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.
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 Upholstered Bench in Lucite & Brass, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Karl Springer lucite and brass upholstered bench, stool, circa 1980. Featuring a rectangular form braced with polished brass cross bar frame, a top four solid and sturdy cylindrical lucite legs with tufted, with new luxe woven Blue upholstery...
Brass
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
Barstools in Chrome and Goatskin, Set of Three
Located in London, GB
Set of three swivel bar stools with back rest in chrome, new upholstery in goatskin by Tambourin. The way they are upholstered they show the ch...
Chrome
$637Sale Price|46% Off
H 18 in W 21 in D 17 in
Hollywood Regency Upholstered Lucite Bench in the Karl Springer Style. C 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Hollywood Regency Upholstered Lucite Bench in the Karl Springer Style. Circa 1980s Features angle-shaped lucite legs and a newly reupholstered cushion in gray velvety-like up...
Upholstery, Velvet, Lucite
$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 Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
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 Custom 'Tree Trunk' Barstools by Michael Taylor
By Michael Taylor
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of custom carved and bleached pine 'Tree Trunk' counter stools with rush seats designed by Michael Taylor for Vern and Gloria Jones...
Pine
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
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 in goatskin. The six chairs have been in a one user household and are in great vintage conditi...
Goatskin
Set of 3 Postmodern 1980s Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These sturdy stools feature powder-coated steel frames for durability and composite wood seats for comfort. Their cool minimalist design makes these stools a stylish choice for any m...
Metal
$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
$1,300Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 40.25 in W 22 in D 19.75 in
Pair of Lucite and Chrome Barstools by Luigi Bardini for Miniforms Italy, 1970s
By Miniforms, Luigi Bardini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Playful, sculptural, and unmistakably bold, this pair of Italian cantilever barstools by Luigi Bardini, designed in the 1970s for Miniforms Design. Each stool features a gracefully c...
Steel
Set of Three Industrial Style Chain Link Swivel Barstools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic set of three swivel barstools featuring an industrial style sculptural iron chain link base. Each stool is hand-crafted from thick, chunky welded chains...
Steel
$24,832Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30.71 in W 14.18 in D 15.75 in
Set of six french wrought iron polished steel bouclé bar stools 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
Simple lines point to these beautiful bar stools french mid-century roots. Designed by an anonymous designer in the seventies, they feature a strong bent wrought iron base in one pie...
Iron
Rosewood and Leather Upholstered Bench
By KAUNUS
Located in CASTELLÓN DE LA PLANA, VC
Mitsuko bench is the ideal piece to accompany your piano and also to use in any interior design. Design your own Stool by choosing between leather or e...
Leather, Rosewood
RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Stool
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful shades of brown, this a design piece truly worth coveting. The stool is in solid, ...
Goatskin, Lacquer
Vintage Karl Springer Pouf in Schumacher Vandebuilt Velvet
By Karl Springer
Located in Norwalk, CT
Instantly iconic, the Karl Springer "Souffle" ottoman makes an elegant statement. Featuring a comfortable upholstered seat with a polished steel base and hidden rubber ball castors f...
Chrome
Sold
H 40.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
Karl Springer Set of 4 "J.M.F. Barstools" in Brown Leather 1986 'Signed & Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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...
Brass
Karl Springer X Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer X Form Bench Original Fur seat.
Metal
Mid-Century Set of 4 Onassis Bar Stools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 "Onassis Bar Stools" in a goat skin frame and saddle brown calf skin cushions with a brass foot rail. Designed by Karl Springer. Made in Ame...
Brass
Karl Springer Rare Set of 4 "Mushroom Bar Stools" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare set of 4 swiveling cantilevered "Mushroom Bar Stools" in polished chrome with footrests and newly upholstered leather seats by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The artisanship of...
Chrome
Karl Springer Set of 4 "Onassis Bar Stools" in Dark Oak 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of 4 ‘Onassis Bar Stools” in dark oak with upholstered seats and brass foot rests by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Seats are upholstered in leather. The beautiful craftsmanship...
Brass
RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Stool
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful rusty orange color, this a design piece truly worth coveting. The stool is in in...
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer Pair of "Mushroom Bar Stools" in Embossed Ostrich Leather 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of swiveling "Mushroom Bar Stools" in gunmetal with embossed ostrich leather seats by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These come with anchors that bolt into the floor and the b...
Metal
Karl Springer Cantilevered "Mushroom Bench" 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Mushroom Bench", cantilevered in polished stainless steel with original leather seat, by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed with Karl Springer meta...
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Lucite Brass and Green Leather Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Lucite and brass X bench, designed by Karl Springer, American, circa 1980s.
Brass
Pair of 'Cobra' Stools by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 'Cobra' stools by Karl Springer, A rare form, each one upholstered in calfskin black leather, handmade of wrought iron and bronze. Provenance: Acquired directly from Karl...
Bronze, Wrought Iron