With his stylish and technically innovative furniture, Osvaldo Borsani helped change the face of Italian design in the 1950s and ’60s. His sofas and chairs, featuring deeply upholstered seating and adjustable position settings, have an aura of optimism and efficiency that still seems fresh and lively today.
Born in the commune of Varedo in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Borsani studied at the Brera Academy in Milan — the same school attended by such luminaries as designer Piero Fornasetti and artist Lucio Fontana — as well as the Polytechnic University of Milan. Borsani first worked for his father’s furniture-making firm, Arredamenti Borsani, an atelier influenced by the more expressive and curvaceous wing of Art Deco design.
By 1953, when, along with his twin brother, Fulgenzio — the pair also created this visionary mid-century villa — Borsani opened the furniture company Tecno, his design sensibilities had evolved toward furnishings with strong, simple forms enhanced by mechanical innovations, as with the P40 adjustable armchair. Borsani would be the firm’s lead designer for 30 years, while fostering work by Vico Magistretti, Carlo De Carli, Robin Day and others.
Similar to Gio Ponti in the earliest years of his career, Borsani first created designs marked by lush and buoyant lines: tables with voluptuous curved legs, sofas with undulating backrests.
But Borsani’s best-known and most novel pieces date from Tecno’s initial furniture lines: the adjustable D70 sofa, which folds open to make a daybed, and the P40 recliner. The latter — now included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum — is an articulated lounger with a back, seat and leg rest that can be moved into 486 different positions. Not only is it extremely comfortable, it is also enduringly chic.
Find a collection of vintage Osvaldo Borsani tables, dining chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Important Pair of Osvaldo Borsani P71 Armchairs in Walnut, Tecno, Italy, 1954
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in The Hague, NL
This important pair of armchairs was designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in Como, Italy in 1954. The very rare P71 was one of the first designs produced by Tecno after ...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
P40 Osvaldo BORSANI, (sand colourd upholstery) Reclining Lounge Chair
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The 'P40' variable tilt armchair, produced by Tecno, Milan, 1956. Black tubular frame with new rubber armrests. Seat, back, and footrest upholstered in a sand-coloured wool material...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Canada Armchairs P119 with footrest in black leather
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani Canada P110 Armchairs with one footrest, upholstered in the original leather in perfect conditions, production Tecno.
Leather, Wood
20th Century, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Armchair mod. P40
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Turin, Turin
Osvaldo Borsani in 1953, together with his brother Fulgenzio, realized his most complex project: a company idea named after the "techne" of the Greeks, which means both art and techn...
Metal
Original Osvaldo Borsani P40 Reclining Chair, Tecno, Italy, 1950s/60s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Osvaldo Borsani P40 Reclining Chair, Tecno, Italy, 1950s. All hardware in working order. Reclines and adjusts into a h...
Brass, Steel
Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani / Tecno Milano 1955
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair 'P72A' Osvaldo Borsani 1955 Founder with his brother Fulgenzio of Tecno, the architect Osvaldo Borsani designed most of Tecno's and italian design's icons, like the working...
Leather, Rosewood
$17,439 / set
Rare Borsani pair of small nice shaped armchairs
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2561 ABV Borsani (1911-1985) Splendid pair of small nice shaped wooden armchairs upholstered and covered in fabric. ABV manufacture ca. 1940.
Fabric
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Canada P110 Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s - Original Upholstery
Leather, Wood
Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair realized by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956. First edition of this iconic armchair, in excellent condition. Today the P40, in its first edition produc...
Metal, Brass
$9,300 / set
Set of Two Reclining Osvaldo Borsani Chairs
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two reclining chairs - very early design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s. The reclining chairs are in original condition and feature a fol...
Steel
P40 reclining armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno 1957 second edition purple
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair model P40 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1955, second edition. The P40 is considered one of the icons of postwar Italian design and is a modern reinterpretation of...
Metal, Brass
Gaetano Borsani Pair of tub chairs in wood root and small seat
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
COD-3839 Gaetano Borsani Pair of tub chairs in wood and wood root with small wooden seat and padded fabric. ABV Borsani manufacturing, Varedo, 1930s.
Fabric
Six PS142 Armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani Italy, 1970s
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani, Eugenio Gerli
Located in Roma, IT
Six PS142 armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) and Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1970s. Cm 68,00 x 67,00 x 60,00 Metal and Red Velvet. Ref.: Bosoni G., Osvaldo Borsani, Architetto...
