Karl Springer Seating
American, German, 1931-1991
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.
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Creator: Karl Springer
Recognized Seller Listings
Karl Springer Stunning "Round Leg Lucite Bench" 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made “Round Leg Lucite Bench” with polished brass stretchers and upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer” on front of stretcher). Brass...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare "Cobra Stool" in Wrought Iron and Bronze, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Cobra Stool" in hand forged wrought iron and bronze with handstitched leather seat by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. Very few of these were made. The craftsmanship of this pie...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Brass Base and Silk Upholstery 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman", base in solid seamlessly welded brass with hidden castors and silk upholstery, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This ottoman is not only chic, it is comfortable...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass, 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
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Pair of Rare JMF Benches in Ox Blood Goatskin with Cushions 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare sculptural “J.M.F. Benches” in oxblood lacquered goatskin with seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These exquisite benches are stunning in every way. Newl...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Goatskin
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
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Pair of Black Leather Arm Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer designed, Pair of black "Bentwood" arm chairs Authentic and documented. Lacquered wood with leather upholstery. Ready for use. The color is black. Good example of this...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather
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 ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Set of 4 "J.M.F. Barstools" in Brown Leather 1986 'Signed & Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 exceptional “J.M.F. Barstools” in brown leather with brushed brass foot rests by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The craftsma...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Beige Parchment Side / Dining Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
SET of 8 American Mid-Century Modern dining / side chairs with lacquered beige parchment veneers. (KARL SPRINGER)(PRICED AS SET)
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Rare Set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" in Antique Silver Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 14 "Regina Dining Chairs" with elegant curving frames in lacquered antique silver leaf with blue velvet upholstery by Karl Springer, American 1980s. It is very hard to fi...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Karl Springer X Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer X Form Bench
Original Fur seat.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in Lacquered Mahogany, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Onassis Bar Stools" in mirror lacquered mahogany with upholstered seats and oxidized bronze footrests by Karl Springer, American 1970s. The beautiful wood and meticulous fin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Barstools" in Black Lizard Leather 1986 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of “JMF Barstools” in black embossed lizard leather with brass footrests by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The embossed leather is very luxurious and these are fine examples of Springer’s superb craftsmanship.
Reference:
Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 21...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare "Regency Armchair" Desk Chair 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and beautifully made "Regency Armchair" desk chair in polished stainless steel and brass with upholstered seat by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality and materials used ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Blue Velvet and Steel Souffle Ottoman
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century 'Souffle' ottoman with blue velvet upholstery with a square gilt steel base. (Karl Springer)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Velvet, Upholstery
Karl Springer Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with Polished Gunmetal Bases, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Souffle Ottomans" with custom graphic fabric and bases in seamlessly welded solid polished gunmetal with recessed castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans are classic Karl Springer. The recessed castors make them very easy to move around. They are beautiful accents for any room.
Reference:
Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 14...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Karl Springer "Dowelwood Ottomans", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of “Dowelwood Ottomans” with cushions upholstered in brown zebra printed pony skin by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These ottomans, like all of Springer’s pieces, are beautifully crafted.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Karl Springer Set of 4 Swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" in Suede 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 4 swiveling "Onassis Bar Stools" covered in calf skin suede with brass footrail by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The Onassis Barstool was...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Pair of "JMF Chairs" in Lacquered Raffia 1993 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in lacquered raffia by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signature on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). These are very elegant and the raffia is quite beautiful.
...
Category
1990s American Modern Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Raffia, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Pair of Jmf Chairs in Ostrich Skin, 1982, 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of JMF chairs in ostrich skin by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label beneath seat). These chairs are exquisitely crafted.
Reference: Ka...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin
Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dowelwood arm chair", a lounge chair in solid oak with seat and back cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is impressive and beautifully crafted.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “seating” on page 17...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Oak
Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Polished Steel Base, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman" with artisan decorated fabric and base in polished stainless steel with hidden castors, by Karl Springer, American 1980s. As with all of Karl Springer’s designs, th...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Cognac Leather and Brass Club Chairs, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer documented rare pair of club chairs in cognac or saddle leather with brass bases, USA, 1980s. This incredibly chic pair of club chairs is more common in the swivel vers...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "J.M.F. Chair" in Embossed Lizard Leather 1982 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Elegant "JMF Chair" covered in pale celadon embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1982 (signed, “Karl Springer 1982” on leather label on bottom).
Reference: Karl Spri...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.
Category
1970s Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Leather
Pair of Karl Springer Goatskin Onassis Bar Stools, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Onassis bar stools in lacquered goatskin with hand-stitched black leather seats and brass foot rails by Karl Springer, American, 1980s.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Leather
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.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
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.
Category
1980s Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Franc 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer,
Label below
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Seating
Set of 6 American Post-War Geometric Side Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 American Post-War Design (1980s) all parchment veneer side chairs with a simple geometric form (att: KARL SPRINGER)
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Parchment Paper, Wood
Karl Springer Pair of Sumptuous Leather Swivel Chairs 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted swivel chairs with channeled solid mahogany bases by Karl Springer, American late-1980s. These chairs were recently reupholstered in taupe lambskin. They...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Lambskin, Mahogany
Karl Springer Chair in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Chair, beautifully crafted in polished brass and chrome with upholstered seat and back, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Metal has been professionally polished and lacquered and c...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Bronze Base 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman" newly reupholstered with bronze base and hidden castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Newly upholstered by Lobel Modern. Bronze has...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Elegant Polaris Desk Chair, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Polaris Desk Chair" in celadon, gold and red fabric with floral motif and mahogany legs by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is very elegant and extremely comfortable.
Reference:
Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 20 is a photo of this model titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD POLARIS…CHAIR...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Karl Springer LTD, Onassis Chair, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis chairs, originally commission by Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis, feature a barrel back and semi–circular arm res...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Maple, Goatskin
Karl Springer LTD, Onassis Barstools, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis barstools are now available through Karl Springer LTD exclusively at Todd Merrill Studio. The stools f...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Maple, Goatskin
Karl Springer, JMF “C” Benches
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Jean-Michel Frank inspired “C” benches designed and made by Karl Springer feature elegant curved polished stainless steel legs and newly...
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Seating
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Karl Springer seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 101 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Karl Springer were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Charles Hollis Jones, Ward Bennett, and Warren Platner. Prices for Karl Springer seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,000.
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