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 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
Signed Karl Springer Ostrich Embossed Leather Side Table
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This iconic and rare waterfall design vintage side table by Karl Springer features a recessed drawer and 3/4 inch thick glass shelf (chip to glass on backside - not visible). Can be ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass
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
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
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 Snakeskin Telephone Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Water Mill, NY
Karl Springer signed snakeskin telephone table on brass
wheels. In pale yellow
Category
Late 20th Century Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Serpentine, Brass
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
Karl Springer Telephone Table Snakeskin and Brass, 1990
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Postmodern 'telephone' side or end table by designer Karl Springer, 1990. Table is covered in a beautiful authentic snakeskin in a medium brown and supported by small bra...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Grey Goatskin Ball Table Lamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Ball table lamp designed by Karl Springer covered in grey goat skin with brass details.
Category
20th Century North American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
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
Rare Collectible Pair of Karl Springer Mustard and Khaki Ceramic Lamps
By Karl Springer
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare valuable pair of Karl Springer hand painted table lamps in mustard and khaki with an abstract loose zebra-esque pattern.
Adjustable rod, two sockets 60 watt each
Note: Str...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Karl Springer Snake Skin Two-Tier Side Tables
By Karl Springer
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Karl Springer snake skin two-tier side tables. One with embossed leather label "Karl Springer 1983".
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Karl Springer Exceptional Ostrich Skin Coffee Table 1980s (Signed)
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Elegant coffee table covered in ostrich skin with glass top by Karl Springer, American 1970's (signed with metal Karl Springer label on bottom). This table is a beautiful example of...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
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
Large Copper Vase by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Art Deco inspired large, substantial copper vase on three solid brass disc feet. Designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s.
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Copper
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
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
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
Pair of Brass and Gunmetal Table Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare pair of gunmetal and brass table lamps design by Karl Pringer in the 1980s. It’s rare to find this as lamps, they are usually candlesticks. They have been newly rewired with n...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Karl Springer Polished Steel and Brass Bench
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Original circa 1970s Karl Springer polished stainless steel X-frame bench, with brass details and new black kid glove leather upholstery.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Karl Springer "Sculpture" Side Tables in Sandstone
By Karl Springer
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a rare pair of "Sculpture" tables in sandstone, bronze and glass, 12 inch diameter base By Karl Springer.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Sandstone, Bronze
Pair of Karl Springer Mahogany Club Chairs
By Karl Springer
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in orange velvet, signs of normal wear on the velvet. Mahogany has been recently polished and is in excellent condition.
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Pair of Signed Steel Brass Headboards by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Signed Steel Brass Headboards by Karl Springer 1980s
Presenting an extraordinary discovery from a lavish Palm Beach, Florida estate, we offer a breathtaking pair of custom-designed headboards hailing from the early 1980s. Crafted by the renowned Karl Springer Workshop, these headboards stand offer timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. Each headboard bears the leather signature tags of the legendary Karl Springer himself, elevating their value to a remarkable level of rarity.
The exquisite combination of materials transcends the ordinary, forging an extraordinary visual symphony. Stealing the spotlight, the headboards boast a captivating ‘black oxide’ and brass finish, bestowing an air of sophistication and mystique upon their surroundings.
Indulge in the magnificence of these headboards’ grand dimensions, which, when ingeniously combined, transform into a magnificent king headboard. With every glance, your eyes will be drawn to the mesmerizing gunmetal and brass details adorning the lustrous brass structure, imparting a sense of regality and grace.
Designed with practicality in mind, these headboards mount...
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 Side or End Table in Tessellated Stone Signed
By Karl Springer
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Karl Springer Side or End Table in Tessellated Stone Signed
Two-Tier Table with Drawer signed Karl Springer. Gorgeous, seldom-seen two-tier table in tessellated stone with brass inl...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Stone, Brass
Monumental "Saturn" Mirror by Karl Springer, 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Enormous "Saturn" mirror in bevelled glass by Karl Springer, 1980s. Minor age appropriate wear (see photos) that in no way detracts from the striking and impressive quality of this m...
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Karl Springer White Lacquered Crocodile Leather Coffee Table 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table covered in white embossed crocodile leather by Karl Springer, American, 1970s. A beautiful and luxurious Karl Springer design.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Modernist Lacquered Parchment Side Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Montreal, QC
Unusual pair of lacquered parchment side tables by Karl Springer with interlocking glass top.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Glass
Karl Springer Lighthouse Tablelamp
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
‘Lighthouse’ table lamp designed by Karl Springer.
This cone shaped lamp is covered by Pale Blue Shagreen with brass details.
Category
20th Century American Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Shagreen
Karl Springer Bullfrog Skin Box, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural lidded box covered in bullfrog skin with brass hinge by Karl Springe, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Animal Skin
Set of Eight "Regency" Armchairs by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful set of eight "Regency" armchairs designed by Karl Springer in original lacquered lacewood.
Category
1980s Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Vintage Karl Springer JMF Armchair (Gilt) by Enrique Garcel for Jimeco
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Vintage Karl Springer style Chair by Jimeco. Designed by Enrique Garcel.
