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.
Osvaldo Borsani, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in High Point, NC
A wood wall mirror designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by ABV Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, Italy, c. 1940s. Minimal wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Painted and Gilded Wall Mirror, Italy, circa 1940
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Osvaldo Borsani Painted and Gilded Wall Mirror, Milan, Italy, circa 1940 An exquisitely carved and gilded wood mirror from the 1940's with an intricately carved wood frame with gildi...
Glass, Wood
Art Deco Wall Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani, Carved Maple, Italy, 1945
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
A grand scale shaped maple wood mirror with elegant carving, designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo; with maker's label affixed to the back. Italy, circa mid-la...
Glass, Maple
Art Deco Hand-Carved Walnut Mirror, by Osvaldo Borsani, Bevelled, Wax Polished
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Large Italian 1930s Art Deco hand carved walnut Osvaldo Borsani mirror, bevelled mirror. This was a mirror of a Osvaldo Borsani branded sideboa...
Mirror, Walnut
Osvaldo Borsani lacquered and gilded frame mirror, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A splendid trapezoidal mirror with a lacquered and gilded frame is an authentic Italian creation from the 1950s, designed by Osvaldo Borsani. This impressive full-length mirror is c...
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani, Shield mirror
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in London, GB
Attributed to designer c.1950s Brass H78 x W56 x D4cm
Mirror
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mirror Timber Console Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani 1950
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Striking Osvaldo Borsani hand curved wood console with mirror. Osvaldo Borsani was an Italian designer who was active in the mid-20th century. He is known for his innovative furnit...
Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Rare Maple Mirror and Rosewood and Maple Wall Console, 1940s
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, rare wall-mounted console and matching mirror in rosewood, carved maple and brass, Italy, 1945. The ensemble i...
Brass
$6,121 / set
H 27.17 in W 16.34 in D 2.37 in
Two Wall Mirrors in the style of Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Argelato, BO
Two Rare Mid-Century mirrors in lacquered carved wood, mirrored glass, in the style of the great Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani. 1940s. The works come from an import...
Mirror, Wood
$1,318Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 33.86 in D 1.97 in
Lacquered and gilded wooden mirror, carved, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique mirror in lacquered and gilded wood, richly carved both in the frame and in the upper arch, It has sculptures and a face moulding. Original from the 19th century and of Itali...
Mirror
Old White Painted & Gilded Scallop Edged Wood Mirror, Circa 1940
Located in Rochester, NY
A great looking scallop form wood frame mirror in nicely aged old dry white painted and gold gilded surface. Original metal hanging ring at top and also a wire on back for hanging - ...
Mirror, Wood
Wall mirror Art Deco brass Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
Art Deco 1950s whimsical Brass Heart Mirror in the Style of Gio Ponti and similar to Paolo Buffa. All Original handcrafted Brass Band with hardwood backing for secure hanging. In goo...
Brass
Italian Walnut Shaped Mirror Att. Osvaldo Borsani, circa 1940's
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1940's walnut wall mirror Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani; features a highly distinct, elegant and gently tapered geometric silhouette that narrows toward the base. Its fluid, ...
Walnut
Italian Brass Mirror and Console, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti
Located in Vienna, AT
Italian brass mirror and console from the 1940-1950s. Very intricate design with elaborate brass decorations on the rim of the mirror ...
Brass
$2,824
H 44.49 in W 37.8 in D 1.97 in
1940s Italian Art Deco Mirror Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani in Black Lacquer
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Meda, MB
Elegant Italian mirror from the 1940s, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, featuring a refined black lacquered frame surrounding a multi-panel mirrored surface. The mirror glass is origin...
Mirror, Lacquer
Modernist Regency Cerused Wood "Drape" mirror att to Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Regency Cerused Wood "Drape" mirror attributed to Osvaldo Borsani. Stunning design,Great size, color ,patina,,
Wood
$400
H 9.45 in W 4.93 in D 0.2 in
Art Deco Hand Mirror - Faceted & Bevelled Glass - Vanity Mirror - France 1930s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Art Deco Hand Mirror - Faceted & Bevelled Glass Vanity Mirror - France 1930s Elegant and timeless ! Its minimalist Art Deco silhouette give it an understated presence. Nice wo...
Glass, Cut Glass
Italian 1940s Art Deco Wall Mirror, Brass and Wood
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1940's shaped wall mirror with wood surround and base support, with brass triangular decorations on central top and on each side. A simple and refined piece. Italy, circa 1...
Brass
$2,943
H 31.89 in W 94.1 in D 1.58 in
Elegant Italian Wall Mirror Attr. to Osvaldo Borsani, Black Lacquer, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Meda, MB
Elegant Italian wall mirror from the 1940s, attributable to Osvaldo Borsani, featuring a refined black lacquered frame and a sophisticated geometric composition. The mirror surface i...
Mirror, Lacquer
1930 Art Deco Bevelled Mirror
Located in Surrey, BC
A rare beautiful well made wall mirror on chain with fitted wooden back and very nice simple details. This piece was acquired from a private collectio...
Brass, Nickel
Italian Modernist Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Austin, TX
Grand mirror in the Italian Modernist style by iconic designer Osvaldo Borsani.
Gold Leaf
Modernist Italian Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Austin, TX
Grand mirror in the Italian Modernist style by iconic designer Osvaldo Borsani.
Mirror, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Mirror Wood “Noce” 1950 italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Specchiera in Noce 1950. Osvaldo Borsani
Walnut
Sold
H 40 in W 91 in D 1.5 in
20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Walnut Wall Glass Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian rectangular wall mirror made of hand crafted ebonized Walnut designed by Osvaldo Borsani, in good condition. The mirror is consisting its original mirrored glass, enhanced by detailed brass décor. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1960, Italy. Osvaldo Borsani was born in 1911, in Varedo, Italy and passed away in 1985, in Milan, Italy. He was an Italian architect and designer. Borsani started working at an early age...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Large Curved Gilded Wood Mirror, Italy, 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Naples, IT
With its strong geometric design, this gilded wooden mirror was designed by the Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani around 1953 - 1954. The curved wooden details are simply fantastic, i...
Mirror, Giltwood
Osvaldo Borsani Wall Mirror Wood Glass 1930 Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Mirror.
Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Large Italian Curved Gilded Wood Mirror, 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Osvaldo Borsani large Italian curved gilded wood mirror, 1954.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Brass Mirror by Olsvaldo Borsani, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern brass mirror by Olsvaldo Borsani, 1950s.
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Large Italian Curved Gilded Wood Mirror 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Paris, IDF
With its strong geometric design, this statement gilded wood mirror was designed by Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani around 1953 - 1954. The curved wood details are just amazing, fig...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 47.75 in W 31.5 in D 2.5 in
Osvaldo Borsani Rare Pair of Large Ivory Painted and Gilded Wood Mirrors, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Osvaldo Borsani 1940s rare exquisite pair of large mirrors with hand-carved ivory painted and gilded wood frames. These lovely mirrors have a beautiful ivory painted and gilt carved rope border with a central gilt carved leaf decoration on frame top. They are a fine example of Borsani's designs of the 1940s in which he used soft organic lines and sculptural elements in his classical carved wood furniture...
Mirror, Wood
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Mirror, 1949, Carved Wood
By Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Italian carved wood mirror designed by Osvaldo Borsani in the 1940s. What appears to be intertwined rope is in fact entirely made of hand-carved wood, lacquered in off-white and...
Mirror, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Mirror with Wooden Golden Frame ABV, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Osvaldo Borsani, mirrored crystal with a wooden golden frame. ABV production, the 1950s.
Crystal