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 Gunmetal and Brass Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer X Base Stool Executed in Gunmetal and Brass Upholstered in Lambs Wool An Elegant Example
Brass
Pair of “Onassis” Barstools in Dowelwood & Boucle by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of glamorous 1980’s “Onassis”Barstools by Karl Springer. Constructed of whitewashed dowelwood and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Italian natural sheep ...
Bronze
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
6 Karl Springer 1986 JMF Lizard Print Leather Dining Chairs Minimalis Modern MCM
By Karl Springer
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of six iconic J.M.F. Chairs signed by Karl Springer, circa 1986. Features a minimalist design with embossed lizard print frame. The chair features a curved back and contoured s...
Leather, Hardwood
Set of 6 Karl Springer Gold Onassis Chairs with Leather Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Karl Springer Onassis chairs with leather upholstery. The Iconic Onassis chair is one of Karl Springers most famous designs and the beautiful lines contour to the body perf...
Leather, Wood
Brown Ostrich Leather “Onassis” Chair by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1984 brown ostrich leather “Onassis” chair by Karl Springer. Original commission by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Constructed of carved wood covered with ostrich leather. In b...
Ostrich Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench. Item features a red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfall ...
Leather, Wood
Three Patinated Leather & Brass Barstools Signed Karl Springer, 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Three Patinated Leather & Brass Barstools Signed Karl Springer, 1990 Each work is is signed and dated.. Karl Springer, 1990 Designed by legendary designer Karl Springer in 1990, th...
Brass
Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd Dowelwood Sofa1980c.
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer for Karl Springer, Ltd. Dowelwood Sofa, 1980c Solid bleached oak frame with rattan panels and canvas webbing. Fully restored, with all rattan replaced and handwoven. Re...
Upholstery, Cane, Oak
Set of Three Lacquered and Emerald Green Mohair Barstools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three 1980’s off white lacquered ‘Onassis Barstools’ by Karl Springer for Steve Chase. Out of a Steve Chase Design Estate in Rancho Mirage CA. ...
Fabric, Wood
$16,900Sale Price / set|35% Off
Karl Springer Onassis Bar Stools, A Set of 4, Goatskin, Boucle & Bronze, C. 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
These bar stools are absolutely gorgeous! If you have an eye for opulence and a taste for the finer things in life we've got a treat for you. Dive headfirst into the lap of luxury with these iconic Karl Springer barstools...
Bronze
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Leather Bench, 1980’s. Newly upholstered in green leather. Measures 20” tall 48” long 20” deep
Stainless Steel
Set of Three Oak ‘Onassis’ Barstools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of three glamorous 1980's "Onassis" barstools by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid oak and aged bronze footrests, the seats were recovered at one point with this burnout orange...
Bronze
Karl Springer Goatskin Onassis Chairs With New Ultrasuede Upholstery Set Of 4
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Amazing set of 4 custom order Karl Springer goatskin Onassis armchairs, newly re-upholstered in ultra suede fabric, lightly restored with some wear and patina to the leather due to a...
Goatskin, Ultrasuede
$8,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Onasis Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Onassis chairs in Oak by Karl Springer. Updated upholstery in White Boucle. An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis Chairs, originally commission by Jacquelyn Kennedy O...
Bouclé, Oak
Karl Springer Python Skin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This can be used as either a bench or a table. A classic Michael Frank 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer, Label below
Leather
$11,500
Karl Springer Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Brass Bench Original upholstery A large example of this form
Brass
$7,500 / item
Karl Springer Leather Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer barstools. embossed Snakeskin leather and brass. Karl Springer Label below.
Leather
American Contemporary Karl Springer Style Goatskin Parchment and Armchair
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century style \"Onassis\" armchair with a curved back frame of lacquered goatskin with a brown shagreen seat cushion (Style of KARL SPRINGER)
Goatskin
Pair of Karl Springer Mahogany Club Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in orange velvet, signs of normal wear on the velvet. Mahogany has been recently polished and is in excellent condition.
Velvet, Mahogany
$4,665Sale Price|25% Off
Karl Springer Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair Lounge Chair, Signed, 1991, Gold, USA.
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Gilt Leather Tulip Armchair, Signed, 1991, USA. Gilt leather over wood tulip armchair. Signed with leather label, Karl Springer 1991.
Gold Leaf
Chrome and Lucite with Snakeskin Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980’s clear acrylic and polish chrome with Italian snakeskin embossed leather bench By renowned designer Karl Springer (1931 - 1991). Newly recovered. The bench has ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
Set of Four "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.
Leather
Set of Five (5) Karl Springer Grey Lacquered Goatskin Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Karl Springer set of five JMF grey goatskin lacquers clad bar stools, 1980s. In original preserved condition. Lacquered Goat Skin Clad over Wood. Not signed. Stored 20+ years in a...
Brass
Karl Springer, Chinese Curved Back Chair, USA, c. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This documented rare chair by Karl Springer, found in his catalogue of original creations, is made of chrome-plated steel, brass and lucite. The seat cushion is upholstered in a fine...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Pair of Karl Springer Ottoman with Grey Faux Shagreen Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of Karl Springer ottomans, embodying the designer's signature blend of luxury and playful sophistication. These ottomans feature ...
Brass
$12,700 / set
Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract patt...
Steel
$12,700 / set
Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Karl Springer Souffle Ottomans / Poufs. The bases of the ottomans are brushed steel and upholstered in satin with a hand-painted abstract pat...
