Karl Springer Furniture
American, German, 1931-1991
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.
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Creator: Karl Springer
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...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Nickel
Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Spun Shaped Wall Sconces" in gunmetal with Lucite backs and inserts by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Lucite illuminates when lights are on (see photo).
Total of three ar...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Wall-Mounted "Round Leg Console Table" by Karl Springer (signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Round leg console table", wall-mounted in copper and gunmetal with inset smoked glass top, by Karl Springer, American, 1980s (signed on side "...
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Copper
Karl Springer Optic Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is one of our favorite Karl Springer mirrors.
Wood trim is dark blue.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Mirror
Karl Springer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A vintage Karl Springer mirror in laquered frame.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Table Lamp in Brown Whip Snake by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp covered in brown whip snake with bronze hardware by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. A clean timeless form in an exotic luxurious material. Classic Karl Springer.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Lucite and Brass Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall incised Lucite column on heavy brass base with brass cap and double socket cluster.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Python Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular coffee table covered in real brown python with polished steel banding on the legs.
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel
Round Dining Center able with Stone Mosaic Surface by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A glamorous circular dining table designed by Karl Springer circa 1980s. Supported by a pedestal in a large column shape, the thick tabletop features a rounded beveled edge and encir...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone
Karl Springer Large Art Deco Urn with Copper Leaf 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large and exceptional Art Deco urn in bronze with applied copper leaf and blue enamel with disc feet by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The scale and opulent colors make this urn a s...
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Enamel
Karl Springer Chinese Leather Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer Chinese Scroll Table
Signed and date on leather label
1 available 6500.00
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Pair of Sumptuous Leather Swivel Chairs 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully crafted swivel chairs with channeled solid mahogany bases by Karl Springer, American late-1980s. These chairs were recently reupholstered in taupe lambskin. They...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lambskin, Mahogany
Karl Springer Chair in Polished Chrome and Brass 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Chair, beautifully crafted in polished brass and chrome with upholstered seat and back, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Metal has been professionally polished and lacquered and c...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Square Coffee Table, Tessellated Stone, Brass
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Square Coffee Table, Tessellated Stone, Brass
Mid-century coffee table designed by renowned American designer, Karl Springer. This work is compris...
Category
1970s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone, Brass
Karl Springer Documented Pair of Midcentury Lucite and Chrome Mushroom Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern "Mushroom" sconces were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most important and influential designers of the 20th century- in Ame...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer Pair of Gray Lacquered Linen Bedside Tables 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair beautifully made elegant bedside tables in gray lacquered linen with thick glass tops by Karl Springer, American 1980's. These have been newly relacquered by Lobel Modern. A ti...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Linen, Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Karl Springer JMF Mid Century Modern Raffia Side Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Karl Springer Jmf Mid Century Modern Raffia Side Chairs
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Raffia, Wood
Karl Springer Gilded Waste Basket 1987 (Signed and Dated)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Waste basket, gilded with flare top, by Karl Springer, American 1987 (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1987"). These accessories were custom pieces and quite rare.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Karl Springer Rare Pair of "Chinese Cube Style Tables" 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of "Chinese Cube Style Tables" in artisan faux goatskin lacquer by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The size of these tables makes them ideal as...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Python Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Karl Springer end tables
Python skin over wood
Diminutive size and classic form.
Category
1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Python
Pair of Signed Karl Springer Goatskin JMF Chairs, 1986
By Karl Springer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of signed and dated iconic Karl Springer JMF chairs featuring a dark, rich parchment leather goatskin finish. Each chair has a si...
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Exceptional Game Table in Embossed Lizard 1986 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional "Parsons Style Game Table" in gray embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1986 (signed and dated on bottom “Karl Springer 1986”). The craftsmanship of this table is superb. With its clean lines and beautiful color, this table is very elegant.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section “game & backgammon tables”, page 3 shows the rectangular version of this table with a backgammon board with the title “KARL SPRINGER LTD PARSON STYLE BACKGAMMON...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Rare and Exceptional Large Sea Shell Mirror 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare large and exceptional wall-hanging arc top mirror covered with sea shells arranged in a beautiful concentric pattern by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This piece is meticulous...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shell, Mirror, Wood
Karl Springer Freeform Coffee Table in Tessellated Black Marble 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Unique and exceptional "Free Form Coffee Table" in tessellated black marble with brass trim at base by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed “Karl Springer - Hand Made in the Philippines...
Category
1980s Philippine Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Karl Springer Pair of Superbly Crafted Swing Arm Wall Lamps 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of beautifully made swing-arm wall lamps in polished chrome and brass, each with 2 bulbs, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Each comes with a back mounting plate. The craftsman...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome, Brass
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Maitland Smith Exceptional Lidded Box in Tessellated Fossilized Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large beautifully crafted hinged box in tessellated fossilized coral with brass inlays around top by Maitland Smith The Phillippines 1980's. Interior is wood. This box would be a bea...
