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.
$8,450 / item
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofas
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofas, model, 'D70', steel, brass, fabric, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
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 'D70' Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa, model, 'D70', steel, brass, leather, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani "D70" Sofa, Tecno, Italy 1951
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Sofa “Model D70” by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno – newly upholstered with original yellow vintage fabric from Tecno. Designed in 1951 in Italy.
Brass, Steel
$4,765Sale Price|20% Off
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 for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Gray Suede Leather
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in North Miami, FL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Sofa, Model 'D70' in gray suede leather, Italy, 1954. A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Italy, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and red velvet sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Arredamenti Borsani, Italy, 1940s. Significant scratching to wood legs. Vintage fabric in distres...
Velvet, Wood
$5,556Sale Price|13% Off
Vintage Mid Century Modern Borsani D70 Reclining Sofa, Grey Fabric, Collectible
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa-Bed Sofabed Recliner Osvaldo Borsani has been one of the most relevant designers of the Italian Twentieth century. He began his career in the late 1930s pe...
Metal, Steel
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
$8,247Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury sofa mod. D70 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic sofa "with wings" model D70 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Originally born as a sofa bed, the D70 has an innovative mechanism that allows you to open the sofa until it...
Metal
Sofa D70 in Cuoio Leather by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Dronten, NL
An iconic design by Osvaldo Borsani, the D70 sofa for Tecno stands as a landmark of Italian mid-century innovation, distinguished by its patented adjustable backrest mechanism and re...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani D70 daybed sofa Tecno Italy 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful D70 daybed/sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani D70 and manufactured by Tecno in Italy in 1954. This comfortable daybed/sofa is truly unique....
Metal, Brass
Italian Midcentury D-70 Sofa / Bed by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno, New Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in New York, NY
An important statement in the history of Modern design: the Italian Mid-Century Modern D 70 sofa, couch or bed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Tecno was one of the ...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani sofa, Italy, 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti 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
Yellow sofa/bed 'D70' Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, Mid-Century 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Sofa model "D70," design by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1970. The D70 features a mechanical structure that allows the seat and backrest to be tilted and transformed, offering d...
Metal
$29,783
Osvaldo Borsani Boucle Sofa
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, MI
Very rare Osvaldo Borsani sofa in walnut and white bouclé fabric.
Fabric, Walnut
Osvaldo Borsani Corner Sofa Upholstered in Blue Velvet
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) Corner sofa upholstered in velvet with elegant patellation on the back. ABV Arredamenti Borsani Varedo manufacture 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
Exquisite D70 Sofa Daybed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1954
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Voorburg, NL
Sofa/ Daybed ‘D70’, designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1954. This customizable D70 sofa has two pivoting wings, a very stable metal frame, and a beautiful f...
Brass, Steel
Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sofa folding model D70 of the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani published by Tecno in the 60s. Black lacquered metal structure and solid brass adjustment elements. Seat covered with bl...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa for Tecno, 1954 - Metal Frame, Adjustable
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
Osvaldo Borsani Boomerang curved grey velvet Sofa mid-century modern Italian
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Barcelona, ES
Curved sofa Manufactured by l’Atelier di Varedo, Italy. Italy, 1947 Chesnut and upholstered in grey velvet Measurements 225 cm x 130 cm x 85h cm. 88,5 in x 51,18 in x 33,46h in. Li...
Upholstery, Wood
Original D70 Sofa by Osvaldo BORSANI for TECNO, 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The 'D70' variable tilt sofa-bed, produced by Tecno, Milan, 1954. Black tubular frame with foam rubber padding and brass knobs, for changing the back and seat height of the sofa. Up...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani Model P-35 Two-Seater Sofa for Arredamenti Borsani, Italy, 1951
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Paris, FR
An Osvaldo Borsani model P-35 sofa, designed in 1951 and manufactured by Arredamenti Borsani in Varedo, Italy. Part of a coordinated seating group comprising a sofa and matching armc...
Metal, Brass
D70 Daybed Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in VENLO, NL
Original 'D70' daybed sofa, designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy, in 1954. This Mid-Century classic serves as both a sculptural sofa and a fully adjustable da...
Metal, Brass
'D70' sofa bed by Osvaldo Borsani Tecno 1970 new gray fabric
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Sofa model "D70," design by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1970. The D70 features a mechanical structure that allows the seat and backrest to be tilted and transformed, offering d...
Metal
1954, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, D70 Daybed Sofa in Original Brown Fabric
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Metal
Sofa Daybed D70 Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa daybed D70 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, original brown ribbed upholstery.
Brass, 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
Osvaldo Borsani Corner Sofa Upholstered in Blue Velvet
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, IT
Osvaldo Borsani (1911-1985) Corner sofa upholstered in velvet with elegant patellation on the back. ABV Arredamenti Borsani Varedo manufacture 1950s.
