Skip to main content
Serpentine Sofa
Iconic Designs

Serpentine SofaBy Vladimir Kagan

About the Design

The voluptuous contours of Vladimir Kagan's (1927–2016) 1950 Serpentine sofa were designed to bring people together.

The S-shaped piece provided both flexible group seating on an armless form as well as a focal point for mid-century entertaining. Unlike most sofas, this one was not designed to be pushed against a wall. Also, people were not supposed to sit on the Serpentine in a row. Rather, the sofa presided over the center of the room as a swoosh of plush seating. The original design included casters so it could easily be maneuvered around for a party or to provide a better view of new art on the walls.

Born in Germany, Kagan’s interest in furniture began with his father, a Russian master cabinetmaker. Following the rise of the Nazis, a young Kagan immigrated to the United States in 1938 and shortly thereafter enrolled as an architecture student at Columbia University. Nearly 15 years later, Kagan opened his first furniture company. His concept of modern living was featured in the furniture designs at the Monsanto House of the Future, which was on view at Disneyland from 1957 to 1967.

Upholstered in inviting materials, such as seductively hued velvet and Alcantara, Kagan’s furniture demonstrated how modernism could be beguiling even while breaking with the rigid norms of the past. Reflecting the biomorphic shapes in art and sculpture that such creators as Isamu Noguchi promoted as well as celebrating Scandinavian design, each piece was made for both comfort and form in its organic shape. 

Serpentine Sofa

to
19
1
18
8
6
6
4
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa and poof USA 1990
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice large and iconic sculptural lounge sofa and poof designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional, United States 1999. This boomerang shaped sofa is also called c...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Plush Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful plush lustrous mohair fabric. Light blue gray.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Lucite, Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite vintage modern serpentine sofa, a stunning piece designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1990s. This sofa features a captivating swirl...
Category

1990s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Holly Hunt Alpaca Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa by Directional. Newly upholstered in a beautiful alpaca mohair fabric by Holly Hunt.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Alpaca, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Sofa in Wool, America 2005
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Sofa in Wool America, 2005 'Serpentine' sofa with chrome plated aluminum base, and newly upholstered in 100% wool by Holland & Sherry. 126”L x 49”d x 29”h x 15”seat Re...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Vladimir Kagan Sectional Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Weiman. Tan Suede.
By Weiman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Kansas City, MO
Sectional Cloud Sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Weiman. So much easier to move and set up than the one piece versions of this design. The suede upholstery is in good condition ...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

Marvelous Vladimir Kagan Curved 3-Piece Cloud Sofa Sectional Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous Vladimir Kagan curved 3-piece cloud sofa sectional with Directional label. This sofa will need to be reupholstered as the original fab...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

Vladimir Kagan Restored Serpentine Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
An absolutely stunning serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1990s. This curvaceous beauty has been meticulously restored in a jaw droppin...
Category

1990s American Organic Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in a very light oatmeal or linen colored tweed, sturdy yet soft. Manufactured by Directional in the 1990s ...
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan #4891-J Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional in its original microsuede. There is some light scratching to the microsuede consistent with how microsuede wears along with general wear from use and age. I...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Serpentine Sofas - Pair
By Preview, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Countryside, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Mid Century Serpentine Sofas - Pair Each sofa measures: 74 wide x 36 deep x 38.25 inches high, with a seat hei...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vladimir Kagan for Preview Bilbao Mid Century Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Countryside, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Preview Bilbao Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 55 deep x 38.75 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 inches All pieces of furniture can be had ...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

"Zoe" Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Stunning Zoe sofa by Vladimir Kagan, Iconic addition to any living space - brand new upholstery in a mauve velvet. Dimensions are taken at the longest, deepest and highest points.
Category

1990s Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for Direction Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic Vladimir Kagan for Directional “Cloud” Sofa. Original tan microfiber fabric. Some water marks on seat please see pictures. Label on bottom.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular example of Vladimir Kagan design was produced by American Leather in 2012, in its original Alcantara (ultrasuede) in a medium grey color called 'Otter', signed under...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Ultrasuede

