-
This exceptionally rare Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa for Preview is a remarkable example of Kagan’s sculptural approach to American modernism. With its sweeping curved form, enveloping high back, and beautifully tapered legs, the Tangent transforms a functional piece of seating into an architectural object—one that is as compelling from the back and sides as it is from the front.
Vladimir Kagan (1927–2016) was among the most influential American furniture designers of the twentieth century and an early champion of curved, biomorphic seating. Rather than arranging people rigidly along a straight line, Kagan explored sofas that encouraged occupants to naturally turn toward one another. His designs softened the geometry of the modern interior and helped establish the sensuous, organic vocabulary for which his work remains celebrated.
The Tangent Sofa is a particularly pure expression of that philosophy. Its dramatic crescent-shaped footprint flows continuously from one arm, across the high upholstered back, and into the opposite side. There is almost no conventional distinction between arm and back; instead, the entire structure reads as a single sculptural gesture. The gently curved seat follows the architecture of the frame, while Kagan’s distinctive tapered cone-form legs elevate the substantial upholstered body just above the floor.
Unlike many low-slung sculptural sofas of the period, the Tangent has a generous 34.5-inch-high back, giving it a wonderfully enveloping presence and excellent support. It is also exceptionally comfortable, with a deep center seat and a slightly shallower seating position toward the arms. The result is a sofa that can accommodate several different ways of sitting while remaining sophisticated enough for a highly considered contemporary or mid-century modern interior.
This example retains its original Preview label and has been professionally reupholstered in new Maharam Terra by Sander Lak, color 466572–008 “Bustle.” The luxurious textile is composed of 90% wool and 10% nylon and presents as a warm off-white to cream. Its subtle woven texture gives the sofa depth without competing with Kagan’s extraordinary silhouette, allowing the curves and proportions to remain the focus.
Please note that the upholstery may appear slightly warmer, cooler, or brighter from photograph to photograph. The sofa is upholstered throughout in the same off-white/cream Maharam fabric; any apparent variation in color is the result of flash, studio lighting, exposure, and the angle from which the textile is photographed.
At approximately 96 inches long and 53 inches deep, the Tangent has real presence without relying on ornament. The curved footprint creates movement through a room, while the fully upholstered back makes it particularly effective when floated away from a wall. In an open-plan modern interior, it can function almost as a piece of sculpture, defining a seating area while remaining visually interesting from every direction.
Rarely encountered on the market, this vintage Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa combines the qualities collectors seek in his work: an unmistakable biomorphic silhouette, exceptional comfort, sculptural presence, documented Preview production, and a form that feels remarkably contemporary decades after it was conceived. Newly upholstered and ready for installation, it is an outstanding statement piece for a sophisticated modern interior.
Designer: Vladimir Kagan (1927–2016)
Model: Tangent Sofa
Manufacturer/Retailer: Preview
Upholstery: New Maharam Terra by Sander Lak, 466572–008 “Bustle”
Fabric Composition: 90% Wool, 10% Nylon
Color: Off-white / cream
Label: Original Preview label
Dimensions: 96” L × 53” D × 34.5” H
Seat Height: 19”
Seat Depth at Center: 26”
Seat Depth at Arms: 22”
Condition: Professionally reupholstered in new fabric
This exceptionally rare Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa for Preview is a remarkable example of Kagan’s sculptural approach to American modernism. With its sweeping curved form, enveloping high back, and beautifully tapered legs, the Tangent transforms a functional piece of seating into an architectural object—one that is as compelling from the back and sides as it is from the front.
Vladimir Kagan (1927–2016) was among the most influential American furniture designers of the twentieth century and an early champion of curved, biomorphic seating. Rather than arranging people rigidly along a straight line, Kagan explored sofas that encouraged occupants to naturally turn toward one another. His designs softened the geometry of the modern interior and helped establish the sensuous, organic vocabulary for which his work remains celebrated.
The Tangent Sofa is a particularly pure expression of that philosophy. Its dramatic crescent-shaped footprint flows continuously from one arm, across the high upholstered back, and into the opposite side. There is almost no conventional distinction between arm and back; instead, the entire structure reads as a single sculptural gesture. The gently curved seat follows the architecture of the frame, while Kagan’s distinctive tapered cone-form legs elevate the substantial upholstered body just above the floor.
Unlike many low-slung sculptural sofas of the period, the Tangent has a generous 34.5-inch-high back, giving it a wonderfully enveloping presence and excellent support. It is also exceptionally comfortable, with a deep center seat and a slightly shallower seating position toward the arms. The result is a sofa that can accommodate several different ways of sitting while remaining sophisticated enough for a highly considered contemporary or mid-century modern interior.
This example retains its original Preview label and has been professionally reupholstered in new Maharam Terra by Sander Lak, color 466572–008 “Bustle.” The luxurious textile is composed of 90% wool and 10% nylon and presents as a warm off-white to cream. Its subtle woven texture gives the sofa depth without competing with Kagan’s extraordinary silhouette, allowing the curves and proportions to remain the focus.
Please note that the upholstery may appear slightly warmer, cooler, or brighter from photograph to photograph. The sofa is upholstered throughout in the same off-white/cream Maharam fabric; any apparent variation in color is the result of flash, studio lighting, exposure, and the angle from which the textile is photographed.
At approximately 96 inches long and 53 inches deep, the Tangent has real presence without relying on ornament. The curved footprint creates movement through a room, while the fully upholstered back makes it particularly effective when floated away from a wall. In an open-plan modern interior, it can function almost as a piece of sculpture, defining a seating area while remaining visually interesting from every direction.
Rarely encountered on the market, this vintage Vladimir Kagan Tangent Sofa combines the qualities collectors seek in his work: an unmistakable biomorphic silhouette, exceptional comfort, sculptural presence, documented Preview production, and a form that feels remarkably contemporary decades after it was conceived. Newly upholstered and ready for installation, it is an outstanding statement piece for a sophisticated modern interior.
Designer: Vladimir Kagan (1927–2016)
Model: Tangent Sofa
Manufacturer/Retailer: Preview
Upholstery: New Maharam Terra by Sander Lak, 466572–008 “Bustle”
Fabric Composition: 90% Wool, 10% Nylon
Color: Off-white / cream
Label: Original Preview label
Dimensions: 96” L × 53” D × 34.5” H
Seat Height: 19”
Seat Depth at Center: 26”
Seat Depth at Arms: 22”
Condition: Professionally reupholstered in new fabric
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
Sell your mid-century piece