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Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

American, German, 1927-2016

The pioneers of modern furniture design in America in the mid-20th century all had their moments of flamboyance: Charles and Ray Eames produced the startling, biomorphic La Chaise; George Nelson’s firm created the Marshmallow sofa; Edward Wormley had his decadent Listen to Me chaise. But no designer of the day steadily offered works with more verve and dynamism than Vladimir Kagan. While others, it seems, designed with suburban households in mind, Kagan aimed to suit the tastes of young, sophisticated city-dwellers. With signature designs that feature sleekly curved frames and others that have dramatic out-thrust legs, Kagan made furniture sexy.

Kagan’s father was a Russian master cabinetmaker who took his family first to Germany (where Vladimir was born) and then to New York in 1938. After studying architecture at Columbia University, Kagan opened a design firm at age 22 and immediately made a splash with his long, low and sinuous Serpentine sofa. Furniture lines such as the Tri-symmetric group of glass-topped, three-legged tables and the vivacious Contours chairs soon followed.

Kagan’s choices of form and materials evolved through subsequent decades, embracing lucite, aluminum and burl-wood veneers. By the late 1960s, Kagan was designing austere, asymmetrical cabinets and his Omnibus group of modular sofas and chairs. For all his aesthetic élan, Kagan said that throughout his career, his touchstone was comfort. “A lot of modern furniture was not comfortable. And so comfort is: form follows function. The function was to make it comfortable,” he once commented. “I created what I called vessels for the human body.”

A diverse group of bodies have made themselves at home with Kagan designs. Among the famous names who commissioned and collected his designs are Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Andy Warhol, David Lynch, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and firms such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani. His work is in numerous museum collections, including those of the Victoria & Albert and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Because of its idiosyncrasy, Kagan’s work did not lend itself to mass-production. Kagan never signed on with any of the major furniture-making corporations, and examples of his designs are relatively rare. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, even decades after their conception, Kagan pieces still command the eye, with their freshness, energy, sensuality and wit.

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Creator: Vladimir Kagan
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

By Directional, Vladimir Kagan

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan, Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Vladimir Kagan, Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s

Vladimir Kagan, Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s

By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of walnut and white bouclé fabric arm chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 25.5" All...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Model #100A Barrel Lounge Chair in Velvet, c. 1973, Signed
Vladimir Kagan Model #100A Barrel Lounge Chair in Velvet, c. 1973, Signed

Vladimir Kagan Model #100A Barrel Lounge Chair in Velvet, c. 1973, Signed

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare collectors piece is the Vladimir Kagan model #100-A 'Barrel Lounge Chair' on ball casters, designed in 1947, signed with Vladimir Kagan Designs label. The gorgeous velvet is in a red color but with a hint of burnt orange tone giving it a beautiful warmth and softness that can benefit any space. Signature curvaceous arms make this Barrel chair easily recognizable by design fans and a go-to choice for top interior designs throughout the world. This incredible collector's piece is a glimpse into Vladi's history. The 100-A Barrel chair was designed in 1947, this particular example was produced in circa 1973 in Kagan's new (at the time) state of the art factory in Long Island, after the Hugo Dreyfuss factory burned down in 1972. Highly sought-after by both collectors and interior designers - signed examples like this one being the most desirable as Kagan's designs were often copied throughout the years. This Barrel club chair by Vladimir Kagan for Vladimir Kagan Designs would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as a side chair, cafe or breakfast table chair, bedside chair...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan, American Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Armchairs, USA, 1970s
Vladimir Kagan, American Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Armchairs, USA, 1970s

Vladimir Kagan, American Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Armchairs, USA, 1970s

By Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc., Vladimir Kagan

Located in Stamford, CT

Vladimir Kagan, American Mid-Century Modern, Lucite, Fabric, Occasional Chairs, USA, 1970s Pair of lucite and fabric occasional chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Kagan-Dreyfuss ...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Rare "Cubist" Armchair in Oak 1960s
Vladimir Kagan Rare "Cubist" Armchair in Oak 1960s

Vladimir Kagan Rare "Cubist" Armchair in Oak 1960s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Brooklyn, NY

One beautiful and rare Vladimir Kagan “Cubist” armchair 1960s. The striking sculptural and sturdy frame is made out of solid Oak. This conversation starte...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Oak

Very Rare Model 175-C Sculptured Lounge Armchair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1950s
Very Rare Model 175-C Sculptured Lounge Armchair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1950s

Very Rare Model 175-C Sculptured Lounge Armchair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1950s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An incredibly rare and highly sought-after Vladimir Kagan Model 175C 'Sculptured Walnut Arm Chair' designed in 1950 (see catalogue photo), this early product...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, PAIR
Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, PAIR

Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, PAIR

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in North Miami, FL

Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby bouclé, these 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s. These cla...