Loss and damage to the Applied Gold Leaf . Will require some restoration. As well as the creation/u...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Wood
Magnificent Pair Karl Springer Marbleized Blue Lacquer Lucite Table Lamps, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent and rare pair of Karl Springer marbleized blue lacquer and Lucite bubble table lamps, USA, 1970s. Retains Springer's original marbleized blue lacquered finish over three ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer Octagonal Chrome and Marbelized Lacquer Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in Chicago, IL
Karl Springer octagonal mirror with 1" bevel, framed in a butterscotch yellow veined lacquer that resembles marble at much less weight. Polis...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Karl Springer Benin Head on Custom Lucite Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Authentic bronze Benin head on a custom Lucite base by Karl Springer, American 1970s (comes with a Letter of Authentication from Karl Springer's former Dire...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Murano Glass Torchère Floor Lamp by Karl Springer for Seguso
By Karl Springer, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous Murano scavo glass torchère floor lamp designed by Karl Springer in the 1980s for Seguso Italy.
The lamp is signed by Karl Springer. The lamp takes a regular Edison ligh...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Gunmetal Wall Scones
By Karl Springer
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These unique pair of 'Spun Shaped Wall Scones´ were designed by Karl Springer. The wall scones are made of Gunmetal and are placed on detailed Lucite backs which are made of satinate...
Category
1970s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Metal
1970s Modernist Chromed Center Table by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superb polished stainless steel "tulip" center table having a thick disc base and three flaring brass accented arms supporting a round glass top.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Karl Springer Monumental "Half Round Molding Mirror" in Lacquered Goatskin 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Monumental "Half Round Molding Mirror with Step Down Detail" in lacquered goatskin with beveled mirror by Karl Springer, American 1970's. This mirror is very impressive in scale and the goatskin is luxurious.
Reference:
Karl Springer Ltd red binder catalog published in the 1980’s, section titled “mirrors...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer, Goatskin
Karl Springer Hand Lacquered Kyoto Box 1984
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Kyoto Box" in double glaze faux mushroom shagreen lacquer with faux ivory inlay detail on matching Stand by Karl Springer, American, 1984. (Shown with origi...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
Large-Scale Leather and Brass Ottoman by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A large-scale leather and heavy brass ottoman designed by Karl Springer.
Newly reupholster in a distressed gray leather.
The round heavy brass bottom has hidden wheels, making movi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer Souffle Ottoman or Pouf Double Size
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Custom created for a home filled with Karl Springer is this rare double length "souffle" ottoman pouf. A unique piece for it's size. Original fabric is in great condition but would a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Brass and Lucite Tulip Sconces by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
By Karl Springer circa 1970s, this pair of sconces were made of solid brass and Lucite, wall-mounted and each holds two sockets, a great example of 1970s design that is inspired by g...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Sconces in Patinated Bronze and Lucite by Karl Springer 1980s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Pair of patinated bronze sconces with illuminating sand-blasted Lucite inserts by Karl Springer, American, 1980s. This is the large version of these sconces. These sconces give off a lot of up light since each has 2 bulbs. They are stunning Springer sconces.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Massive Pair of Karl Springer Purcell Sconces in Gun Metal finish , 1970s , USA
By Karl Springer
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Iconic pair of Art Deco style sconces.
Extremely light conductive vertical sculptural (waterfall like) slice of Lucite stacked together, mounted on a brass structure plated with...
Category
1970s American Art Deco Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Signed Karl Springer Table Lamp with a Sandblasted Glass Base, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in Vienna, AT
An impressive and rare table lamp by Karl Springer in the 1970s. Has a beautiful sandblasted glass base. In excellent condition, has a refurbished lampshade. Signed on bottom.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Glass
Pair of Sandblasted Lucite Torchere by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of monumental torchiere floor lamps. These oversized lamps were designed by Karl Springer for Karl Springer Ltd, circa 1970s for bespoken spacious interior as statement lighting. Will look amazing in a large living room or dinging room...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass
Karl Springer "Regency Arm Chair" in Lacewood Veneer, 1970s
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
"Regency armchair" in lacewood veneer with leather seat and back by Karl Springer, American, 1970s.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Nickel and Lucite Lamp By Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Thick lucite stem with incised center channel on each side sites in chromed base with chrome accents. Highest quality construction.
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
Karl Springer Embossed Leather Waste Paper Basket
By Karl Springer
Located in New York, NY
Karl Springer (1930-1991)
Square waste paper basket with curved sides wrapped entirely
in tan lizard embossed leather.
American, circa 1980.
Category
1980s American Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Leather
Large Ron Seff Goat Skin Rare Lucite Base Expandable Dining Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Westport, CT
Ron Seff Goat Skin Lucite base versatile extra-large expandable dining/conference table, when closed 72" with two leave 20"each when fully opened
112" in exceptional condition bevel...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Goatskin, Lucite, Wood
Pair of Large Karl Springer Murano Scavo Glass Table Lamps, Signed
By Archimede Seguso, Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pr Karl Springer Murano art glass table lamps.
Large Trumpet form glass elements with lobed glass base. Textured milky finish. Signed Karl Spring...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Karl Springer Console Dining Table Authenticated
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of authenticated tulip table bases designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, Ltd. The bases are currently configured as a pair of console tables with glass tops, but they can ...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp with String Shade by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Toledo, OH
A fantastic table lamp by Karl Springer. This great lamp features three round plaster compressed spheres separated by two Lucite spacers. It has a two light cluster socket with Sprin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Lucite
Pair of Etruscan Wall Sconces Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of wall Etruscan sconces designed and manufactured by Karl Springer, circa 1970s. Made of chromed steel with opaque Lucite. Great proportion with modern materials and silhouet...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Pair of Lucite and Chrome Floor Lamps by Karl Springer
By Karl Springer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of beautiful Lucite and chrome floor lamps designed and manufactured by Karl Springer in the early 1970s for a private home in NY.
The lamps came from the original owners and a...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Karl Springer Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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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