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.
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
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 Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...
Leather, Wood
$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
$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
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
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
$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
$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 whitewashed dowelwood and aged bronze footrests, the seats are newly recovered in Italian natural sheep ...
Bronze
Karl Springer Folding Chairs
By Maison Jansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
set of 6 Folding Chairs Steel ,Brass and Naugahyde
Chrome
$3,600
H 31.89 in W 16.15 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Göran Malmvall "501" Dining Chairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, 1950s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Svensk Fur” furniture line produced by Göran Malmvall and manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design of these chairs relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork. Göran Malmvall’s Swedish pine designs often get compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though its pieces are exceptional designs on their own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. This set of dining chairs holds a strong expression with its sturdy shaped, organic design, which is dominated by the natural beauty of the material. The backrests are formed by straight lines that slightly curve near the edges. This curvature is followed by the seats that are carved ergonomically, creating visual interest. The joinery is visible throughout the chairs, and features both bolts and seamless wooden joinery which is always a sign of quality craftsmanship. The wide backrests showcase the solid pinewood’s beautiful pattern, reinforcing the rustic feel of the design along with the conical legs that are gently tapered and tilted to support stability. The simple design of these chairs is in line with the Swedish ideals of functional furniture. However, it also portrays a sense of tranquillity that is unique to Scandinavia. This set is sure to bring this sense to any space while providing stability, sitting comfort, and natural beauty via the Swedish pine. Condition: In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Items have scratches and marks on the wood. Dimensions: 16.14 in W x 17.32 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 17.71 in 41 cm W x 44 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 45 cm About the Designer: Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer. Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet...
Pine
Set of Four English Birch Tavern Chairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Set of four English birch tavern chairs. Lovely worn rounded seat back chairs with beautifully turned spindles and legs, and a fantastic patina only time...
Birch
Set of Four "California" Armchairs by Antonio Sibau
By A. Sibau, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Hanover, MA
Set of four dining armchairs in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright by A. Sibau produced in Manzano, Italy Made of beechwood with cherry fini...
Beech, Cherry
$5,850 / set
H 27.56 in W 20.08 in D 21.26 in
Italian Set of Six Dining Chairs in Red Velvet and White Lacquered Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, velvet, lacquered wood, Italy, 1970s These armchairs embrace the aesthetic sense of the 'Pamplona' chairs designed by Augusto Savini for Pozzi. This design...
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
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
$8,500
H 44.49 in W 25.2 in D 19.69 in
Set of Four Bamboo Dining Chairs by Axel Einthoven for Rohe Noorwolde
By Rohe Noordwolde, Axel Enthoven
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique set off four sculptural and confortable black lacquered Bamboo dining chairs, seats reupholstered with sheep skin.
Sheepskin, Bamboo
$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
$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 Enrique Garcel, Jimeco ltda, Karl Springer
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 39.5 in W 20 in D 22 in
Set of Ten French Carved Wood Dining Chairs with Leather Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant set of ten dining chairs is crafted in carved wood with classic French-inspired lines and richly patinated leather upholstery. The chairs feature shaped backs with softl...
Leather, Walnut
Rainer Daumiller Set of Four Armchairs in Darkened Pine
By Rainer Daumiller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals Sawmill, set of four dining chairs, black lacquered pine, Denmark, 1970s Beautiful, organic and natural dining chairs in solid pine designed by Rainer...
Pine
Karl Springer Set of 8 Goatskin JMF Dining Chairs, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer set of 8 goatskin dining chairs, "JMF", 1980. Chairs are Jean Michel Frank Model. Matching dining table in separate listing.
Goatskin, Lacquer
Sold
H 35 in W 18 in D 19 in
Karl Springer Pair of J.M.F. Chairs in Ivory Embossed Lizard with Cushions 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of “J.M.F. chairs” in two tone ivory lacquered embossed lizard leather with custom leather seat cushions by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The craftsmanship of these chairs is ...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 19 in
Karl Springer Pair of "J.M.F. Chairs" in Embossed Lizard 1983 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of beautifully crafted “J.M.F. Chairs” in deep two tone chocolate embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1983 (signed with label on bottom "Karl Springer 1983"). Ev...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 35 in W 18 in D 21 in
Karl Springer Set of 10 Stunning "J.M.F. Chairs" In Lacquered Goatskin 1981
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exceptional set of 10 “J.M.F.” dining chairs in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1981 (dated “6.5.81” on underside of each chair). The subtle variations in the goatskin ...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Jmf Chairs Set of 4 in White Lacquer, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of four JMF dining chairs by Karl Springer. Professionally relacquered in an off white color with a soft satin finish. From the 1980s. In excellent restored condition.
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 35 in W 18 in D 20 in
Karl Springer Set of 4 Exceptional "J.M.F. Chairs" in Lacquered Goatskin 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 4 “J.M.F.” game/dining chairs in custom color lacquered goatskin, gray with green highlights, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The subtle green tone of the goatskin is stunn...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 35.5 in W 17 in D 20 in
Karl Springer Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 6 masterfully crafted J.M.F. Dining Chairs in tessellated fossilized coral with bronze sabots by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair was designed with a curved seat whi...
Coral, Bronze
Set of 4 Karl Springer Goatskin Jmf Chairs W Cheetah Seats
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 4 Karl Springer Goatskin Jmf Chairs W Cheetah Seats
Goatskin, Velvet, Wood
Karl Springer Set Of 4 Exceptional "Regency Arm Chairs" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 4 "Regency Armchairs" in polished stainless steel with gold tinted brass back elements and black leather seats by Karl Springer, American 1980’s. The craftsmanship of this set...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Rare Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Macassar Ebony 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare set of 6 "Regency Arm Dining Chairs" in Macassar ebony with upholstered seats and backs by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Elegant lin...
Velvet, Ebony
Karl Springer Pair of Onassis Goatskin and Black Leather Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Mexico City, MX
A beautiful pair of 1970s "Onassis" wood, goatskin and black leather chair by Karl Springer. Manufactured in Mexico during the 1970s. The curved back stands over the black leather se...
Goatskin, Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Onassis Goatskin and Black Leather Chair
By Karl Springer
Located in Mexico City, MX
A beautiful 1970s "Onassis" wood, goatskin and black leather chair by Karl Springer. Manufactured in Mexico during the 1970s. The curved back stands over the black leather seat with ...
Goatskin, Leather, Wood