Category

1980s American Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchair for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980
Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchair for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980

Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchair for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980

By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Vladimir Kagan tripod armchair for Weiman, black leather, USA, 1980 The Vladimir Kagan armchair for Weiman embodies an avant-garde approach to mid-century modern design. This armcha...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchairs for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980, Set of 2
Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchairs for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980, Set of 2

Vladimir Kagan Tripod Armchairs for Weiman, Black Leather, 1980, Set of 2

By Vladimir Kagan, Weiman

Located in Lonigo, Veneto

Vladimir Kagan tripod armchairs for Weiman, black leather, USA, 1980, set of two The Vladimir Kagan armchair for Weiman embodies an avant-garde approach to mid-century modern design...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Related Items
Kagan-Dreyfuss Swivel Chairs, Model 100A, by Vladimir Kagan
Kagan-Dreyfuss Swivel Chairs, Model 100A, by Vladimir Kagan

Kagan-Dreyfuss Swivel Chairs, Model 100A, by Vladimir Kagan

By Vladimir Kadnár

Located in Westport, CT

Set of sculptural swivel chairs in the style of Vladimir Kagan, circa 1980s. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, these elegant lounge chairs have been newly reupholstered in luxurious...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, C. 1970s
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, C. 1970s

Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, C. 1970s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Westport, CT

Iconic Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, 1970s. This sculptural piece has been fully restored by Stamford Modern, including all-new interior foam and materi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Chenille, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s

$19,000

H 27.5 in W 90.5 in D 61.5 in

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1970s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in High Point, NC

A green velvet and lucite "Omnibus" sofa designed and produced by Vladimir Kagan, USA, 1970s.   Seat height 18”

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s

$39,000

H 29.5 in W 103.5 in D 44 in

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1960s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in High Point, NC

A possibly unique walnut and off-white fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan-Dreyfuss, USA, 1960s. Provenance: Sofa custom ordered the apartment of Susan Schl...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999

$29,880

H 31.89 in W 137.8 in D 63 in

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa Directional USA 1999

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

This sculptural lounge sofa, designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the United States in 1999, stands as an iconic piece of modern furniture design. K...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Vladimir Kagan, Prudential Chairs, Rosewood, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, 1970s
Vladimir Kagan, Prudential Chairs, Rosewood, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, 1970s

Vladimir Kagan, Prudential Chairs, Rosewood, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, 1970s

By Vladimir Kagan, Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc.

Located in Southampton, NJ

"Prudential" armchair and sidechair designed by Vladimir Kagan circa 1974. Made by Kagan-Dreyfuss, Inc, in Rosewood. Gifted by the artist to an architect friend in North Eastern Mai...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

French Modernist Armchair, 1950s
French Modernist Armchair, 1950s

French Modernist Armchair, 1950s

$3,884

H 37.41 in W 26.38 in D 33.86 in

French Modernist Armchair, 1950s

Located in Aartselaar, BE

Step into the refined charm of mid-century France with this exquisite French armchair. A masterclass in design and proportion, this piece seamlessly blends functional simplicity with...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Oak, Fabric, Mohair

Sculptural Walnut Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1950s
Sculptural Walnut Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1950s

Sculptural Walnut Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1950s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Westport, CT

Sculptural ottoman designed by Vladimir Kagan, circa 1950–1959. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, this striking piece features a beautifully sculpted walnut base refinished in a ric...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Midcentury Scoop Slipper Chair and Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan
Midcentury Scoop Slipper Chair and Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan

Midcentury Scoop Slipper Chair and Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Beautiful slipper chair and RARELY seen, scaled ottoman by Vladimir Kagan in the 1970s. A stunnimg beautiful duet. Love the scoop design. The pair has been reupholstered in a beaut...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Early Barrel Lounge Chair, 1950s
Vladimir Kagan Early Barrel Lounge Chair, 1950s

Vladimir Kagan Early Barrel Lounge Chair, 1950s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Coronado, CA