20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Canapes

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite

Exceptional Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Large Sectional Sofa Rust Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) Serpentine sofa, #150 Exceptional and large unique curvaceous form USA, newly upholstered rust color bouclé fabric, walnut base in good condition unmarked and comes with receipt from Haute Living...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Stunning Pair Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Directional Cloud Sofas Mid-Century
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of Vladimir Kagan cloud serpentine sofas made by Directional. These pair retain their original periwinkle blue ultra-suede fabric in nice vintage condition-some wear sp...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Stunning Vladimir Kagan Curved Serpentine Cloud Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Vladimir Kagan curved serpentine cloud sofa for Directional. We are loving the Brunschwig and Fils and Dongia fabr...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Related Items
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa for American Leather in Curly Teddy Bear Camel Fabric
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone needs a teddy bear and yours can be this chic Vladimir Kagan Zoe sofa newly upholstered in soft curly camel teddy bear fabric. Modern. In your face ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Curved Post Modern Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Vladimir Kagan Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa for Directional. Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the ...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa w/arm Right Model 150 BSA
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Southampton, NJ
The most Gorgeous Kagan sofa out there today! This particular model is from Carpenters Workshop Gallery out of NYC and is approximately 8-10 years old. I am the second owner. Attached is a photo from the original owner featuring a Vincenzo de Cotiis...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Zoe sofa” by Vladimir Kagan. Original brown upholstery.
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe Sofa"
H 31 in W 92 in D 41 in
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A large and iconic serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan. This sofa was purchased from Kagan about a decade ago and upholstered in a heathered lig...
Category

Vintage 1950s Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa
H 30 in W 135 in D 50 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather Curved 'Zoe' Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the epitome of iconic design with this stunning vintage Mid Century "Zoe" Sofa, an homage to the legendary Vladimir Kagan's signature aesthetics. Designed by Kagan for Americ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede

Floating Seat and Back Sofa in Mohair by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
The Floating Seat and Back Sofa is a unique and iconic piece of furniture designed by the American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan. This sofa is known for its distinctive shape, which features a curved back and a seat that seems to be suspended in mid-air. This design element gives the sofa its name and creates a sense of weightlessness. The sofa is designed to be both comfortable and visually striking, with its unusual shape making it a focal point in any room.  The Vladimir Kagan Floating Sofa is often described as a perfect blend of form and function, as it not only looks great, but is also incredibly comfortable. The curved backrest provide support, while the suspended seat adds a level of softness and comfort. The piece is punctuated by beautiful solid walnut legs. The Floating Sofa has become an icon of mid-century modern design and continues to be popular with collectors and design enthusiasts today. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Vladimir Kagan's design aesthetic, which marries form and function in a way that is both visually striking and comfortable. The sofa has been upholstered in a beautiful high quality mohair from the Netherlands. Dimension: 90L x 54 D x 31 H Seat Height: 17 H Vladimir Kagan was an illustrious American furniture designer whose historic career spanned nearly 65 years. Born in Germany in 1927, he immigrated with his family to the United States in 1938 fleeing from the rise of the Nazi regime. He studied architecture at Columbia and later apprenticed with his father, a master cabinetmaker, in his woodworking shop. In 1949, Kagan opened his own shop in New York, shortly thereafter releasing his first furniture collection, receiving the Museum of Modern Art, New York&Good Design Award & for his wrought-iron chair. His work is well-known for its avant-garde craftsmanship combined with comfort and functionality. The sensuous, organic forms take on human-like characteristics through exaggerated, curved lines. Kagan’s designs are produced with varying materials including brass, acrylic, aluminum and, most notably, wood. Over the course of his career, his work was highly sought after by celebrity clientele from Marilyn Monroe to Tom Ford, and he lent his design to projects such as Disneyland’sMonsanto House of the Future in 1964 and the Downtown Los Angeles Standard Hotel lobby redesign in 2002. Kagan lectured extensively on the history of modern furniture design at institutions including Parsons School of Design, Yale and Philadelphia University. A highly honored designer, he was elected president of the American Society of Interior Designers New York...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category

1990s Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Vintage Vladimir Kagan Directional Cloud Sofa 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous two toned velvet, and has the lucite ce...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile

Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in San Diego, CA
A stunning Zoe sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather. the upholstery is gorgeous and luxurious and the curves of this sofa are ready to wow. This piece has been masterfully reu...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa
Vladimir Kagan Zoe Sofa
H 31 in W 41 in D 92 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular example of Vladimir Kagan design was produced by American Leather in 2012, in its original Alcantara (ultrasuede) in a medium grey color called 'Otter', signed under...
Category

2010s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Ultrasuede

Vladimir Kagan for Direction Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic Vladimir Kagan for Directional “Cloud” Sofa. Original tan microfiber fabric. Some water marks on seat please see pictures. Label on bottom.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Previously Available Items
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy White Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
1990s Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional. Newly upholstered in heavy white boucle. Extremely stylish and comfortable. The fabric is a performance fabric and repels ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa, America circa 1980
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa in Wool Velvet America 1980 Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa newly upholstered in Wool Velvet 97"L x 49"d x 27.25"h x 16"seat
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Velvet

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Cloud Sofas, a pair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional in their original microsuede. Interested in a single sofa? Shoot us an email, we’re happy to split the set. This is an opposing pair that includes an armless...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Sofa with Lucite Support
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Vladimir Kagan cloud or serpentine sofa for Directional with desirable lucite support. A couple small issues, priced with reupholstery in mind. Would work well in a variety of inter...
Category

1990s American Organic Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan, Organic Sofa, Fabric, Wood, USA, 2000s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable organic black-painted wood and brown beige bouclé fabric sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc, US...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Wood

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Sofas in Holly Hunt Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980, signed. Both have been fully reupholstered in Holly Hunt "mushroom cap" mohair and have had the foam updated. The original lucite middle-legs were damaged so we had two new ...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
Expertly restored with new mohair upholstery on this iconic sofa. A classic designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Serpentine 'Cloud' Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a stunning and iconic Serpentine Cloud sofa designed by the late Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1970s. The sofa features Kagan's signature Serpentine design, with sensuous curves that are both elegant and functional. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and Classic always-in-demand Cloud sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This sofa is in the style with the more in-demand center back vs the style which has the wraparound arm. Vladimir Kagan is considered a master of modern design, and his work has been highly sought-after and collected for decades. Original Directional labels remain attached underneath. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

Massive Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, America 2007
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Kagan sofa newly upholstered in Alpaca boucle by Rosemary Hallgarten, with maple veneer base. Inscribed and dated to the underside V.K.D. Stock 11.12.07. Measures 140"L x 82"d x 3...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Alpaca, Bouclé, Wood, Maple

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Greensboro, NC
Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa, produced by Directional Furniture. Labeled as shown in photos, with lucite center support. Original beige fabric shows well and is in very good to excell...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Vintage Vladimir Kagan for Preview Sectional Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Vladimir Kagan sectional sofa Modular sofa Postmodern MCM Minimalist Retro 1970s-1980s The sofa comes in 2 sections. Newly Upholstered with...
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

More Vladimir Kagan Designs
Serpentine Sofa
Serpentine Sofa
Average Price
$16,804
Number Available
19
Serpentine Sofa
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Lucite, Plastic
Styles
Mid Century Modern
The voluptuous contours of Vladimir Kagan's (1927–2016) 1950 Serpentine sofa were designed to bring people together. The S-shaped piece provided both flexible group seating on an armless form as well as a focal point for mid-century entertaining. Unlike most sofas, this one was not designed to be pushed against a wall. Also, people were not supposed to sit on the Serpentine in a row. Rather, the sofa presided over the center of the room as a swoosh of plush seating. The original design includ...
Shop All
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus I
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus I
Average Price
$24,686
Number Available
7
Vladimir Kagan Omnibus I
Materials
Fabric, Lucite, Plastic, Upholstery
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Barrel Chair 100a
Barrel Chair 100a
Average Price
$14,825
Number Available
4
Barrel Chair 100a
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut, Wood
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Vladimir Kagan Swan Sofa
Vladimir Kagan Swan Sofa
Average Price
$12,967
Number Available
3
Vladimir Kagan Swan Sofa
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Animal Skin, Leather, Wood
Styles
Modern, Post Modern
Shop All