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
Karl Springer Hinged Parchment and Brass Velvet Lined Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hinged parchment and brass velvet lined box by Karl Springer. Vibrant shades of oranges and reds on the painted goatskin parchment. Velvet lined seg...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Waste Basket in Tessellated Travertine, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted waste basket in tessellated travertine with gilded accents and solid brass feet by Maitland Smith for Karl Springer, American 1980's (bottom lined in fabric). Ta...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Goatskin Center Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round, sculptural, center or dining table by Karl Springer. Clad in Ivory colored goatskin, with high gloss lacquer finish.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer Stunning Mirror in Python and Black Lizard, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted mirror with frame in black lizard with interior and exterior edges wrapped in python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This mirror exemplifie...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Lizard, Python, Wood
Karl Springer "J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in Gunmetal Glazierite, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"J.M.F. Floor Lamp" in gunmetal glazierite with polished brass base and hardware and parchment shade by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. Glazierite was a type of resin that the crafts...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Pair of End Tables in Black Lacquer with Bone Inlays, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional hexagonal side tables in black lacquer with bone inlays on the top, sides and bottom by Karl Springer, American 1970's. These end tables showcase the meticulous c...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Bone, Lacquer
Karl Springer "Bristol Coffee Table" in Lacquered Goatskin circa 1990 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bristol Coffee Table" in dark brown lacquered goatskin with ivory goatskin sabots by Karl Springer, American circa 1990 (signed on bottom). This ...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
Stacked Lucite Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Karl Springer in the 1970s, this striking table lamp alternates stacked discs and wedges of Lucite along a chrome rod from which extend two light sockets.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer "Marmol Style Mirror" in Black Leather and Bronze 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Marmol Style Mirror" with frame covered in black leather with bronze accents by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on back). This mirror is beautifully made a...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
RARE Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Stool
By Karl Springer, Aldo Tura
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This rare original Karl Springer stool is amazing. The stool is lacquered goatskin, in a beautiful rusty orange color, this a design piece truly worth coveting.
The stool is in in...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Lacquer
Karl Springer Lacquered Goatskin Mushroom Cocktail Coffee Table
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...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Lacquered Goatskin, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Wall hanging mirror, octagonal with lacquered light goatskin in front of darker lacquered goatskin edge, with beveled mirror inside, by Karl Springer, American, 1970’s. The combinati...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass, Wood
Karl Springer Set of Three Waterfall Nesting Tables in Python 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of 3 waterfall nesting tables in white python by Karl Springer, American 1980's (metal label reads “Karl Springer”). Largest table comes with a glass top.
These tab...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Python
Karl Springer "Parsons Style Side Table" in Embossed Lizard 1989 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted “Parsons Style Side Table” in beige lacquered embossed lizard leather by Karl Springer, American 1989 (leather label on bottom reads “Karl Springer 1989...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Lucite column floor lamp with a square brass base and double pull chain sockets, designed by Karl Springer. Rewired for use in the USA. Shade not included.
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Cognac Leather and Brass Club Chairs, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer documented rare pair of club chairs in cognac or saddle leather with brass bases, USA, 1980s. This incredibly chic pair of club chairs is more common in the swivel vers...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Telephone Table" Style End Table in Leather and Shagreen, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Telephone Table style end table covered in brown leather with tops in dark brown shagreen on brass castors by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The bottom is covered in mat...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Shagreen, Stone and Anodized Aluminum Occasional Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rare occasional table by Karl Springer in shagreen, stone and anodized aluminum. Shagreen is in very good condition. Minor chips along stone edge. Wear to the anodized finish (please...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone
Pair of Polished Steel Nightstands or End Tables Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of polished steel nightstands or end tables Karl Springer 1980s. Polished mirror stainless steel over wood. Glass tops. Single drawer. 2...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Stunning Box with Top in Alligator 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Box with base covered in black cobra and top covered in alligator with interior in red suede by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The combination of black and red is very sumptuous. Bo...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Alligator, Suede, Wood
Karl Springer Round Goatskin Center or Dining Table Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent dining or center table by Iconic mid century Designer Karl Springer. The table has been completely restored and is ready for use. The perfect compliment to any entry or...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Goatskin coffee table, 1970. Original.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass
Karl Springer Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painted goatskin box
Immaculate detail and manufacture.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer Pair of Candle Holders in Tessellated Coral 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of artisan candle holders in tessellated coral with bronze bases by Karl Springer, American 1980s. Sculptural forms in beautiful materials.
Measures: W: 3.5 inch...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Coral, Bronze
Gun Metal and Polished Brass Fire Place Mantel by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Gun metal and polished brass fire place mantel by Karl Springer.
Interior dimensions: H:39 L:46.5 in.
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Glamorous Vintage Karl Springer Grasscloth Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Fabulous vintage Karl Springer grasscloth dining table restored and refinished in a beautiful teal-black lacquer. Square top with bullnose edge a...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Parchment Paper
Karl Springer "Sculpture Desk Lamp" in Polished Chrome 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Sculpture Desk Lamp" in polished chrome with brass accents and 2 bulbs by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed "Karl Springer" on side). This lamp is a tribute to Springer’s metic...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Large and Important Signed Karl Springer Mirror with Lacquered Goatskin Frame
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A large and important signed Karl Springer mirror with lacquered goatskin frame in tortoise color with beveled glass mirror and silvered brass tone insets around the frame. Mirror ha...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Ivory Lacquer with Chrome Accents, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
8 Sided mirror with custom artisan ivory lacquer and polished chrome accents by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. The mirror is beveled. A classic Springer design.