An early "Barrel Lounge Chair" designed by Vladimir Kagan in 1947, with this example dating to the early to mid 1950s. The chair has been fully restored inside and out, and features ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s
Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s

$26,000

H 29.5 in W 137 in D 66 in

Vladimir Kagan, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1990s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in High Point, NC

A green velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Kagan Design Group, USA, c. 1990s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Pre-restoration images ava...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Previously Available Items
Pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' Lucite Armchairs, circa 1970s, Signed
Pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' Lucite Armchairs, circa 1970s, Signed

Pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' Lucite Armchairs, circa 1970s, Signed

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An all-original signed pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Clos' armchairs, dating from the 1970s and bearing the original manufacturer’s label from Vladimir Kagan Designs Inc. A stunning exam...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Lucite

Rare 'Ondine' Wingback Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1970, Signed
Rare 'Ondine' Wingback Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1970, Signed

Rare 'Ondine' Wingback Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan, c 1970, Signed

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An incredibly rare and highly sought-after Vladimir Kagan 'Ondine' wingback armchair, this early production example from circa 1970 and in its original fabric with animal motif. Sign...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1980s Postmodern Vladmir Kagan Armchair
1980s Postmodern Vladmir Kagan Armchair

1980s Postmodern Vladmir Kagan Armchair

Sold

H 31 in W 28.5 in D 29.5 in

1980s Postmodern Vladmir Kagan Armchair

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage post-modern 1980s chair for sale. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, and needs reupholstery. Great Kagan design and style with clean lines. V...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs for Preview, 1980
Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs for Preview, 1980

Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs for Preview, 1980

By Preview, Vladimir Kagan

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair Vladimir Kagan Tripod Lounge Chairs, 1980. Upholstery recommended. There is a tear on side arm of chair.

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Armchairs in Walnut and Bouclé, c 1950s
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Armchairs in Walnut and Bouclé, c 1950s

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Armchairs in Walnut and Bouclé, c 1950s

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This pair of very rare armchairs are by Vladimir Kagan and sculpted from solid walnut and reupholstered with gorgeous nubby white bouclé and is as much a sculpture of art as it is a ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Bouclé

Pair of Vintage Biomorphic Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Preview
Pair of Vintage Biomorphic Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Preview

Pair of Vintage Biomorphic Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Preview

By Preview, Vladimir Kagan

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of iconic barrel lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Preview (ca. 1980s, USA). Relatively small in scale, yet perfectly proportioned to offer maximum comfort. Attracti...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kagan Barrel Back Lucite Armchairs
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kagan Barrel Back Lucite Armchairs

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kagan Barrel Back Lucite Armchairs

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

This amazing, iconic pair of 1960's Vladimir Kagan armchairs are detailed with barrel back lucite frames which appears to make the multi-colored upholstered seat cushions float. Chro...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Armchairs for Grosfeld House, circa 1950
Vladimir Kagan Armchairs for Grosfeld House, circa 1950

Vladimir Kagan Armchairs for Grosfeld House, circa 1950

By Grosfeld House, Vladimir Kagan

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Vladimir Kagan pair of armchairs for Grosfeld House. circa 1950.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Upholstered Lucite Pedestal Armchairs
Vladimir Kagan Upholstered Lucite Pedestal Armchairs

Vladimir Kagan Upholstered Lucite Pedestal Armchairs

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A pair of Kagan Lucite pedestal armchairs upholstered in a dark chocolate velvet fabric having a great sculptural look with matching arm rests. Small Lucite foot pads attached to the...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Lucite

Set of Four Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan
Set of Four Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

Set of Four Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Dallas, TX

Four custom swivel chairs with tufted mohair on walnut bases designed for a Park Ave apartment full of Vladimir Kagan furnishings.

Category

1950s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Mohair

Pair of Custom Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan
Pair of Custom Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

Pair of Custom Swivel Attributed to Vladimir Kagan

By Vladimir Kagan

Located in Dallas, TX

A pair of swiveling armchairs with tufted mohair on walnut bases designed for a Park Ave apartment full of furnishings by Vladimir Kagan. Two pair available.

Category

1950s Vintage Vladimir Kagan Armchairs

Materials

Mohair

Vladimir Kagan armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Vladimir Kagan armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Vladimir Kagan armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Vladimir Kagan were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Karl Springer, George Mulhauser, and Brickel Associates. Prices for Vladimir Kagan armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,190 and can go as high as $25,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,995.