circa 1980, is a striking exemplar of the bold and innovative design approach characterist...
Mirror
Sold
H 52.5 in W 30 in D 2 in
Karl Springer Unique Pair of Large Mirrors in Polished Chrome and Gunmetal 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of unique large wall-hanging “Half Round Metal Molding Mirrors” in polished chrome with gunmetal corners and beveled mirrors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These mirrors wer...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 48 in W 48 in D 1.5 in
Octagonal Shagreen Lacquer and Chrome Mirror by Karl Springer for Suzanne Sumers
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Hexagonal shape artisan shagreen lacquer with chrome details designed by Karl Springer. Out of the estate of Suzanne Sumer. It retains a label on the back (see detail photos). In ...
Chrome
Karl Springer Rare and Exceptional Coromandel Mirror 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare "Coromandel Mirror" hand carved and hand decorated in black lacquer with channels painted in red lacquer and antiqued silver and gold leaf by Ka...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Karl Springer Gold FInish Octagonal Mirror, USA c 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
This large scale octagonal mirror by designer Karl Springer features a dramatic custom distressed gold leaf finish over wood, detailed with silver gilt dividers. Crafted with Springe...
Gold Leaf
Karl Springer Rare and Impressive Pair of "Classic Mirrors" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of rare and stunning "Classic Mirrors" in double beveled and reverse etched glass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These mirrors are considered one of Springer’s best designs...
Mirror, Wood
Karl Springer Mid-Century Elongated 8-Sided Black Lacquer & Chrome Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous and important Mid-Century Modern black lacquered mirror was realized by Karl Springer- one of the most esteemed designers of the 20th century. Springer was known for re...
Chrome
Karl Springer Magnifying Vanity or Shaving Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Chrome and Brass Magnifying Mirror, designed by Karl Springer, American, circa 1980s. Rare, hard to find Springer design. The only other two examples online are priced at $85...
Brass, Chrome, Metal