Steel
Rare Karl Springer Leather and Metal Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Karl Springer leather and metal stool. Has a red leather seat and metal base.
Metal
Sleek Karl Springer Style Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Waterfall coffee table with a faux marble finish.
Marble
Vintage Karl Springer JMF Armchair (Gilt) by Enrique Garcel for Jimeco
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Vintage Karl Springer style Chair by Jimeco. Designed by Enrique Garcel. Loss and damage to the Applied Gold Leaf . Will require some restoration. As well as the creation/u...
Wood
Karl Springer Polished Steel and Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Original circa 1970s Karl Springer polished stainless steel X-frame bench, with brass details and new black kid glove leather upholstery.
Steel
Pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans/Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Souflee Ottomans Brass bases Re-upholstered in faux Shearling
Brass
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Lacquered Goatskin Wrapped "Onasis" Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of lacquered goatskin wrapped "Onasis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980"s. The chairs are in good vintage condition with original upholstery and measure 24"W x 22"D x 30"H wi...
Goatskin, Wood, Upholstery
Pair of Signed Karl Springer Goatskin JMF Chairs, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of signed and dated iconic Karl Springer JMF chairs featuring a dark, rich parchment leather goatskin finish. Each chair has a si...
Leather, Wood
1970s Enrique Garcel Armchair Tessellated Bone Inlay Colombia
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Enrique Garcel (in the style of Karl Springer + Maitland Smith) Armchair in tessellated bone Fabulous sculptural profile Original vintage preowned condition with new upholstery...
Bone, Fabric
Mohair and Walnut Stools by Karl Springer, C. 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional set of vintage 1980s stools by Karl Springer, fully restored by the team at Stamford Modern. Newly reupholstered in luxurious navy blue mohair, these sculptural stools...
Mohair, Walnut
Karl Springer Chic "Tulip Chair" with Unique Lacquer Finish 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and very chic “Tulip Chair” in hand-applied antiqued ivory bone lacquer with leather seat by Karl Springer, American 1980’s. This chair is a superb example of Springer’s fine c...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
$21,000 / set
Set of 6 Karl Springer JMF Chairs, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Raleigh, NC
Set of six Karl Springer JMF dining chairs, restored using antique Japanese washi paper from the early 1900s. The chair frames have been covered with pieces of vintage ledgers and m...
Hardwood, Paper
6 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six original Karl Springer Onassis Chairs upholstered in luxurious goatskin. These chairs come from a single-owner household and remain...
Goatskin
Karl Springer White Scored Leather Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer white leather bench Original surface Leather label.
Leather
Signed Karl Springer Lizard Leather JMF Chair, 1984
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish JMF Chair by Karl Springer featuring an amazing embossed lizard leather skin veneer. Signed and dated on bottom 1984 with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The leather has...
Leather, Wood
Pair, Karl Springer Lucite Swivel Function Bar Stools Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern frosted and clear Lucite Bar Stools made in America in the early 1980. They have a smooth swivel and tilt Function and come with the origina...
Lucite, Faux Leather
Pair of Poufs / Ottomans by Karl Springer, Original Tan / Taupe Fabric, Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Karl Springer Poufs / "Souffle Ottomans" / stools in the original silk fabric, solid seamlessly welded brass bases, and hidden casters. These work well in any environment inc...
Brass
$21,000 / set
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis Bar Stools
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 Karl Springer Onassis bar stools. The stools' frame is lacquered wood with fabric covered cushioned seats. The stools have a nice, lacquered...
Fabric, Wood
Karl Springer Tulip Armchair
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Tulip armchair. The chair is gilt leather over wood. Signed underneath.
Wood, Leather
Karl Springer Mid-Century Blue Velvet Souffle Ottoman, Gilt Steel Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century 'Souffle' ottoman with blue velvet upholstery with a square gilt steel base. (Karl Springer)
Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" in Blue Velvet
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Original pair of Karl Springer Souffle ottomans/poufs on casters for easy moving. Polished steel base and blue velvet upholstery.
Steel
Dark Brown Scored Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970s H dark brown scored leather bench by renowned designer Karl Springer. The bench is constructed of wood covered in dark brown scored leather. Newly restored. Shows minor wear consistent with age. Sheep rug...
Leather
Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf Double Size
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Custom created for a home filled with Karl Springer is this rare double length "souffle" ottoman pouf. A unique piece for it's size. Original fabric is in great condition but would a...
Brass
$16,000 / set
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful set of eight "Regency" armchairs designed by Karl Springer in original lacquered lacewood.
Lacquer
Pair of "Gun Metal" and Polished of Steel Ottomans by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of gun metal and polished of steel ottomans by Karl Springer Literature: Red Binder Product Catalogue, Karl Springer LTD, New York, 1983, Seating Section, p. 14 (model illustrated)
Steel
Karl Springer Pair of Souffle Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer pair of soufflé ottomans with thick rounded ivory bouclé cushions on rounded square lacquered brass bases with caster wheels. The brass bases are in very good original ...
Brass
Pair Of Signed Karl Springer 1987 JMF Lizard Print Leather Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Pair of JMF Chairs Signed 1987 Pair of Lizard Print Leather Arm Chairs Brown Tones with Abstract Patchwork Accents In overall Very Good Condition with some visibl...
Leather, Wood