Category
1980s Philippine Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Coral, Brass
Pink Lacquered Goatskin Mirror by Karl Springer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Zwijndrecht, Antwerp
Monumental pink mirror by Karl Springer made in the 70s. The frame is constructed out of lacquered goatskin and is finished with a large brass accent on top. A very unusual and spect...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Free Form Coffee Table" in Tessellated Travertine 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted large "Free Form Coffee Table" in tessellated travertine with brass trim at bottom by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed on bottom with label which reads "Kar...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Elegant Pair of "Greek Column Table Lamps" in Solid Lucite, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Greek Column Table Lamps" in solid lucite with brass hardware by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The cords are embedded into the sides of the lamps so they are invisible wh...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" with Bronze Base 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Souffle Ottoman" newly reupholstered with bronze base and hidden castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Newly upholstered by Lobel Modern. Bronze has...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Karl Springer Elegant Polaris Desk Chair, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted "Polaris Desk Chair" in celadon, gold and red fabric with floral motif and mahogany legs by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This chair is very elegant and extremely comfortable.
Reference:
Karl Springer Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “seating”, on page 20 is a photo of this model titled “KARL SPRINGER LTD POLARIS…CHAIR...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Karl Springer Rare Dining Table in Embossed Leather and Lucite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare and early dining table with base and top covered in pie-cut 2-tone embossed leather with solid lucite supports by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This table has been completely restored. The bottom lacquer color is blue and the top lacquer color is white. The meticulous craftsmanship and superb materials are the hallmarks of Karl Springer’s designs.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD small paper catalog published in the 1970’s, this model is shown on page 35...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Lucite, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Telephone Drinks Table in Red Cobra Skin
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer telephone table, drinks table wrapped in authentic red cobra skin. Supported by four bronze casters. Signed with metal Tag "Karl ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Karl Springer "Bristol Coffee Table" with Shagreen Top 1989 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Bristol Coffee Table" in white leather with inset shagreen on top with bone inlays by Karl Springer, American 1989 (signed and dated with le...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bone, Leather, Shagreen, Wood
Mark II Game Table in Leather with 4 Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is an original Mark II Game table by Karl Springer. It is covered in the original brownish taupe leather with an inset glass top. The four chairs are in the original matching le...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Ltd, Lacquered Column Goatskin Column Side Tables, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
In traditional Karl Springer style, the classically simple Column Side Table is elevated by the use of freeform inlayed goat skin that is heavily lacquered for a sleek, unique finish...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer “Tortoise Shell” Sculptural Desk/Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a sculptural wide heavy lamp shaped as a rectangular block in the lower part and as a ninety degree angle semi-tunnel in the upper part. Both parts are joined by a solid rect...
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Tortoise Shell
Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, Knife Edge Dining Table, Embossed Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer circular dining, conference or center table having three twenty inch leaves. Part of our extensive collection of over forty dining tables and chair...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood
Karl Springer Pair of Table Lamps In Bronze With Black Cobra ca 1972
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of meticulously crafted table lamps with black cobra on all sides with bronze fittings and bone accents on tops by Karl Springer, American ca 1972. Springer was a master at usi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chic Pair of Original Karl Springer JMF Chairs in Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Jesteburg, DE
An original design by Karl Springer for Tura, this freeform chair exemplifies the modernist contemporary style of this designer with a sleek silhouette...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer LTD, Onassis Chair, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis chairs, originally commission by Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis, feature a barrel back and semi–circular arm res...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Maple, Goatskin
Royal Palm Lacquered Goatskin Credenza, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Available exclusively at Todd Merrill Studio, the Karl Springer LTD Royal Palm cabinet features a grid inlay of lacquered goatskin, available in a variety o...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer Brass and Goatskin Coffee Table with Storage
By Karl Springer
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well crafted coffee table covered in tri colored goatskin / parchment and lacquer having polished brass feet and handles which when opened revels a nice sized storage area. A piece...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Rare Karl Springer Dowelwood Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Sheepskin Cushions
By Karl Springer
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This is a fabulous example of Karl Springer's acclaimed and rare cerused oak "Dowelwood" line. An extra large lounge seat and a huge matching ottoman make for the perfect place to sp...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Karl Springer "Bullet" Up Light in Gunmetal, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet" up light in gunmetal by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. This comes with the original honeycomb diffuser. This up light is beautifully made.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer LTD, Freeform Dining Table with Custom Goatskin Top, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
He Freeform dining table with custom goatskin top combines Springer’s Classic 1970s Freeform Table design with a custom lacquered goatskin top. S...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer LTD, Onassis Barstools, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
An iconic form by Karl Springer, the Onassis barstools are now available through Karl Springer LTD exclusively at Todd Merrill Studio. The stools f...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Maple, Goatskin
Karl Springer LTD, Free-Form Low Tables, USA
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Todd Merrill Studio is pleased to unveil the free-form low table, the first piece created under the gallery’s new, exclusive representation of Karl Springer LTD. The gallery will be reissuing a selection of Springer’s unique designs on a commission basis, such as this unique amorphic table...
Category
2010s Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Ltd, Sonnenteller 'Sun Plate', USA, 2017
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Another iconic design by Karl Springer, this unique sculpture, titled Sonnenteller (Sun Plate), debuted in 1979 and is said to have been inspired by a BWA sun mask...
Category
2010s American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Granite, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Snake Skin Console Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking Karl Springer console with brass inlay on top. Signed and dated on underside.
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Karl Springer, JMF “C” Benches
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Jean-Michel Frank inspired “C” benches designed and made by Karl Springer feature elegant curved polished stainless steel legs and newly...
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Red And Black Custom Striped Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer Rare and unusual Custom red and black striped Table one of a kind,with original Label and customers name
Circa 1960's (Karl Springer 1931...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
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 ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Gesso, Wood
Karl Springer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Karl Springer furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Springer furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 596 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Karl Springer were created in the modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Hollis Jones, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Karl Springer furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $428 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
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