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 Mid - Century 1980's Lucite and Brass Smoked Glass Coffee Table.
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
1980's Large rectangle Lucite and smoked glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Four Lucite columns support the 3/4" thick piece of smoked glass which is held in position by polished b...
Brass
Pair of Karl Springer Crocodile Leather Clad Parsons End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of Parsons end tables, each clad in emerald-green, crocodile-embossed, leather. Please contact us for alternative shipping options. Sto...
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Burlwood and Chrome Backgammon Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Burlwood and Chrome Backgammon Table, 1980’s. Measures 48” long 30” deep 29” tall
Chrome
Karl Springer Batik Waterfall Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer Batik Covered Waterfall Console Table Original Surface in Great condition African bark cloth influenced design A rare example Authenticated by Tom Langevin
Fabric
Stunning Signed Karl Springer Ivory Goatskin Knife Edge Dining Table or Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning Signed Karl Springer Ivory Goatskin Knife Edge Dining Table or Desk A rare and iconic Karl Springer oval dining table or executive desk, executed in his signature ivory lacquered goatskin/parchment-style finish. This table exemplifies Springer’s mastery of luxurious materials and sculptural form, showcasing the refined glamour that made him one of the most sought-after designers of the late 20th century. The oval top is meticulously veneered in hand-laid panels, treated and lacquered to emulate the subtle textures and patterning of natural parchment. Multiple coats of high-gloss lacquer create a luminous ivory surface with soft organic variations, enhanced by Springer’s celebrated knife-edge profile that lends the design its strikingly light appearance. The sculptural twin pedestal bases mirror the top’s curvature, grounding the composition with geometric balance and architectural clarity. Signed with its original Karl Springer label (“To E. Singer 2057, Oval Table Shiny Ivory”), this work speaks to Springer’s bespoke, commission-based production for elite clients. It dates to the late 1970s–1980s, the height of his international acclaim. Measuring 77.5” W x 42” D x 29.5” H, the table comfortably seats six to eight when used for dining but is equally compelling as a statement executive desk or conference table. Its timeless neutral palette integrates seamlessly with both modernist and traditional interiors. A true collector’s piece, this Karl Springer oval table...
Wood
Karl Springer 'JMF' Lacquered Goatskin Console, Authenticated & Stamped 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and highly collectible early production 'JMF' console table by Karl Springer, executed in lacquered goatskin parchment, this example produced in 1974. This early produ...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Side Table Polished Gunmetal Brass Glass, 1970 Very desirable side table by Karl Springer, 1970 in very good condit...
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Waterfall Desk in Tortoise Color Penshell, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A Karl Springer desk in Tortoise color Pen-Shell with 3 recessed drawers. Signed with brass plaque.
Shell, Wood
Karl Springer Goatskin Freeform Desk, 1988
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Karl Springer Goatskin Freeform Desk with/1 drawer, 1988. Original beautiful condition. Very few of these Freeform Desk’s were made Measures 29.5” tall 76” wide 38” deep
Goatskin
Karl Springer 1986 Python Snakeskin Telephone Table Signed & Dated
By Karl Springer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Karl Springer two-tiered design is commonly referred to as a "Telephone Table" by Karl Springer, a design he produced in various skins and finishes. This particular table with snake...
Brass
$17,500Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Pagoda Dining Table in Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
This Springer pagoda dining table, with a custom bullnose edge, was acquired from the estate of the original owner. The natural goatskin parchment is of ...
Goatskin, Gesso, Wood
Custom Size Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking and rare example of Karl Springer's late-period work, this sculptural Free Form coffee table, circa 1991, exemplifies his mastery of luxurious materials and organic modern...
Marble, Brass
1980s Sculptural Karl Springer Coffee Table in Glass and Stainless Steel
By Karl Springer
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern Karl Springer Monumental Coffee Table with heavy stainless steel leg supports and thick tempered glass top is of the sort that anchors any room - here is where we gather. Chic. Sexy. Timeless. Aptly named by Karl Springer as the Sculpture Leg Table...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage lucite and glass coffee table designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1980s. This coffee table has a unique design in which its co...
Glass, Lucite
Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This beautiful rectangular coffee table is designed by the iconic designer Karl Springer. This table has a unique design in which its construction materials and the shape of its desi...
