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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 Rare Mounted Magnifying Lens, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Rare adjustable magnifying lens with beautifully crafted mount in polished chrome and brass by Karl Springer, American 1980's. The mixed metal gives it a truly bespoke look.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

20th Century American Tall Frosted Lucite Helix Floor Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vintage Mid-Century Modern American stacked helix spiral staircase floor lamp made of hand crafted clear frosted lucite glass with a new white shade. Designed and produced by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Glass

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, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

Karl Springer Kyoto Box / Table
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rarely seen Karl Springer Kyoto Box Original surface with minor touchups Original suede interior.
Category

1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood

Karl Springer Stainless Steel Coffee Table with Brass and Glass Top
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Karl Springer stainless steel coffee table with brass and glass top Offered for sale is a 1980s Karl Springer stainless steel coffee t...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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

Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco Sculptural Waterfall Bench Mid-Century Modern
By Karl Springer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Karl Springer Red Leather Art Deco sculptural waterfall bench Mid-Century Modern. Item features red burnished leather wrapped frame, sleek waterfa...
Category

1980s North American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Carved Horn Inlay Console / Sofa Table by Karl Springer, Ltd. USA, c. 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Karl Springer console / sofa / entry table. Sculptural form in tessellated horn inlay. Expertly restored and in very good to excellent condition. Sold with a digital certificate of a...
Category

1970s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Karl Springer & Lynn Shelton, Coffee Table, Painted Paper, Wood, America, c 1980
By Lynn Shelton , Karl Springer
Located in High Point, NC
An organic / biomorphic coffee / cocktail table, designed and produced by Karl Springer, painted by Lynn Shelton in beige / yellow tones, c. 1980. Signed Lynn Shelton 11/80' along lo...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Plywood, Paper

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

Karl Springer Mid-Century Modern Brass, Gunmetal & Lucite Floor Lamp America
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
6 feet tall amazing and rare floor lamp by Karl Springer made in American in the 1970s. The Bronze Finish gunmetal stem is covered in Lucite with Brass De...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 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

Rare Karl Springer Signed Prototype JMF Bench with Tooled Leather
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is the original prototype for Karl Springers JMF bench. Executed in fabulous tooled leather with abstract design, gold leaf brass legs and gold leaf ste...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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 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

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 Burl Olivewood Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer burl olivewood coffee table. The table has cylindrical shaped legs with polished chrome mounts.
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Chrome

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 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 "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

Goatskin Coffee Table, 1970
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Glass

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

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 Embossed Leather Square Game Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern embossed leather square game dining table by Karl Springer.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Leather

Pair of Black Lacquer Lamps with Faux Lapis Inlays by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful pair of lamps a classic Karl Springer design. the lacquer bodies are in very fine condition and the faux details of lapis and gold is a wonderful detail. The shades are o...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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

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 "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 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

Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Karl Springer Wood Lacquer and Brass Table Lamps 1970's Superb pair of heavy ovate table lamps constructed of solid wood with polished sm...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Lucite and Chrome Table Lamp by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980s glamorous clear Lucite and polish chrome table lamp by renowned American designer Karl Springer. Newly rewired and new oatmeal linen shade. The acrylic shows some crazing from ...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Lucite

Karl Springer Lucite, Glass and Gold Plated Over Brass Console, Desk or Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant vintage Karl Springer console table, writing desk, entry table or dining table has 4 arched lucite columns that rest on a 22 carat gold plated over brass angled plinth p...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Gold, Brass

Signed Karl Springer Goatskin and Smoked Glass Coffee Table
By Karl Springer
Located in North Miami, FL
Elegant Parson's style coffee table by Karl Springer in matte-finished, pale bleached goatskin with contrasting smoked glass top, circa 1980. Leather maker's label.
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Goatskin, Smoked Glass, Wood

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 Mastercraft, Karl Springer
Located in Esperance, NY
Mastercraft style Asian inspired brass coffee table
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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 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 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

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

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 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 Large "Molding Mirror" Covered in Black Cobra, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Large "Molding Mirror" in black cobra by Karl Springer, American, 1970's. Mirror is beveled. This piece is meticulously crafted in the finest materials.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass, Animal Skin

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

Original Karl Springer Television Cabinet 1989 Goatskin
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Cabinet covered in goatskin with clear finish. Two doors with stainless steel pulls, cabinet has black interior.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Karl Springer "Sculpture Table" in Sandstone and Brass, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
"Sculpture" table by Karl Springer in sandstone, brass screw cap and 1" thick glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer. This table is very heavy at over 200 lbs!
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Sandstone, Brass

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 Stainless Steel & Leather Bench, 1980’s
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer stainless steel and leather bench, circa 1980’s. All original.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

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 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

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

Rare Large Karl Springer Bronzed Dressing Table/ Vanity Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This iconic large Karl Springer Art Deco inspired vanity make-up mirror dates to the 1970s-1980s. Made from stainless steel and bronzed finish brass,...
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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

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

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 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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