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 "Dorchester Coffee Table" in Figured Anigre, 1990s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Dorchester Coffee Table" in figured Anigre with Marquetry border inlay on top with gold leaf accents by Karl Springer, American, 1990s (signed with Springer label). This table is me...
Category
1990s American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Karl Springer Tulip Armchair
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer Tulip armchair. The chair is gilt leather over wood. Signed underneath.
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
Polish Stainless Steel Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980’s solid polish stainless steel wastebasket by Karl Springer.
Out of a Steve Chase designed estate. We also have one available in pol...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Karl Springer Clear and Marbleized Brown Bubble Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful rare pair of Karl Springer clear and cased brown Lucite bubble lamps. A central stem in chrome hold two-light sockets.
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
Karl Springer White Snake Skin Lidded Box with Semi Precious Stone, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Artisan box in white snake skin on outside with a semi-precious stone on top by Karl Springer, American 1970's. The craftsmanship on Springer’s pieces is unsurpassed.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Karl Springer Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp" 1980s 'signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare "Giacometti Style Table Lamp” in patinated bronze by Karl Springer, American 1980's (Karl Springer label on bottom). This artisan table lamp is superbly made.
Measures:
Shade ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1980s Karl Springer Ltd Lacquered Goatskin Dry Bar Service 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
53 W x 19.7...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Parchment Paper, Goatskin
Karl Springer Mid Century Lacquered Goat Skin Side End Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Countryside, 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
This piece is available in what we call restored vintage condi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
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 "Tray Top Side Table" in Embossed Lizard Leather 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
2-tier "Tray Top Side Table" covered in embossed lizard leather with drawer by Karl Springer, American 1980's (signed on drawer with metal label which reads "Karl Springer"). This ta...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Lucite Sculpture Leg Coffee Table, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Lucite sculpture leg coffee table by Karl Springer with glass top.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass, Lucite
Karl Springer Waterfall Side Table in Embossed Lizard Leather 1993 'Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Waterfall side table covered in embossed lizard leather with drawer and glass shelf by Karl Springer, American 1993, (label on bottom reads "Karl Springer 1993"). The quality of this...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Wood
Karl Springer Design Murano Italy Scavo Art Glass Candle Pillar Set, Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare set of 3 Murano Italy Scavo art glass candlestick pillars designed by Karl Springer.
Shortest is signed/etched "Karl Springer" on base, circa 1980...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Karl Springer Snakeskin Covered Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Karl Springer snakeskin box with suede interior.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Karl Springer "Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" 1980s 'Signed'
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Venetian Glass Wall Sconce" in amber glass with scavo finish and bronze detail by Seguso (Murano Italy) for Karl Springer, American, 1980s ...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Original Signed Karl Springer Large Wall Hanging Mirror in Tessellated Horn
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This rare and signed large Karl Springer mirror in tessellated horn with deco style accents. It is very heavy and beveled mirror which makes this a wonderful and impressive scale mir...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Horn
Signed Karl Springer Python Skin Parsons Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A Karl Springer python skin Parsons table signed with leather tag on the underside. Signed and dated 1991.
Category
Karl Springer Furniture
Karl Springer Snake-Textured Leather and Bronze Regency Modern Cocktail Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Karl Springer Snake-textured leather (or leatherette) and bronze Regency modern cocktail table. This is an original Karl Springer piece and retains...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass
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...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shagreen
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs in Lacewood by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of eight regency armchairs in lacewood with original leather designed by Karl Springer for a Steven Chase interior.
Category
1970s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Rare Karl Springer "Galaxy Sconces" in Brass and Faceted Lucite, 1990s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare “Galaxy Sconces” in brass with illuminating green faceted lucite backs by Karl Springer, American 1990's. The lucite on these sconces has the appearance of hand-chipped ...
Category
1990s American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Scavo Glass Floor Lamp, Seguso, 1980
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer Scavo glass floor lamp, Seguso 1980. Murano Scavo glass torchere floor lamp designed by Karl Springer for Seguso, Italy, circa ...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass
Clear Murano Glass Candleholder by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1980s hand blown Murano glass candleholder designed by Karl Springer. Hand signed by Karl Springer (see detail photos).
Measuremen...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Dark Brown Scored Leather Bench by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970s H dark brown scored leather bench by renowned designer Karl Springer.
The bench is constructed of wood covered in dark brown scored leather.
Newly restored. Shows minor wear consistent with age.
Sheep rug...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Karl Springer Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces", 1980s
By Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of "Venetian Glass Wall Sconces" in artisan mercury glass with scavo finish, lucite backs and brass accents by Seguso for Karl Springer...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Table lamp designed by Karl Springer.
These beautiful oval table lamps are typical for the Karl Springer Design
and has dark black color with blue stripes inlay.
Category
20th Century North American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Extra Large Goatskin Beveled Mirror by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A spectacular extra large half round molding beveled mirror with step down detail. The mirror was designed by Karl Springer LTD in the 1980s. The mirror is covered with goatskin and ...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
Pair of Oak Onassis Chairs by Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of oak Onassis chairs by Karl Springer, Mid-Century Modern, new upholstery in faux sheepskin.
