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 Mark V Parchment Macassar Ebony & Gilt Iron Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Macassar ebony veneer, gilt iron and parchment coffee table by Karl Springer circa 1995. Signed on underside.
Macassar, Parchment Paper
$7,680Sale Price|20% Off
Karl Springer Low Plinth Coffee Table in Goatskin Parchment and Lacquer, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Cheyenne, WY
This low coffee table by Karl Springer features an inlay lacquered base with a tabletop from goatskin parchment, finished with clear lacquer. Beveled edges and a plinth-like base are...
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Lucite Dining Table Base, Contemporary, Late 1900s
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary American dining / conference table base constructed from a circular piece of clear lucite with three wide flared legs. (KARL SPRINGE...
Glass
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 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
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Tessellated Bone and Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970’s. Original beautiful condition. Measures 16.5” tall 53” long 37” deep
Bone, Goat Hair
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 Attributed Chrome 2-Tier Stand with Alligator-Embossed Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking Karl Springer attributed two tier stand features a sleek, polished chrome frame paired with luxurious alligator style embossed leather covering both the top surface and...
Chrome
Karl Springer Grasscloth Nightstand/Side/End Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Black Grasscloth Nightstand/Side/End Table, 1980s. Original. Measures 24.25” tall 20” deep 26” long
Grasscloth
Karl Springer 1970s Midcentury Octagonal Bar Cart with Red Snakeskin Finish
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Karl Springer octagonal bar cart from the mid 20th century, with red snakeskin and casters. Made by renowned designer Karl Springer in the 1970s, ...
Brass
Vintage Karl Springer Console Table, Desk With Lucite, Gold Plated Brass & Glass
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Gold, Brass
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
Lacquered Goat Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lacquered parchment square dining table or card table. High quality thick lacquer finish over real parchment.
Leather, Wood
Vintage Karl Springer Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps 80's
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful angled and sculptural Karl Springer lucite table base has brass caps. There is no glass provided for this great base. On...
Brass
Mid-Century Side Tables by Karl Springer, Green Canvas, Circa 1955
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century square green painted canvas cloth end / side tables with an Asian influenced design having a shaped bottom to the apron and legs (KARL SPRINGER) (PRICED ...
Paint
Mid-Century Modern Lucite and Glass Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century modern lucite coffee table, designed by Karl Springer and crafted in the 1980s, is a striking example of the designer's mastery of minimalist form and premium materi...
Glass, Acrylic, Lucite
Vintage Karl Springer Embossed Leather Writing Desk, Labeled
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional vintage leather-wrapped desk designed by the legendary Karl Springer in the United States during the 1970s. Known for elevating everyday furniture into sculptural work...
Metal
Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Rectangular Coffee Table, Gunmetal, Brass 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Signed Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee / Cocktail Table. Guaranteed. Karl Springer "Round Leg Coffee Table" in Gunmetal and Brass. Chic mid-century low profile t...
Metal, Brass
1980's Monumental Sized Karl Springer 'Sculpture' Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A monumental coffee table from the “Sculpture” series by Karl Springer. The table features a sculptural base composed of brass and patinated gunmetal brass supporting a large glass ...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Goat Skin Pedestal End Table by Karl Springer, Beige
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
3 Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table bases) with a rounded front and flat back (PRICED EACH) (KARL SPRINGER) (1 identical in Florida showroom-REG4050A; similar...
Animal Skin
Vintage Architectural Parsons Square Goatskin Dining Table by Karl Springer
By Aldo Tura, Karl Springer, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice early vintage table by Karl Springer. Dating to the 1960's/70s. Beautifully wrapped Parsons table form in Goatskin. Brass capped feet. The clear protective coating has yell...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Prototype "Cathedral Table" in Leather 1976-1978
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Cathedral Table" with both base and top covered in contrasting leathers by Karl Springer, American 1976-78. This table was made as a prototype. The ...
Leather, Wood
Modern Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Style Gray Grasscloth Waterfall Coffee Table. 18" H x 48" W x 26" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Grasscloth
Black Faux Shagreen Coffee Table by Karl Springer, Mid-Century USA
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century black faux shagreen wrapped coffee table with a square profile and rounded corners on an inSet platform base. (manner of Karl Springer) Stains and damage to sh...
