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.
$11,850 / set
H 29 in W 32 in D 32 in
Midcentury Baker Ebonized & Oak Game Table and Four Barrel-back Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
the square game table with 'floating' top of radiating oak veneer; above an ebonized body fitted with two drawers with oak secondary wood; raised on tapering, stepped quadrangular su...
Wood
Mid-Century Game Table Set
Located in North Charleston, SC
Mid-Century Game Table Set. Made with a suspected mix of burl and mahogany wood veneer and white fabric with black trim. The square table is 25.5" and 25" tall. Set of 4 chairs. The ...
Wood
$15,966Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 30.32 in Dm 55.12 in
21st Century Wellesley Game Table Set Leather Wood by Wood Tailors Club
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
A prestigious member of one of the most exclusive Gentlemen's clubs in London, the 1st Duke of Willingdon was the tribute behind this timeless design. Envisioned for the discerning ...
Leather, Wood
$14,687 / set
H 27.56 in W 53.94 in D 53.94 in
Knoll Studio "Florence Knoll" Round Dining Table & 4 "Brno" Armchair Suite
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is a sublime, immaculately-presented suite consisting of a "Florence Knoll" Round Dining Table in "Carrara" Marble and 4 "Brno" Flat-Bar Armchairs in Ivory ...
Marble
$3,843 / set
H 46.86 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
20th Century American Dining Table & Four Chairs By McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Welcome to the timeless legacy of John and Elinor, the beloved founders of the iconic McGuire Furniture, a San Francisco-based institution that has been synonymous with craftsmanship and creativity since its inception in 1948. As a dynamic couple, their lifelong partnership laid the foundation for the distinctive McGuire style, a harmonious fusion of natural materials such as rattan and hide with the sleek lines inspired by Asian aesthetics. Discover the essence of their visionary work embodied in this exquisite dining table and matching chairs—a testament to their enduring impact on design. Crafted in the latter part of the 20th century, this McGuire dining set showcases the hallmark bamboo frame that is quintessentially McGuire. The table, adorned with a rectangular beveled glass top in pristine condition, stands as a testament to the timeless elegance of McGuire's craftsmanship. The bamboo base boasts a delightful warm hue, effortlessly infusing any modern interior with the inviting, relaxed ambiance reminiscent of California design. Immerse yourself in the classic beauty of McGuire Furniture, where each piece tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of mid-century California style. Some history about the manufacturers: Like so many artists and designers, husband and wife John McGuire (1920–2013) and Elinor Stevenson (1914–2005) became masters in their trade by accident. The couple met just before the start of World War II (during which John was in the U.S. Navy and Elinor was a navigation instructor) and got married after it ended. They settled down in San Francisco where John held a couple of jobs — among them selling newspaper ads for the San Francisco Examiner while Elinor worked for Boeing Aircraft. Soon, an old Navy buddy of John’s asked him to help sell a bunch of rattan furniture and, needing the money, John agreed. His side business became so successful that John decided to quit his ad-sales job and work full-time in design. In 1948, McGuire Furniture Company was born. Alongside themed-century modern furniture designs then gaining popularity in the United States, John introduced an unconventional idea: traditional armchairs, stools and tables made of natural materials such as bamboo, which was strong yet could be rendered pliable when steamed, that were intended for the indoors rather than the front porch. The brand’s first success was the now famous Director’s X-Chair byLeonard Linden. The military-campaign-style solid oak folding chair launched in 1956 and saw rattan binded with rawhide strips and a high-grade leather slug seat and back that eliminated the need for a plush cushion. Elinor, too, designed some of the brand’s popular pieces, such as 1968’s Cracked Ice chair. With its rattan oval back a dazzling celebration of geometric forms that give it its charming moniker, the Cracked Ice chair was an instant classic and is one of the brand’s most recognisable designs. Today, McGuire and another American furniture manufacturer, Baker Furniture Company, comprise Baker Interiors Group. McGuire remains true to the founders’ ideals and commitment to crafting the kind of organic modern furnishings that are synonymous with the warm and relaxed feel of California design. The company has collaborated with interior designersSteven Volpe, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Nicole Hollis...
Glass, Fabric, Bamboo
$10,000 / set
H 31 in W 34 in D 34 in
Tolled Leather Top Game Table 4 New Upholstery French Matching Dining Chair MINT
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Tolled Leather Top Game Table 4 New Upholstery French Matching Dining Chairs 5 Pieces Set MINT!
Brass
Leather Top Card Table With 4 Chairs
Located in Pomona, CA
A leather top card table with a Louis XV-style set of four side chairs. Chairs are 19.50"W, 21"D, 35"H, seat 18.50" H.
Wood
$6,743
H 28.35 in W 43.31 in D 43.31 in
Game table set with table and four matching armchairs by unknown maker.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Game table set with table and four matching armchairs in mahogany and new seat in textile (RØMØ, colour 67-111/104). By unknown maker.
Cane, Mahogany
$2,995 / set
H 27.5 in W 44 in D 44 in
StavOak Dining Game Table & 4 Chairs Jack Daniels’ Barrel Staves Jobie G Redmond
By Jack Daniels
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome original StavOak dining table or game table and glass top with four (4) chairs designed by Jobie G. Redmond and made from Jack Daniels’ barrel staves...
Oak
Set Table et 4 chaises Boris Tabacoff 1960
Located in BAUD, FR
Len set comprend la table ronde de Boris Tabacoo avec son splendire pied en porte a faux Les chaises sont assorties et representent le meme pietement Ensemble dans son jus pour les s...
Metal
Set of Eight Custom Dining / Occasional Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set of stools. Quality made with tan leather seats and galvanized steel architectural bases. Original vintage condition, minor wear with a nice patina consistent with age and...
Steel
Architectural Black Steel Table with Patina for Dining or Work
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great table for any occasion. For dining or work. Original vintage condition showing a wonderful patina with minor wear, some light scratches. Solid and sturdy.
Steel
JMF Occasional Chair Ecart International
By Ecart International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean-Michel Frank design. Limited reissue. Solid wood with wrapped rattan. Original vintage condition. Solid and sturdy. Presents well for any decor as an accent or desk chair..
Rattan, Wood
American Studio Craft Occasional Chairs Walnut + Cord Irving Sabo
By Irving Sabo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original design. Limited. Surviver. Handcrafted solid walnut with cord. Fine original vintage condition. Normal wear with nice patina consistent with age and use. Solid and sturdy...
Cord, Wood
Desert Modernism Occasional Ottomans / Poufs Albert Frey USA
By Albert Frey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1903 - 1998 Frey was an architect whom resided in Palm Springs California. The few pieces of furniture that he did for his interiors are not mass produced. Only a hand-full of his pi...
Wood
Occasional Parchment Chair Carlo Bugatti Palazzetti Italy
By Carlo Bugatti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Limited license production by Palazzetti Italy. Mahogany wood construction with parchment (goat skin) seat and backrest. Original vintage condition showing minor wear / patina c...
Parchment Paper, Mahogany