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Oak
Swing Arm Vanity / Shaving Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Swing arm chrome and brass vanity / shaving mirror by Karl Springer. Measured as shown. Mirror 13.5" diameter.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exuberant example of Karl Springers' lighting
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Gold Leaf Brass and Chrome Candlesticks by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous set of three gold leaf brass and chrome candlesticks design by renowned American designer Karl Springer in the 1980s. The gold leaf brass finish is very unusual as they a...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Karl Springer "Souffle Ottoman" in Blue Velvet
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
Original pair of Karl Springer Souffle ottomans/poufs on casters for easy moving. Polished steel base and blue velvet upholstery.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel
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
Polished Brass Wastebasket by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1980s polish brass and black lacquered wastebasket by Karl Springer. Constructed of solid brass with the inside black lacquered. Newly professionally polished and lacquer...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Rain Drum Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A great example of this form complimented by its original
iridized surface. With a marble top.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
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 White Scored Leather Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Karl Springer white leather bench
Original surface
Leather label.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Stacked Disc Lucite Table Lamp, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Impressive midcentury Lucite stacked disk table lamp by Karl Springer, 1970s
Shade not included.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
Snake Skin Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Two-tier snakeskin side table by Karl Springer, Signed.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Adrian Purcell Wall Sconces Sconces
By Karl Springer
Located in New Haven, CT
This Classic pair of Art Deco gunmetal wall sconce's was designed for "Purcell" by Karl Springer. This form comes in a few color and material variations.
The gunmetal and clear Glass...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass
Karl Springer Sculptural Lucite Cocktail Table Base with Brass Caps Vintage
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. One...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Python Snakeskin Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Coffee table by Karl Springer wrapped in python snake skin. Hand-signed to underside [Karl Springer 1987].
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Karl Springer Pedestals
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These two beautiful crafted pedestal which have been produced by Karl Spinger Ltd., have a Anigre- Wood Veneer and the base and top is covered in dark Lea...
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
Pair of Signed Springer Bleached Oak Onassis Chairs, 1983 - Two Pairs Available
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Beach-chic tones of cream, white, oyster grey and palest taupe make these bleached oak 1980s Karl Springer "Onassis" chairs absolute stunners. Expertly upholstered in a luxe cream bo...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Oak, Bouclé
Vintage Embossed Leather Desk by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An elegant vintage leather desk designed by iconic designer Karl Springer in the United States, circa 1970s. Standing out for its minimalist design, this desk has 2 large drawers that are great for storing documents and office supplies...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Karl Springer Modern Round Table and Armchairs in Faux Lizard Embossed Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Modern dining room set consisting of a round table and four armchairs, designed by Karl Springer. The set is surfaced in faux-lizard embossed leather. The chairs with armrests have a...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather
Complimentary Pair Karl Springer Lucite and Gun Metal Torchiere Floor Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gunmetal mirror finish shade and base with clear Lucite stem set in bronze cuffs, circa 1970s, American. These are from two different production runs, ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
Karl Springer Pivoting Painted Goatskin Box
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pivoting box, covered in sliced petrified coral
Label below.
See photo can to get a sense of scale.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin
Modern Sculptural Bench Clad in Scored Brown Leather by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern sculptural bench clad in brown scored leather by Karl Springer. Very good condition. Dimensions: 18" depth x 44" W x 22" H, seat height 16.5".
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Gunmetal and Chrome Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous 1970s gunmetal and chrome floor lamp by American renowned designer Karl Springer. The lamp has been newly rewired and has a new chocolate brown faux lizard shade.
Overal...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Signed Karl Springer Side Table with Cantilevered Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
A gunmetal and glass cantilevered cocktail table designed by Karl Springer. Singed at foot of base.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
Karl Springer Animal Print Foo Dog Petite Rolling Two-Tier Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Karl Springer signed and dated, muted green and black covered black Foo Dog printed animal two-tier table, with original brass casters.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Pagoda Style Dining Table" in Lacquered Goatskin, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Pagoda Style Dining Table" in lacquered goatskin by Karl Springer, American 1980s. This beautiful dining table is meticulously crafted and a wonderful example of Springer’s craftsma...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Wood, Lacquer
Documented Karl Springer Set of Three Midcentury Brass and Chrome Candlesticks
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic set of candlesticks were realized by Karl Springer- one of the most influential and important designers of the 20th century- in America, circa 1985. It features a concave base and a convex top connected by a cylindrical body all in lustrous brass with a chrome banding at the base and pinnacle of the bodies. Two of the candles are the same length, while the third (meant to be positioned in the center) is taller. The candle affixes to the center of the top of each candle stick via a pointed conical pin in chrome. With its austere form and bold modernist lines- inspired by the verve and élan of first rate Art Deco design- these candlesticks are as versatile as they are gorgeous. They would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Excellent condition. The candlesticks are documented on page 17 of the Springer catalogue...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Karl Springer Gunmetal, Brass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional, iconic Parsons style coffee table in heavy gunmetal with a smoked glass inset top and brass pinstripe inlay. Pictured in the Karl Springer catalog. In overall great cond...
Category
20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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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