Glass, Acrylic, Lucite
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee/Cocktail Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee/Cocktail Table, 1980s. Original with no label Measures 16.75” tall 42” x 42”
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer Sculpture Leg Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pewter finish cylinder with brass screw cap. Original Pie-shaped glass. Engraved signature Extremely heavy weighted cylinder counter balances the cantilever glass and anything placed on top of it. one of Karl Springer best...
Metal
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Oval Dinning Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval ivory-colored goatskin and lacquer dinning table designed by Karl Springer featuring thick rounded table legs. Karl Springer developed bold proportions and often used exotic fi...
Lacquer, Goatskin
$6,100Sale Price|30% Off
Karl Springer Reptile Embossed Leather Cocktail Table, Signed and Dated 1983
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Karl Springer (signed) reptile embossed leather coffee table is signed and dated 1983, the same year that brought us Risky Business, Scarface, National Lampoon...
Leather
Karl Springer Lucite Coffee Table With Angle Corners
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer lucite coffee table with angled corners and inset glass top. Nice detail work and quality construction from the 1980s. ...
Lucite
$7,200Sale Price|23% Off
Karl Springer 'Banker' Coffee Table in Patinated Bronze and Lucite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A commanding and sculptural 'Banker' bronze coffee table by celebrated American designer Karl Springer, dating to the 1970s. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and bold materiali...
Bronze
Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone & Brass by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Monumental Coffee Table in Tessellated Stone & Brass by renowned designer Karl Springer. This signed piece exudes sophistication and ele...
Stone, Brass
Monumental Vintage Gunmetal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A rare and exceptional vintage coffee table by the legendary designer Karl Springer, showcasing his masterful approach to materials and finish work. This piece features Springer's ch...
Metal, Brass
Karl Springer Asian Inspired Parchment Covered Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Asian inspired parchment covered coffee table in original lacquered finish. Very large square shaped coffee table with the perfect amount of surface space to display yo...
Wood, Parchment Paper
Karl Springer 1991 Snakeskin Telephone Table Signed & Dated
By Karl Springer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Karl Springer two-tiered design is commonly referred to as a "Telephone Table", a design he produced in various skins and finishes. This particular table with snakeskin fin...
Brass
Signed Karl Springer Penshell Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Signed Karl Springer Penshell coffee table with glass insert. Glass top has some scuffs due to age and use but impossible to capture on camera.
Shell
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
Huge Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A huge Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table Probably a Custom Design Authenticated by Tom Langevin
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
Goatskin
Karl Springer Signed 'Mark II" Lucite Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A large scale lucite and glass 'Mark II' coffee table designed and signed by Karl Springer.
Lucite
Karl Springer Freeform Coffee Table, circa 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Stainless Steel and Black Glass Freeform Coffee Table, circa 1970. 18.5" H x 31.75" W x 26" D. Provenance: From a 422 East 72nd Street Estate.
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Mark II White Leather w/Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II White Leather with Gunmetal Inlay Coffee Table. Smooth white leather lacquered in white shiny finish with clear glass top. Original paperwork shown in pictures...
Metal
Patinated Karl Springer JMF Goatskin Console Table, Signed, 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now I have an incredible JMF Table by the legendary Karl Springer. A piece that oozes sophistication and charisma, perfect for that trendsett...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin coffee table, 1970. Original.
Goatskin, Glass
Karl Springer 1977 Goatskin Backgammon Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer - Authenticated 1977 Extremely Rare Goatskin Backgammon Game Table Parsons Style Backgammon Table with Cover Bakelite Game Pieces All Original Condition Beautiful...
Goatskin, Leather, Bakelite, Wood
Signed Karl Springer Tubular Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Signed Karl Springer tubular brass coffee table with rectangular 3/4” thick glass. Each brass cylinder is 8” diameter by 18” high. Only gla...
Brass
$54,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
Exceptional Karl Springer Free Form Table Set, 1980's
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an increasingly rare and sought after set of Karl Springer Free Form Coffee Tables. These tables are a...
Brass
Elegant Chrome Tulip Table Possibly by Karl Springer.
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous 1980's polished chrome Tulip table possibly by Karl Springer. The beautifully constructed heavy polished chrome base has 3 channeled Tulip style leaf supports which hold ...
Chrome
Karl Springer Shagreen & Chrome Executive Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Denton, TX
Extremely Rare Karl Springer Shagreen & chrome executive desk. Each corner has brass accents to compliment the chrome. Dark Shagreen top and ...
Brass, Chrome
$29,500
Shagreen desk
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Shagreen desk by Karl Springer. Signed.
