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.
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
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
Mid-Century American Armchair by Karl Springer, Goatskin & Shagreen
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
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 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
$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
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 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
$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
$4,500 / set
H 20.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Pair of Enrique Garcel Bone-Clad Stools or Benches, Karl Springer Style, 1980s
By Enrique Garcel, Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylish pair of Enrique Garcel tessellated bone benches. Use them in the living room, or a bedroom. Separate them and use one in a foyer and another in the ...
Bone, Fabric, Resin
Pair of Vintage Sculpted Oak Armchairs by Madison Furniture
By Madison Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern arm chairs feature unique "box" style sides. The beautiful wood grain and floating angled backrest add to the allure. Smooth edges and plush blue upholstery ensure comfort in any modern interior. Made by Madison Furniture Industries...
Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Oak
4 Karl Springer Onassis Chairs in Goatskin with Leather Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here's a polished version suitable for a high-end listing such as 1stDibs: A rare set of four original Karl Springer **Onassis** chairs, upholstered in luxurious goatskin and sourc...
Goatskin
$1,294 / set
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Vintage Danish Carver Chairs by Arne Vodder for Sibast
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely well made pair of vintage Danish carver armchairs. They were designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast, and they date from the 1960’s. This model is very rare, es...
Faux Leather, Cherry
$12,900 / set
H 45 in W 18 in D 15 in
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
Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Elegant yet simple, the chairs are crafted with solid mahogany framing f...
Mahogany
Mario Bellini Tan Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
$2,600
H 36.75 in W 22 in D 20.5 in
Sculptural Goatskin Armchair Rhubarb Chair by Enrique Garcel, Mid-Century Modern
By Bartolozzi & Maioli, Enrique Garcel
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A Masterpiece of 1970s Organic Modernism: This sculptural goatskin wrapped rhubarb leaf form armchair by Enrique Garcel evokes the theatrical glamour of the Hollywood Regency era mix...
Goatskin, Lacquer
$3,800 / set
H 35 in W 22 in D 23 in
Gorgeous Karl Springer Style Regency Armchairs in Cream Lacquer - 4 Available
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning, modern Regency armchairs in the style of Karl Springer. Restored in cream lacquer, cork fabric with distressed nail head detail. Total of four (4) are available. The price noted is for a pair.TOM ROBINSON MODERN...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs, USA, 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your living space with this exquisite pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs, handcrafted in the USA. Built upon sturdy oak frames with a refined walnut stain, these chairs...
Fabric, Walnut
1970s Burnt Bamboo Tessellated Chinese Chippendale Armchair
By Harrison Van Horn
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s burnt bamboo Chinese chippendale style armchair attributed to Harrison Van Horn. Chinese Chippendale wood chair with applied Burt bamboo ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
Mario Bellini Cab Armchair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The iconic armchair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy, feature the original camel saddle leather which is wrapped atop the steel frames. The back legs feature a black zipp...
Steel
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
$2,125
H 28 in W 23.5 in D 21 in
Set of Four Springer Onassis Style Dining Chairs in Lacquered Goatskin by Garcel
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel, Jimeco ltda
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Four Springer Onassis Style Dining Chairs in Lacquered Goatskin by Garcel PRICE IS FOR THE SET OF FOUR CHAIRS (Pictured with a Karl Springer Wagon Wheel dining table availa...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$6,500 / set
H 42 in W 24 in D 21 in
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 dowelwood with an amber packer finish and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Itali...
Bronze
Sold
H 32 in W 22.5 in D 21 in
Karl Springer chairs.. 2 regency armchairs stainless steel and brass.. 4800 each
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Regency armchair in polished stainless steel with brass backrest … Beautiful detail, exceptional finish on stainless steel and brass… no scratches no dents , almost perfect ..Ready to place .the seat cushion is a soft, black leather with some very small imperfections . .see pictures ..very usable… Very difficult to engineer design and create…H 32” W 22.5”D 21” Seat height...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Pair of "Onassis Chairs" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of beautifully crafted and iconic “Onassis Chairs” in lacquered goatskin with upholstered seats by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Seats newly upholstered by Lobel Modern. Cha...
Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer JMF Arm Chair in Lacquered Goat Skin
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Karl Springer's lacquered goat skin pieces are amongst his most impressive. Springer, well known for outstanding quality and attention detail, produced the JMF chairs starting in 198...
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer Pair of Exceptional "Regency Arm Chairs" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Regency Arm Chairs" in polished stainless steel with brass back detail and black pony skin seats by Karl Springer, American 1980’s. The craftsmanship of this pair of Regency...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Set of 6 Onassis Chairs in Lacquered Goatskin 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 "Onassis Dining Chairs" in lacquered goatskin with brown and red highlights by Karl Springer, American, 1980's.The Onassis Chair is an i...
Goatskin, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Leather Clad Armchairs Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Armchairs fully clad in leather by Karl Springer, signed 1982.
Leather
Karl Springer Set of 4 "Onassis Chairs" in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 4 "Onassis Chairs" covered in highly lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The seats have been reupholstered in tobacco ultra suede. The Onassis Chair is one o...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 34 in W 35 in L 34 in
Karl Springer, Rare "Dowelwood" Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, circa 1975, America
By Karl Springer
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rare "Dowelwood" lounge chairs. White-cerused oak. Designed by Karl Springer (1931-1991). Produced by Karl Springer Ltd., circa 1975. Reupholstered in brand new high-end bo...
Bouclé, Oak
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Armchair in Shearling
By Karl Springer
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Karl Springer's furniture wrapped in lacquered skins—goat, lizard, alligator, shagreen, python, and even frog—were his most distinct pieces. This beautiful Springer armchair is made ...
Goatskin, Sheepskin, Lacquer
Sold
H 32 in W 21 in D 25 in
Rare Karl Springer "Regency" Armchair Polished Chrome Brass and Tiger Cow Hide
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
"Regency" armchair designed by Karl Springer rendered in polished chrome-plated steel and brass with tiger cowhide.
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Karl Springer Pair of "Upholstered Chairs", 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of exceptionally crafted "Upholstered Chairs" by Karl Springer, American 1980s. The original fabric on these lounge chairs is superb and is in like-new condition. Reference: Re...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Karl Springer Pair of Onassis Chairs in Embossed Lizard 1994 ‘Signed’
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptional pair of “Onassis Chairs” with upholstered seats by Karl Springer, American 1994 (signed and dated on both chairs and table “Karl Springer 1994”). There is a matching Karl...
Leather, Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Karl Springer Leather Clad Armchairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Armchairs fully clad in leather by Karl Springer, signed 1982.
Leather
Sold
H 30 in W 24 in D 22 in
Karl Springer Pair of "Onassis Chairs" in Embossed Reptile Leather, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of "Onassis Chairs" in lacquered embossed reptile leather with leather hand stitched seats by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Newly upholstered seats in grey velvet by Lobel Modern. These are iconic Karl Springer chairs...
Leather, Velvet, Foam, Wood
Karl Springer "Onassis Chair" in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Onassis Chair” in lacquered goatskin with hand-stitched seat by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. This is a beautiful example of Karl Springers meticulous craftsmanship.
Goatskin, Suede, Wood, Lacquer