Metal
$2,278Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Modern Osvaldo Borsani Arm Chair Model P24 by Tecno, Italy, 1961
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Hellouw, NL
Impressive Italian Modern Osvaldo Borsani arm chair Model P24 by Tecno from Italy 1961. Wooden armrests in combination with the metal frame make this an interesting and timeless piec...
Metal
Mid-Century P40 Reclining Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1950's
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
An early edition "P40" Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy. This iconic model is designed in 1955 and was considered the flagship of the Tecno Company, The use of adva...
Metal, Brass
$7,905 / item
Elegant Osvaldo Borsani Armchairs 'Model P35', 1948
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
Two elegant and fine arm chairs (Model P 35) by Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani. The chairs can be bought as a pair or individually. Upholstered seat, velvet cover and...
Velvet, Ash, Plywood
P40 Armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, 1955 first edition purple fabric mid-century
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Poltrona modello P40 progettata da Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno nel 1955, prima edizione. La P40 è considerata una delle icone del design italiano del dopoguerra e rappresenta una rein...
Metal, Brass
Pair of armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani, certificated
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1940 with Archive's certificate. These elegant armchairs feature softly curved backrests, sculptural wooden arm supports, and compact pro...
Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Red "P40" Lounge Chair for Tecno, 1950 Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in The Hague, NL
This lounge chair, ‘P40’, was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno, Italy. This item is an early model and without a doubt an icon of 1950’s Italian design. The back can be...
Metal, Brass
Lounge Chair-Design "P40" by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, Italy, 1955
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Osvaldo Borsani "P40" relax armchair, manufacturer Tecno, Italy, 1950s. The armchair has been completely restored and covered again with the original cover. It now only needs a new f...
Brass, Steel
$26,042Sale Price / set|20% Off
Osvaldo Borsani Three Piece Suite In Yellow Velvet, Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid and Rare Osvaldo Borsani Three Piece Suite In Yellow Velvet, the Set Consists of a Two-Seater Sofa and a Pair of Armchairs, Italy 1950s Reference: Osvaldo Borsani Edit. Skir...
Metal
Chair "Modus" Tecno Design Ovaldo Borsani Eugenio Gerli, 1970s Rare Version
By Eugenio Gerli, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in taranto, IT
very rare, unique in the world, this original Tecno chair, designed by osvaldo borsani in the 70s probably a prototype that has never entered the market, there is no such trace in...
Metal
$44,760 / set
Sofa and armchair by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful set was designed by the Italian designer and architect Osvaldo Borsani. The armchair model ‘P71’ and the two-seater sofa model ‘D71’ captivate with their organic shape...
Walnut
Vintage P35 Arm Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Singer
By Carlo di Carli, Arredamenti Borsani, Gio Ponti, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage P35 Arm Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Singer Original Blue Vinyl upholstery that is damaged so will either need to be repaired or reupholstered.
Upholstery
Pair of Pale Pink Italian Armchairs Part of Set Model “P-35” by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Barcelona, ES
Osvaldo Borsani, (1911-1985) Pair of armchairs part of set model “P-35” Manufactured by Arredamenti Borsani, Varedo Italy, 1951 Walnut with fabric upholstery A pair of pale pi...
Fabric, Walnut
Set of Two Reclining Osvaldo Borsani Chairs
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two reclining chairs - very early design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s. The reclining chairs are in original condition and feature a fol...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani P 40 For Tecno 1960's
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
The versatile and comfortable P40 lounge chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno. The chair can be adjusted into over 400 positions; the back can be reclined in diffe...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno D70 Reclining Sofa
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic example of Italian mid-century design, continually reproduced for its highly renowned marriage of style and functionality, this fully adjustable reclining sofa...
Leather
$2,208 / set
H 24.02 in W 31.89 in D 29.53 in
1950s Pair of Tubular Armchairs in Leather, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Patinated leather in good original condition
Leather
Osvaldo Borsani Canada chair Tecno Italy 1965
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic so called 'Canada' lounge chair model P110 designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1965. The Canada chair is constructed by 2 moulded plywood side panels, connected with 2 bent wooden cross bars, which holds the frame in balance and a part. The thick leather upholstered cushion structure hangs in the frame and is connected with black plastic caps. The Canada seating series was developed from some rough initial sketches by Valeria Borsani and Marco Fantoni while they were still young...
Leather, Plastic, Plywood
$4,301 / set
H 32.68 in W 31.11 in D 33.86 in
Pair of 70s armchairs in chromed steel tubes and black leather design 1970
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of French armchairs from the 70s. Chrome-plated tubular steel frame, original black leather seats and backrests. Sober, highly original design. Beautiful vintage condition with ...