Reference:
Karl ...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern Python Skin Table Lamp by Karl Springer 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original python skin table lamp by Karl Springer C1970. Original shade which should be updated. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Brass fittings and hardware...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Roberto Estevez Monumental Stylized Torso in Glazierite 1980s
By Karl Springer, Roberto Estevez 1
Located in New York, NY
Large stylized torso in glazierite by Roberto Estevez for Karl Springer, American 1980's. Glazierite was a resin composite created by Karl Springer’s artisans. This model was also ca...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Resin
Grey Leather Dressing Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Beautiful grey colored embossed leather dressing table by Karl Springer, 1980s with foldable sides. You can lift the middle part and you will fi...
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Spun Shaped Torchere" in Gunmetal and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare artisan made "Spun Shaped Torchere" in gunmetal and gold-tinted brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The quality of the craftsmanship is off the charts.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD Red Binder Catalog published in the 1980’s in the section “lighting” on page 11...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold, Brass, Nickel
2 Karl Springer Crystal Bowls
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Retailed thru the Karl Springer Showroom, The pair of bowls was probably made by Seguso
Minor chip to the foot of 1 bowl.
Category
1970s North American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Vibrant Gray Python, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Half Round Molding Mirror" in vibrant gray python with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. Exceptional materials and craftsmanship are the h...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Python
Karl Springer Polyhedron Goat Skin Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer design… Rare polyhedron tables covered in natural goat skin… 14 sides consisting of triangles and squares… Included in the photos is the original Maquet and mock up...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood
Mastercraft Style Asian Inspired Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer, Mastercraft
Located in Esperance, NY
Mastercraft style Asian inspired brass coffee table
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Onassis White Lacquer Chairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four "Jackie Onassis" chairs by Karl Springer, circa 1980s. Finished in glossy white lacquer and upholstered in a black leather with a slight s...
Category
1980s American American Craftsman Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Octagonal Mirror in Shagreen Lacquer with Brass Accents, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional wall hanging mirror, octagonal with artisan shagreen lacquer with brass accents, by Karl Springer, American 1980's. Mirror is beveled.
Reference:
Karl Springer LTD pa...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Brass End Table with Beveled Black Glass Top 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Triangular Leg Metal End Table" in polished brass with beveled black glass top by Karl Springer, American 1980's. This table is meticulously crafted and is a fine example of Springe...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Bullet Up Light" in Polished Chrome 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Bullet Up Light" in polished chrome with honeycomb diffuser by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This is a meticulously crafted accent light.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare Pair of Karl Springer Vintage Travertine & Rattan Candle Holder's
By Karl Springer
Located in Bellport, NY
Rare pair of candle holders in tessellated stalactite travertine, pencil reed rattan, and brass. This set is meticulously made in beautiful materials for Karl Springer circa 1980's.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Karl Springer Rare Sea Shell Mirror, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare wall-hanging mirror covered with sea shells arranged in a beautiful arc top pattern by Karl Springer, American 1970's. As with all Springer pieces, this is meticulously crafted ...
Category
1970s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shell, Wood
Karl Springer Molding Mirror Covered in Black Cobra 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is meticulously crafted.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Python, Wood
Karl Springer "T-Style Console Table" in Lacquered Linen, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"T-Style Console Table" covered in two-tone lacquered linen with 3 drawers by Karl Springer, American 1970’s. A classic Springer design, meticulously made in the finest materials. D...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Lacquer
Karl Springer "Athena Pedestal" in Chrome with Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Athena Pedestal" in polished chrome with inset brass channel by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. Springer loved to mix metals in luxurious ways. This pedestal exemplifies that.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
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...
Category
1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matched pair of Karl Springer floor lamps
executed in the style of Maison Jansen.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Franc 1940s design reimagined by Karl Springer,
Label below
Category
Late 20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
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.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Hippo Suede 1977 'Signed and Dated'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large wall-hanging "Half Round Molding Mirror" covered in hippopotamus suede by Karl Springer, American 1977 (signed on back “Karl Springer 1977”). Mirror is beveled. It is one of th...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Glass, Wood
Italian Scavo Murano Glass Candlestick by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s glamorous Italian Scavo Murano glass candlestick designed by Karl Springer for Seguso.
Constructed of rough texture amber and clear M...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Rectangular Coffee Table in Batik with Recessed Lighting 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Faceted rectangular coffee table in black batik fabric with bone inlays, over pedestal base with recessed lighting, by Karl Springer, American 1970's...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wire
Karl Springer Rare Pair of Large Waterfall Side Tables in Black Lizard Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer rare pair of large waterfall side or end tables covered in black lizard embossed leather with brass drawers and original thick glass shelves below. These exquisite pair of side tables are the larger scaled model...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Lucite Floor Lamp, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Lucite floor lamp, circa 1970. Chrome base.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
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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