Wood, Shagreen
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 Rain Drum Table w/Concrete Top, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Rain Drum table with concrete top, 1970’s. Concrete top is a knife edge. Beautiful patina. Measures 19.5” tall 26” diameter
Concrete, Copper
Superb Rosewood and Shagreen Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
A grand dining table by Karl Springer, the broad top surfaced in panels of natural shagreen framed by exotic wood and a continuous band of gilt lattice stenciling with brass inlay, c...
Brass, Gold Leaf
"Jansen Style" Octagonal Dining Table in Gun Metal and Brass by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, London
This elegant octagonal dining table, by Karl Springer, exemplifies the designer’s refined balance of geometry, luxury materials, and tailored detailing. The expansive thick octagona...
Brass
Pair of Karl Springer "Sculpture" Side Tables in Sandstone
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a rare pair of "Sculpture" tables in sandstone, bronze and glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer.
Sandstone, Bronze
Mid-Century Oval Goat Skin Pedestal End Table by Karl Springer, 1950s
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American beige oval goat skin oval pedestal / end table base) (KARL SPRINGER) (similar to 3 of REG4050: oval front, flat back)
Animal Skin
Karl Spring Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Goat Skin Dining, Conference Table 70s
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
For Sale is this large almost round floating Karl Springer dining table on two half round pedestal bases, made in America in the 1970. All wood core decorated with the Goat Skin and...
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Karl Springer Mid Century lacquered goat skin side end table Table measures: 36.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 25.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Goatskin
Karl Springer Macassar Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A macassar ebony and ebonized coffee table on solid brass casters. A larger form of Springers classic 'telephone table' form. Red Binder Product Catalogue, Karl Springer LTD, New ...
Macassar
Original Vintage Karl Springer Executive Black Lacquered Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This large scale executive desk belonged to the late fashion designer, Geoffrey Beene. Sourced from his Estate in Oyster Bay, NY, it is in good vintage condition, 4 invisible drawer...
Wood
Signed Karl Springer Gunmetal and Brass Cocktail Table, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
Karl Springer is renowned for his finishes and elegant designs. This table is gunmetal and brass with a glass top. Incised signature on side.
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Chrome
Vintage Karl Springer Acrylic & Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage acrylic and glass coffee table by Karl Springer. Heavy cast acrylic, original green tint with 1/2" plate glass insert. Great sty...
Acrylic
Gun Metal Coffee Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Solid brass and gun metal by Karl Springer. Signed etched to one of the legs: "Karl Springer"
Metal
Illuminated Lucite Drum Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in London, London
This illuminated drum table by Karl Springer exemplifies the designer’s bold, glamorous modernism of the 1970s–1980s. The piece features a striking cylindrical base finished in high-...
Lucite
Mid-Century Continental Karl Springer GoatSkin Pedestal End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American beige goat skin pedestal / end table base) with a rounded front and flat back (KARL SPRINGER) (3 identical REG4050 and similar oval...
Embossed Leather Square Table Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A square end table completely clad in embossed leather that mimics Shagreen skin circa 1970-80s. The versatile table features a skirted top supported four slightly curved legs. The f...
Leather, Wood
Signed Karl Springer 1991 Floating Embossed Leather Shagreen Desk Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare, monumental signed desk or oversized console table by master American designer Karl Springer (1931–1991), executed and incised/signed in his final year of production, 1991. This piece showcases Springer's celebrated mastery of high-end surface textures and structural minimalism. A thick, inset "floating" top wrapped in rich, leather embossed with a fine shagreen skin pattern rests above a custom architectural base crafted in lacquered steel. The base features an open-frame perimeter with offset inner supports, creating a weightless visual effect. Functioning seamlessly as a executive desk, library table, or grand entryway console, this late-period work represents the culmination of Springer's career. Signed and dated Karl Springer 1991. Dimensions: Width: 72 1/4" (183.5 cm) Depth: 30" (76.2 cm) Height: 32 1/4" (81.9 cm) Karl Springer (1931–1991) was an influential German-born American furniture designer who helped define the aesthetic of late 20th-century luxury design. After emigrating from Berlin to New York City in 1957, Springer initially worked as a window dresser at Lord & Taylor, using his off-hours to craft leather-bound accessories that were picked up by Bergdorf Goodman. His career skyrocketed in the 1960s after gaining the patronage of the Duchess of Windsor, which established his standing among elite interior designers and high-society clients. Springer became celebrated for reintroducing rare, exotic materials into modern furniture forms—most notably shagreen (stingray skin), lacquered parchment, python, goatskin, Lucite, and heavy polished metalwork. Drawing aesthetic cues from Art Deco, classical Chinese furniture, and the Bauhaus movement, he distilled intricate historical shapes into bold, modern silhouettes. His studio produced handcrafted, made-to-order pieces until his death in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of the defining voices of American modernism and luxury craft. Designer / Studio: Karl Springer Ltd. Period: 1991 (Dated) Style: Postmodern / Maximalist Minimalism / Modernist Luxe Materials: Lacquered Steel, Leather Embossed Faux Shagreen, Wood Frame Markings: Incised / Stamped "Karl Springer 1991" Condition Report: Excellent vintage condition overall. The lacquered steel base retains its original luster with light, age-appropriate surface wear. The leather embossed faux shagreen top displays rich tone and texture with minimal minor scuffs consistent with careful light use. Structurally sound and solid. Creator: Karl Springer Period: 1990–1999 Styles: Postmodern, Mid-Century Modern Revival, Contemporary Luxe Materials: Steel, Leather, Lacquer Item Type: Desks / Console Tables / Library Tables Keywords: Karl Springer desk, signed Karl Springer 1991, Karl Springer console table, embossed leather shagreen desk, floating top console table...
