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 Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Stainless Steel Server Buffet or Credenza with Drawers, USA, 1980s Heavy, polished stainless steel over wood server, buffet, cred...
Stainless Steel
Monumental Karl Springer Goatskin Credenza / Buffet, 1980's With COA
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
This is the kind of piece that makes designers whisper and collectors lean in: a monumental Karl Springer credenza, completely clad in creamy, glossy goatskin from head to toe. (Even...
Goatskin
$5,775
H 35.04 in W 53.15 in D 12.8 in
20th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Three Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing three drawers over three doors, the doors paneled with solid wal...
Iron
$2,975
H 33.08 in W 39.97 in D 10.83 in
20th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Two Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing two drawers over two doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut,...
Iron
$3,775
H 32.49 in W 66.93 in D 14.45 in
19th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Three Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing two drawers over two doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut,...
Iron
1960s Teak Falster Style 2-Piece Buffet Hutch Credenza
By Falster Møbelfabrik, Bernhard Pedersen & Son, Dyrlund
Located in Bensalem, PA
Please look at pictures for overall details feel free to email with any questions
Glass, Teak
1980s Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Dry Bar Cabinet
By Karl Springer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1980s Vintage Karl Springer Ltd Modern Dry Bar Service Cabinet Lacquered Leather Goatskin Creamy Parchment Wood and Brass 36 h x 53 w...
Leather, Wood, Parchment Paper, Goatskin
$5,775
H 30.71 in W 59.06 in D 14.18 in
19th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Three Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing two drawers over two doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut,...
Iron
$19,850Sale Price|60% Off
H 102.5 in W 70.25 in D 24.5 in
Italian Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Credenza Buffet, Vittorio Valabrega
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and large Italian 19th-20th century Art Nouveau carved walnut credenza buffet server by Vittorio Valabrega (1861-1952). The tall finely carved walnut body with twin center doo...
Marble, Silver Plate
Monumental Karl Springer Goatskin Lacquer Credenza / Sideboard
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Monumental Karl Springer Goatskin Lacquer Credenza/Sideboard America, circa 1970s–1980s This exceptional monumental credenza is a powerful example of Karl Springer’s mastery of luxu...
Metal, Brass
$10,990
H 76.77 in W 37.4 in D 22.83 in
Art Nouveau Oak Cabinet/ Buffet/ Credenza With Copper Elements, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, one of a kind Art Nouveau oakwood buffet or cabinet out of Austria from the early 20th century around 1910. The lower part provides two wide opening doors with a large storage compartment divided by a shelf and also one lockable drawer. The outstanding designed upper part floats on four beautiful carved wooden columns all additionally adorned by lamazing looking copper sleeves. The small vitrine cabinet...
Copper
$4,320
H 30.71 in W 51.19 in D 14.57 in
19th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Two Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing two drawers over two doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut,...
Iron
$4,775
H 32.49 in W 66.93 in D 14.45 in
19th Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Three Drawers Credenza or Buffet
Located in Miami, FL
From Northern Spain, constructed of solid walnut, the rectangular top with molded edge atop a conforming case housing two drawers over two doors, the doors paneled with solid walnut,...
Iron
$3,100
H 31.25 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Floating Karl Springer Style Lacquered Goatskin Credenza
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern sideboard with a grasscloth base holding a lacquered goatskin credenza. A unique and efficient design in the style of Karl Springer. The unusual design offers an additional lower shelf for storage. Four cabinet doors hide large storage compartments and drawers. A lovely midcentury case piece...
Grasscloth, Lacquer
Monumental Sized Karl Springer Goatskin Credenza with COA
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
This piece is absolutely stunning!! A monumentally large Karl Springer custom angular credenza in a creamy, ultra luxurious goatskin. The goat skin hides on the front have a wonderfully matched curvy seem that is just stunning. This dreamy credenza would be an impressive addition to any dining room, living-room console or entry piece and would effortlessly flex into even a more business or industrial environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a set of Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofas with a Paul Evans coffee table and a Gabriella Crespi console...
Goatskin