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 D70 sofa Tecno edition 1960 Limited edition
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Osvaldo Borsani D70 sofa Tecno edition 1960 Limited edition fabric and leatherette Original fabric Adjustable Fold-out sofa bed L 190 x H 81 x D 78 cm 5,900 euros Tecno Spa -...
Fabric
Osvaldo Borsani Upholstered Bench or Stool Wood 1940 Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Osvaldo Borsani upholstered bench or stool wood 1940 Italy.
Wood
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 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
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
$2,800
H 20.5 in W 67.5 in D 19.5 in
Long Vintage Italian Style Carved Wood Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A well made carved wood bench from Italy. Fabric is original and very clean. Ready to use condition.
Fabric, Wood
Italian 1940's Walnut Bench
Located in New York, NY
An Italian 1940's walnut bench with cabriole legs and cream cotton seat. With streamlined and elegant lines; of high quality craftsmanship and classic design. Northern Italy, circ...
Fabric, Walnut
$6,850
H 25 in W 48 in D 20 in
Italian 1940's Walnut and Brass Long Bench with Shaped Upholstered Seat
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Northern Italian 1940s walnut bench, featuring angled and tapered legs, the feet capped in brass. The long beautifully shaped seat newly reupholstered in a faux creamy colored fur...
Brass
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
rare 1. edition osvaldo borsani d70 sofa
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Munich, DE
an wonderful design icon by tecno. designed to sit by the fireside or to the other side without moving the sofa. also a useful bed for two persons. mechanism works smooth. for resta...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani solid walnut - ITALY 1930 .
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Attributed to OSVALDO BORSANI, this beautiful and sturdy bench is made of solid walnut and veneer in the front under the seat, finished front and back with yellow gold velvet upholst...
Velvet, Mahogany, Zebra Wood
$2,950
H 20.63 in W 20.25 in D 14.24 in
1940's Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mahogany Regency Style X Form Bench or Stool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early design for Dunbar, mahogany bench or vanity stool model 1050. Curved or X form base with classical styling, with older upholstered seat. Mahogany frame will be restored prior t...
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-Century Italian Bench in Beech Wood, Newly Upholstered, c. 1950s
Located in Houston, TX
The mid-century Bench is made of beech wood. It has been newly reupholstered in a light velvety fabric and repolished. The legs are beautifully carved and intertwine on the bottom. ...
Fabric, Beech
Osvaldo Borsani sofa, Italy, 1940s
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Originating from Italy in the 1940s, the aesthetically refined sofa designed by renowned Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani epitomizes the enduring charm of mid-century Italian furnitu...
Fabric, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani large bench
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in London, GB
A rare bench designed by Osvaldo Borsani C1950 . The bench retains its original distressed wood in butter cream with gilded X detailing with Beautiful curves to the back . Newly upho...
Velvet, Wood
Bench with Seats by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
This extraordinary bench with seats, born from the creativity of Osvaldo Borsani for the acclaimed Tecno company of the 1980s, represents a true symbol of Italian excellence in the field of design. Osvaldo Borsani, a renowned Italian designer, brought this iconic bench to life in collaboration with Tecno, one of the leading companies in the high-quality furniture and furnishing sector. This synergy of talent and craftsmanship gave rise to a timeless design piece. The bench boasts a sturdy black powder-coated iron structure that elegantly supports a series of welcoming seats. Two wooden slabs serve as the base for this creation, contributing to the entire design's aura of elegance and style, suitable for any environment. The seats and backrest of the bench have been skillfully padded and covered with period-appropriate fabric, a precious dark blue cotton that adds a touch of class and sophistication. This fabric, although showing signs of wear and the passage of time due to its history, can be replaced upon request, ensuring an impeccable appearance. This Osvaldo Borsani bench...
Iron
Osvaldo Borsani Bench Stool Wood, 1950, Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Osvaldo Borsani.
Wood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 31.5 in D 16.15 in
Pouf by Osvaldo Borsani in Original Green Velvet with Bangs, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant pouf made by Osvaldo Borsani in the 1950s. The pouf is in its original conditions of the time. Its original fabric is dark green velvet. To complete and make this product un...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 27 in W 85 in D 29 in
Bench or Sofa in Leather Steel & Granite Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1980s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bench or sofa in leather steel and granite Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1980s. WS bench, seating system or sofa in cordovan leather covered black enameled steel mesh frame on a ...
Granite, Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 60.24 in D 22.45 in
Bench "Love-Seat" by Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier di Varedo, Wood, Velvet, 1942-1944
By Atelier Borsani Varedo, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
A lush and playful bench "Love-Seat" by Osvaldo Borsani, with a wood construction and velvet cover in a complex gelden beige shade with greenish undertones and light golden highlights. Gold painted wooden spiral detail on the back part. Both upholstery and cover are renewed Dimensions: / L. 153 cm D. 57 cm H. 80cm SH. 43 cm Manufacturer / Gaetano Borsani / Atelier di Varedo...
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 59.65 in D 21.66 in
Marco Fantoni Green Fabric and Enameled Steel Italian Bench for Tecno, 1982
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing modern green fabric and enameled steel bench. This marvelous piece was produced by Tecno in Italy in 1982 and designed by Marco Fantoni. This bench is unique as it is a one ...
Metal, Iron
Osvaldo Borsani Hallway Bench
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in London, GB
A fabulous and rare painted wood bench by Osvaldo Borsani. The bench is painted in buttercream color and with golden details across the frame and the legs. It has been newly upholste...
Wood
Sold
H 31.89 in W 30.71 in D 20.48 in
LIttle Bench/ Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamento Borsani Italy circa 1946
By Arredamenti Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
LIttle Bench/ Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani. Arredamento Borsani Italy ca. 1946