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 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
Mid-Century X Form Polished Brass & Lucite Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This striking piece showcases Springer's signature blend of bold geometry and luxurious materials. The base is formed by intersecting, sculptural elements in highly polished brass, c...
Brass
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
$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
Deep blue lacquered goatskin console
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Deep blue lacquered goatskin console with brass details attributed to Karl Springer.
Brass
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
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 Python Skin Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This can be used as either a bench or a table. A classic Michael Frank 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer, Label below
Leather
Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Horn, Wood
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
$2,850
H 29 in W 55.75 in D 17.5 in
Karl Springer Attributed Batik Wrapped Console Table Mid Century Modern 56 x 29
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Graphic batik wrapped console table, attributed to Karl Springer, unsigned, American, circa 1980s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a console table, sofa table, medi...
Wood, Paper
Mid-Century Karl Springer Style Lucite and Chrome Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage table in the style of Karl Springer features thick Lucite posts connected with chrome X-style frame which adds stability and style to the piece. Thick beveled g...
Chrome
Karl Springer Style Organic Grasscloth Waterfall Console 10 Ft
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A monumental mid-century waterfall console constructed out of a woven grasscloth embellished frame measuring more than 10.5' long in the manner and style of Karl Springer. The impres...
Brass
$3,950
H 29.25 in W 60.13 in D 18 in
Harrison Van Horn Deep Chocolate Brown Console Table, Raffia & Brass, 1980s
By Harrison Van Horn, Roger Sprunger, Karl Springer
Located in Round Top, TX
Harrison Van Horn "belly" console table in lacquered raffia and brass in deep, dark espresso brown with unlacquered brass trim. Uncommon piece and always desirable in size, quality,...
Brass
Karl Springer Style Faux Ostrich Leather Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Style Faux Ostrich Tan Leather Wrapped Console Table. 29.5" H x 65" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Leather
$4,200
H 30 in W 75 in D 17 in
Postmodern Pink Lacquered Karl Springer Style Column Console Glass Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning three piece console table with pink tiered lacquered columns and a 3/4” thick glass top.
Glass, Fiberglass
Mid-Century Faux Goatskin Console Table with Storage
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern faux goatskin wrapped console with storage space. The 4 metal push-to-open doors are mounted on piano hinges and contain 2 shelves ...
Faux Leather
Monumental Karl Springer Style Waterfall Bench or Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
20th century Mid-Century Modern monumental waterfall bench seat, coffee cocktail table, or console table. Made in the style and manner of iconic designer Karl Springer (German-Americ...
Brass
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
Black Cork Wall Mounted Console and Mirror
Located in North Miami, FL
Designed and made in Portugal by Black Cork, this decorative mirror and wall-mounted and lidded shelf are made entirely of locally sourced black cork. The l...
Mirror, Cork
Spanish Handmade Wicker Console Lacquered in Blue Colour
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish Handmade Wicker Console Lacquered in Blue Colour
Wicker, Wood
Mid-Century Ivory Color Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-Modern ivory console table by Karl Springer. Long sculpted sturdy form, perfect for living room use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ...
Acrylic
Karl Springer Goatskin Modern Lacquered Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Astoria, NY
Karl Springer Goatskin Lacquered Console Table, in black with geometric base. 34" H x 54" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a 422 East 72nd Street Estate.
Goatskin
Sold
H 32 in W 45.25 in D 18 in
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 Double JMF Goatskin Console Signed, 1979
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Double JMF Goatskin Console, 1979. Original paperwork shown in pictures and brass signature plate on bottom of leg on console. Measures 72” long 32” tall 16” deep
Goatskin
Karl Springer Double JMF Goatskin Console, 1979
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Double JMF Goatskin Console, 1979. Original paperwork shown in pictures. Measures 72” long 32” tall 16” deep
Goatskin
Sold
H 30 in W 60 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Brass, Stainless Steel & Glass Tulip Console Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and highly rare Mid-Century Modernist Tulip Console Table in Brass & Stainless Steel W/ Smoked Glass Top by Karl Springer originates from the United States, Circa 1970....
Brass, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Sandstone Glass Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Sandstone Sculpture Console with base in cast composite stone with thick glass top and polished chrome caps by Karl Springer. , American 1980's. The ...
Sandstone, Chrome
Karl Springer Batik Waterfall Console Table, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer waterfall console table. Wrapped in a floral batik fabric and clear lacquered. American, 1970s. In excellent vintag...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 35 in W 60 in D 16 in
Karl Springer Stunning "Curved-End Console Table" in Emu Skin 1993 (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Curved-End Console Table” in ivory emu skin with gold overlay by Karl Springer, American 1993 (signed “Karl Springer 1993” on the underside of the console). The gold overlay beautif...
Animal Skin, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Console Table in Black Embossed Alligator Leather 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large "H Console Table" in tete-de-negre (2-tone black) alligator embossed leather by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The scale of this console is impressive. And the embossed crocod...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 12 in W 132 in D 24 in
Huge Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Pig Skin Parchment Wall Mounted Console
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Pig Skin Parchment Wall Mounted Console.
Lacquer
Sold
H 30 in W 40.5 in D 18 in
Karl Springer "Chinese Style Cube Console Table" in Silver Lacquer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning "Chinese Style Cube Console Table", hand-sculpted form in high gloss silver automotive lacquer by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The sumptuous f...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 24 in
Steel and Brass Tulip Bases for Dining or Console tables by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of metal tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd circa 1970-80s. The bases are currently configured as a pair of conso...
Brass, Stainless Steel, Chrome