Chrome
$6,045Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 28.35 in D 35.44 in
Vintage P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, First Series
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Borsani P40 Lounge Chair - Italian Collectible Furniture - Mid Century Armchair - Collectible Italian Mid Century Designed in 1956 by Italian architect Osvaldo Borsani, the P40 loun...
Metal, Stainless Steel
$2,800 / set
H 33.5 in W 21.5 in D 27.5 in
Pair of Great Italian Cantilever Armchairs with Saddle Leather
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Great Italian Cantilever Armchairs with saddle leather. Great form and quality.
Chrome
$5,928Sale Price|43% Off
H 37.8 in W 27.96 in D 30.71 in
Italian Black Leather Adjustable P40 Relax Chair by Osvaldo Borsani Tecno.
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Oirlo, LI
Designed in 1955 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, the P40 Lounge Chair is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. Its sleek yet highly functional structure allows for numerous recli...
Metal, Brass
P40 Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani Chair for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production P40 lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1950s. The lounge, with an extendable footrest, is designed to recline and can be set in several posit...
Brass, Steel
Vintage p40 lounge chair by Osvaldo Borsani for tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
A design classic, this P40 reclining lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno. Designed in 1950s, this lounge chair consists of a black metal base, a red fabr...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa or daybed, model D70, steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954. Osvaldo Borsanis sofa 'D70' was presented at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 where it won the Gold Medal for design. Not only the design is extraordinary, because so is the technology. With a single twist the back and seating are positioned upwards or down, all to create the highest comfort for the sofa or daybed. This eccentric sofa...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Lounge Chair in Black Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, lounge chair, model P40, original black fabric, metal, Italy, 1955. This lounge chair has been the result of the relentless search for an armchair that fa...
Metal
Sold
H 36.62 in W 27.56 in L 36.62 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Pair of ‘P40' Lounge Chairs in Black Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, pair of P40 lounge chairs, original black fabric, metal, Italy, 1955. These lounge chairs have been the result of the relentless search for an armchair ...
Metal
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani Mod P71 armchairs, with certificate
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Discover the elegance of mid-century Italian design with these exceptional Osvaldo Borsani armchairs from the 1950s, model P71 of Tecno. Renowned for their innovative design and supe...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.25 in D 22 in
Osvaldo Borsani, Italian Modern, Cherrywood, Velvet, Armchair, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Stamford, CT
Osvaldo Borsani, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cherrywood, Velvet, Armchair or Desk Chair, Italy, 1950s An Italian armchair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV c. 1950s. This Model 57...
Velvet, Cherry
Sold
H 32.29 in W 30.71 in D 39.38 in
P110 Canada armchair Osvaldo Borsani 1965 light brown mid-century
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Armchair model P110 "Canada" designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1965. Black lacquered wooden frame, seat and back covered in light brown suede leather. Fair condition: suede is original ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Osvaldo Borsani Pair of Armchairs " Pozzetto " Walnut root original velvet padding
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Pair of original cockpit armchairs from the ' ART DECÓ period - 1930. Made in ITALY
Wood, Bentwood
P40 armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 60s-70s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani, composed of movable elements and flexible armrests; metal frame, foam padding, leatherette upholstery.
Metal
Pair of armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani, model 6575
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of armchairs, model 6575, designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo in 1946. The original frame is crafted from wood, with plush cushions upholstered in brown l...
Leather, Wood
P126 Office Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1970s, set of 2
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of fabric and metal office chairs by Osvaldo Borsani. Height-adjustable. Seat height minimum 38 cm, maximum 44 cm. Wear due to time and age of the chairs. For shipping, request...
Metal
Sold
H 33.08 in W 39.77 in D 33.08 in
D120 Armchairs by Osvaldo & Valeria Borsani with Alfredo Bonetti
By Valeria Borsani & Alfredo Bonetti, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
This refined pair of D120 armchairs, designed in 1966 by Osvaldo and Valeria Borsani in collaboration with Alfredo Bonetti for Tecno, embodies the essence of avant-garde Italian desi...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani, rare P40 armchair, 1955
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Firenze, IT
Very rare P40 armchair, designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1955 for Tecno. It is in excellent condition, has been reupholstered with an original fabric in shades of iridescent gray/green...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32.68 in W 33.08 in D 33.08 in
Midcentury Canada armchairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1965
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic and rare P110 Canada leather armchairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Very comfortable lounge chairs with stunning curved wooden frame and original leather cushions. The Canada ...
Leather, Wood