Shagreen
$10,875Sale Price / set|25% Off
Karl Springer Wall Mounted Console and Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Karl Springer wall mounted parchment console table and mirror. Console table is 34" high, 42" wide and 18" deep. Mirror is 48" high, 38.25' wide ...
Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Shagreen End Table With Drawer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Shagreen Table with Drawer Shagreen covered surface Mahogany drawer interior Brass signature tag Original Heavy glass shelf Oversized
Shagreen
Karl Springer Tessellated Stone Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A tessellated marble game table with brass trim designed by Karl Springer.
Marble
Karl Springer Chic Coffee Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1994 (Signed & Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Mark II Coffee Table" in midnight blue lacquered embossed lizard leather with inset polished chrome trim and smoke glass top by Karl Springer, American 1994 (Signed “Karl S...
Chrome
Karl Springer Red Goatskin Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning example From Karl Springer Beautiful Red Goatskin A simple Modern Form
Goatskin
Karl Springer Goatskin Dining Table With Custom Chrome Drum Base
By Karl Springer
Located in Culver City, CA
This dining table is simply stunning. A goatskin dining table designed by Karl Springer from the 1980s features a creamy goatskin top with hides that are both tan and nude in color with slight color variations in the hides that only come with real goatskin pieces. This large goatskin top rests on a circular chrome drum base that is a custom base for the table. This stunning table came out of a prominent home in Century City and the provenance is available upon request. The dining table top still has the original Karl Springer paper label which was included in the original wrapping of the piece / order tag, which has been affixed to the bottom by the original owner for provenance. This wrapping tag has significantly faded with time, but you can still make out the name Karl Springer at the top (especially if you snap a photo and bump up the contrast). This dining table, as photographed, looks incredible with the Guido Faleschini for Pace Collection dining chairs -- which is the exact combination the family had been using since the 1980's. With the striking chrome base, this dining table would look great with Milo Baughman thinline...
Chrome
Karl Springer Mushroom Cocktail Coffee Table in Lacquered Goatskin Parchment
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Karl Springer, a rare and wonderful mushroom cocktail table in lacquered goatskin. The sexy shape and size are perfectly suited for a space requiring a smaller table... t...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer “banker“ coffee table in embossed white leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a large scale “banker” coffee table by Karl Springer .executed in a fine printed cream white leather .extremely well built and large… It is 60“ x 40“ x 17“ tall… Wear is co...
Leather, Glass
Karl Springer "Chinese Cube Style Coffee Table" in Lacquered Chinese Red 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese cube style coffee table by Karl Spring in Lacquered Chinese red. As seen in the Karl Springer LTD catalog "Karl Springer LTD Chinese Cube Style Co...
Wood, Lacquer
Original Snake Skin Side Table by Karl Springer, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Brass
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Shagreen and Tessellated Side Tables by Karl Springer. Signed: Karl Springer
Shagreen
Iconic Modern Karl Springer Round Bullnose Goatskin Dining or Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This table designed by legendary designer Karl Springer has become a 20th century modern iconic table. They are getting extremely hard to find. (Especially in good condition). This ...
Lacquer
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Green Crackle Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table, 1970’s. Measures 16.25” tall 40.25” x 40.25”
Brass
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Southampton, NY
1980s White Lizard & Chrome Games Table, By Karl Springer White lizard wrapped over wood with chrome detailing under apron and around each leg. A classic design which looks as chic t...
Chrome
$7,500Sale Price / set|50% Off
Karl Springer Tray Top End Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1980's tray top two tier end tables with a single drawer by Karl Springer, well made with beautiful craftsmanship, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina d...
Parchment Paper
Karl Springer Two Tier Side Table in Grasscloth 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Beautifully crafted petit side table in grasscloth with sculpted edges by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. It is very chic. Reference: Purchas...
Grasscloth, Wood
Karl Springer Python Console on Brass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Striking console table designed and produced by Karl Springer in the mid-1970s. The top is covered in Python and the base is made of solid polished brass. Authentication by Tom Lange...
Brass
Karl Springer Mark II Leather Coffee Table, 1974
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Mark II Leather and Brass Coffee Table, 1974. Original condition Measures 76" long 48" deep 15.5" tall
Brass
Karl Springer American Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lacquered burl wood veneer dining table with a large rectangular top resting on two solid rectangular pedestal bases with a black lacquered central decorative sp...
Wood
$18,500
Karl Springer Amoeba Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Amoeba table. Bronze patinated brass and black glass top.
Brass