Steel
Karl Springer Cocktail Table Polished Stainless Steel 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by Karl Springer in the 1970s, this rare oval cocktail table, coffee table exemplifies the refined glamour and sculptural minimalism that defined Springer’s iconic body of w...
Stainless Steel
Rare Karl Springer Signed Faux Crocodile Desk or Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous signed Karl Springer dining table of white faux crocodile leather with chrome accents. Bearing wood Karl Springer Ltd plaque on underside. Provenance: From a private Tex...
Nickel
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Off White Shagreen Console Table by Karl Springer. Bearing Original Sticker Karl Springer: "hand made in Philippines"
Shagreen
Vintage Boho Karl Springer Shagreen Wrapped Writing Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Boho Karl Springer writing desk, wrapped in luxurious shagreen, combines sleek lines with exotic texture. A sophisticated and s...
Shagreen, Wood
Elegant Goatskin Table Design by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful table design by the iconic Karl Springer, made of goat skin, please check the pictures, it has some wearing, totally normal, the color and patina is allot nicer in person.
Goatskin, Wood
Karl Springer Python Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versatile table 30“ x 30“ x 23“ tall…Covered in a faux python parchment.. shades of brown and black … a Classic design..Excellent condition signed.
Wood
Mid-Century Modernist Python Skin Tray by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This Mid-Century Modernist python skin tray, crafted by the renowned designer Karl Springer circa 1980, is a striking expression of his ability to transform everyday objects into lux...
Python
Large Ron Seff Goat Skin Rare Lucite Base Expandable Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Ron Seff Goat Skin Lucite base versatile extra-large expandable dining/conference table, when closed 72" with two leave 20"each when fully opened 112" in exceptional condition bevel...
Goatskin, Lucite, Wood
Karl Springer Gunmetal Brass, Glass End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
End table by Karl Springer in gunmetal, brass, glass and enameled wood. Crafted in New York circa 1980. This lovely piece has some light oxidation to the gunmetal and brass that is c...
Brass
Karl Springer Pedestal Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1980s. A scarce post modern coffee table by American designer Karl Springer (1931-1991). Features monolithic pedestal form supported by inset plinth base. Wrapped in a chic ...
Leather, Wood
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
Karl Springer "Sculpture Table" in Sandstone and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sculpture" table by Karl Springer in sandstone, brass screw cap and 1" thick glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer. This table is very heavy at over 200 lbs!
Sandstone, Brass
Karl Springer Raffia Clad White Lacquer Coffee Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Karl Springer Raffia Clad White Lacquer Coffee Cocktail Table
Raffia, Glass, Wood
Center Table by Karl Springer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superb polished stainless steel "tulip" center table having a thick disc base and three flaring brass accented arms supporting a round glass top.
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Dining Table, 86
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
Karl Springer Goat Skin Coffee Table, 1977
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin Coffee Table, dated 1977. Original with chrome caps on legs, Measures 22" tall 42" long 23" deep
Chrome
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
Pair of Large Tessellated Penshell Tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large scale tessellated penshell end tables signed with Karl Springer metal tags.
Shell