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.
Mid-Century Side Table in Smoked Ruby Cobra with Brass Castors by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A glamorous Mid-Century Modernist side table, designed by the celebrated Karl Springer, featuring luxurious smoked ruby cobra leather upholstery and elegant brass casters, American, ...
Brass
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
$14,000Sale Price|30% Off
6 Karl Springer 1986 JMF Lizard Print Leather Dining Chairs Minimalis Modern MCM
By Karl Springer
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of six iconic J.M.F. Chairs signed by Karl Springer, circa 1986. Features a minimalist design with embossed lizard print frame. The chair features a curved back and contoured s...
Leather, Hardwood
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
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
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 Large 'Mark II" Coffee Table Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A monumental 'Mark II' coffee table with lizard embossed leather and smoked glass top. Signed and dated Karl Springer, 1986.
Leather
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
Pair of Karl Springer Chrome and Original Purple String Shade Ball Lamps, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Leviton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning and very rare pair of iconic midcentury "Ball" lamps was designed in the 1980s by illustrious American designer Karl Springer. This pair features two hemispheres of pol...
Brass, Chrome
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 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
$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
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
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
Pair of Karl Springer Lacquered Linen Nightstands, circa 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
An elegant pair of original nightstands designed by Karl Springer, dating to the 1980s. Celebrated for his luxurious materials and refined modernism, Springer frequently employed lac...
Linen, Glass, Lacquer
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
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
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
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
1970s Coromandel Screen by Karl Springer, Hand-Carved, Vintage Decor
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An Incredible 1970 rare four panel “Coromandel” Screen by Karl Springer. The front design is hand carved and painted with black and coral...
Brass
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
$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
Pair of Lucite and Chrome Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of beautiful Lucite and chrome floor lamps designed and manufactured by Karl Springer in the early 1970s for a private home in NY. The lamps came from the original owners and a...
Chrome
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 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 Rare and Monumental Shagreen Pair of Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of exquisite lamps by Karl Springer. The large spheres are solid wood meticulously covered in shagreen, the Pyramid shades are also wood covered in shagreen. Reportedly just a...
Shagreen
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
$6,300
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Brass
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 Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Karl Springer Linen Wrapped Elongated Chinoiserie Coffee Table. Nice Classic Ivory Painted Finish. Beautiful texture too the touch on all surfaces. Add some Chic Springer Style to yo...
Wood
$18,200Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
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
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
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 Modern Oval Top & Dual Demilune Base Parchment Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern (1980s) dining / conference table with an oval top resting on two demilune bases, finished in a beige parchment / goatskin veneer. (KARL SPRINGER) (Similar piece: REG...
Wood
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
Pair of Mid-Century Brass & Lucite "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming and bold Pair of Mid-Century Modernist "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in Brass and Frosted Lucite are by the esteemed artist and designer Karl Springer and originate from t...
Brass
Set of 6 Karl Springer Gold Onassis Chairs with Leather Upholstery
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Karl Springer Onassis chairs with leather upholstery. The Iconic Onassis chair is one of Karl Springers most famous designs and the beautiful lines contour to the body perf...
Leather, 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
Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror In Pale Yellow and Black Python 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Large and exceptional "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in pale yellow and black python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is a superb example of Ka...
Mirror, Wood, Python
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 Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin coffee table, 1970. Original.
Goatskin, Glass
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Karl Springer Lacquered Goat Skin Desk
Goatskin
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Seguso
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Scavo Murano Glass Vessel by Seguso, 1980s This large-scale hand-blown glass vase was created in Murano, Italy, by Seguso for American designer Karl Springer in the 19...
Glass
Pair of Lucite & Chrome Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous pair of clear lucite and chrome table lamp by renowned designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new shades. Wired for US and take two 75w Max regular editions light bulb...
Chrome
Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf in Original Condition
By Karl Springer
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an iconic vintage Souffle ottoman by Karl Springer, exemplifying the designer’s signature blend of sculptural form and refined luxury. This piece features Springer’s celebrat...
Brass
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 Lucite Table Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lucite table Lamps Polished Brass Lamp Hardware and fittings New Replaced shades If you want the shades,they will ha...
Lucite
$11,000 / set
Pair of Sandblasted Lucite Torchere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of monumental torchiere floor lamps. These oversized lamps were designed by Karl Springer for Karl Springer Ltd, circa 1970s for bespoken spacious interior as statement lighting. Will look amazing in a large living room or dinging room...
Brass
$9,500 / set
Karl Springer Chromed Metal Orb Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Karl Springer Lamps Original surface,Lamp Mounts and Finials Oversized Please ignore reflections in chrome finish from photographer
Chrome
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
Important Python Skin Covered Rectangular Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Important python skin covered rectangular mirror by Karl Springer , bearing painted brass manufacturer's label to reverse ‘Karl Springer’. With authentication from Tom Langevin, form...
Animal Skin
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
$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
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, signed.
Bronze
Karl Springer Gunmetal and Brass Stool
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer X Base Stool Executed in Gunmetal and Brass Upholstered in Lambs Wool An Elegant Example
Brass
The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.