Velvet, Wood
$10,545
H 33.08 in W 32.29 in D 33.47 in
“Canada" Leather Lounge Chair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Canada” or model P110 chair was designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1965 and manufactured by the Borsani brothers’ company, Tecno. The chair is enriched wi...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, this refined mid-century Italian sofa exemplifies the designer’s signature balance of architectural clarity and functional elegance. Designed in the 19...
Brass, Steel
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno "Modus" Office Chair, Italy 1970s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Naples, IT
Rare yellow Modus office chair with armrests and adjustable height, designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced for Tecno 1970.
Aluminum, Steel
$9,980
H 32 in W 75 in D 34 in
Italian Midcentury D-70 Sofa / Bed by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno, New Upholstery
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in New York, NY
An important statement in the history of Modern design: the Italian Mid-Century Modern D 70 sofa, couch or bed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. Tecno was one of the ...
Brass, Steel
Modus Office by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1960s Desk Chair
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brescia, IT
1968 by Tecno revolving chair White ivory plastic, acrylic seat and aluminum frame H max seat: 52 cm.
Aluminum
$1,614 / set
H 29.14 in W 20.48 in D 18.9 in
1980s Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Swivel Wheeled Office Chairs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in IT
Five office swivel wheeled chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, made in Italy in 1980s. Stamped on the bottom and marked Tecno on the side, made of red, white and wine color plastic....
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani Daybed L77 for Tecno
Located in New York, NY
Osvaldo Borsani designed the Daybed L77 for Tecno as a refined expression of Italian mid-century modernism, combining technical innovation with elegant restraint. Created during a pe...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani D70 daybed sofa Tecno Italy 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful D70 daybed/sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani D70 and manufactured by Tecno in Italy in 1954. This comfortable daybed/sofa is truly unique....
Metal, Brass
$13,517
H 33.47 in W 88.59 in D 51.19 in
Osvaldo Borsani Boomerang curved grey velvet Sofa mid-century modern Italian
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Barcelona, ES
Curved sofa Manufactured by l’Atelier di Varedo, Italy. Italy, 1947 Chesnut and upholstered in grey velvet Measurements 225 cm x 130 cm x 85h cm. 88,5 in x 51,18 in x 33,46h in. Li...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 74.81 in D 37.41 in
Reupholstered Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa in Warm Cognac Aniline Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa model D70, in cognac leather, metal and brass, Italy, 1954. This iconic sofa by Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani is reupholstered in high-quality ...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 33.47 in W 76.78 in D 45.28 in
D70 Osvaldo Borsani Italian Green Blue Cotton Linen Sofa for Tecno 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian sofa model D70 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1954 with metal frame structure with upholstery covered in blue green cotton linen fabric from the prestigious Rubelli...
Metal, Brass
convertible Sofa D70 designed by Osvaldo Borsani For Tecno 1954
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Italian Modern TECNO D70 daybed and sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954 beautiful 1960ies edition, upholstered in dark-brown cognac anilin leather about two years ago. The sofa...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani, D70 blue sofa, 1956
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Firenze, IT
Beautiful D70 Sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954 for Tecno, presented at the X Triennale in 1954 and patented in the USA in 1956. It is in excellent condition and has been reup...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani 'D70' Sofa for Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Iconic 'D70' sofa in blue fabric, created by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1970. This extraordinary piece of furniture embodies the timeless elegance of Italian design, combining comf...
Metal, Brass
Divano mod. D70, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, 1955
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Rivoli, IT
Divano letto modello D70, Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno, 1955
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani D-70 Daybed for Techno
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Convertible daybed by Osvaldo Borsani for Techno, c.1950s, Italy. Supported by a sturdy steel frame, this piece goes from sofa to bed with the turn of a dial. The unique design showc...
Steel, Brass
Sold
H 33.47 in W 76.78 in D 45.28 in
D70 Osvaldo Borsani Italian Green Blue Velvet Sofa for Tecno 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian sofa model D70 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1954 with metal frame, polyurethane foam padding and new blue green velvet upholstery by the prestigious Rubelli Venez...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 35.44 in W 74.81 in D 29.53 in
Divano D70 italiano ad ali mobili di Osvaldo Borsani per Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in MIlano, IT
Divano modello D70, con seduta rettangolare imbottita in poliuretano espanso rivestito con tessuto rosso brillante e con struttura di base in metallo verniciato nero. La particolarit...
Metal
Sofa 'D70' Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno blu
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic sofa "with wings" model D70 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, designed in 1954. Created as a sofa bed, the D70 has a mechanism that allows the sofa to be opened until it flips com...
Fabric
Sofa D70, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, 1970 circa
By Tecno Design Centre, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, Lombardia
You could not imagine a more beautiful and comfortable sofa than the D70, a unique object distinguished by its special exposed mechanism. It is inimitable in functionality, extraord...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani, Rare Curved Sofa, Velvet, Metal, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in High Point, NC
A rare curved black-coated metal and grey velvet sofa designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno, Italy, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 13.5" Arm Height (inches): 18" All ite...
Metal