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Tecno Seating

Italian

From his early start at his father’s boutique furniture and cabinetry atelier — Arredamenti Borsani (ABV) — Italian designer Osvaldo Borsani began to steadily dream to life the movement-inducing pieces that would eventually lead to him founding his innovative furniture company, Tecno, with his twin brother, Fulgenzio. 

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. He first worked for the family furniture-making firm, ABV, an atelier influenced by the more expressive and curvaceous wing of Art Deco design. Borsani took over Arredamenti Borsani in 1937.

With his stylish and technically innovative furniture, 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.

While he is today recognized as a master of mid-century modernist Italian furniture, Borsani is most famous these days for cofounding Tecno. (He and Fulgenzio also created Villa Borsani, a visionary mid-century estate cherished for its modern lines and exquisite custom furnishings.) 

When Borsani opened Tecno, an office-focused maker of industrial design, his design sensibilities had evolved toward furnishings with strong, simple forms enhanced by mechanical innovations, as with the P40 adjustable armchair.

When they were originally released, Tecno pieces like the P40 and the award-winning D70 sofa bed were acclaimed as cutting-edge, and they are still considered groundbreaking in their adaptability and functionality. The firm quickly garnered widespread acclaim for its tech-forward designs and quality craftsmanship.

Borsani would be Tecno’s lead designer for 30 years, while partnering on projects with the likes of architect Eugenio Gerli and fostering work by Vico Magistretti, Carlo De Carli, Robin Day and others.

Borsani designed pieces for Tecno until shortly before his death in 1985, when his daughter Valeria and her husband, Marco Fantoni, took over the creative work. 

Today, the family’s legacy is preserved by Borsani’s architect grandson Tommaso Fantoni, who, along with Norman Foster, curated a blockbuster retrospective of Osvaldo Borsani’s work at Milan’s Triennale Design Museum in 2018.

Find vintage Tecno chairs, tables, desks and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Tecno
Osvaldo Borsani P 40 For Tecno 1960's
Osvaldo Borsani P 40 For Tecno 1960's

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...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956
Vintage P40 Adjustable Armchair by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956

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...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Eugenio Gerli S83 chairs by Tecno Italy 1962
Eugenio Gerli S83 chairs by Tecno Italy 1962

Eugenio Gerli S83 chairs by Tecno Italy 1962

By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Elegant set of 4 model S83 chairs designed by Eugenio Gerli and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1962. Made from black painted plywood these chairs have a robust metal structure for stre...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Yellow sofa/bed 'D70' Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, Mid-Century 1970s
Yellow sofa/bed 'D70' Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, Mid-Century 1970s

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...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Swivel - Armchair "P32", Design: Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1956
Swivel - Armchair "P32", Design: Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1956

Swivel - Armchair "P32", Design: Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1956

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Wolfurt, AT

The rotating armchair "P32" was designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno in Italy in 1956. It is in its original condition and brings the original label of the manufactu...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Brass, Metal

Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960
Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani Model D70 Italian for Tecno Years 1960

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...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Exquisite D70 Sofa Daybed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1954
Exquisite D70 Sofa Daybed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1954

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Sculptural Maple Chairs by Tecno Sedia
Pair of Sculptural Maple Chairs by Tecno Sedia

Pair of Sculptural Maple Chairs by Tecno Sedia

By Tecno

Located in Greensboro, NC

Pair of maple chairs by Tecno Sedia. High gloss poly finish. Condition is good with minor wear in the form of scuffs appropriate for the age. Very sturdy frames.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Osvaldo Borsani P40/C Lounge Chair for Tecno, Second Edition, circa 1963–1965
Osvaldo Borsani P40/C Lounge Chair for Tecno, Second Edition, circa 1963–1965

Osvaldo Borsani P40/C Lounge Chair for Tecno, Second Edition, circa 1963–1965

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in BARCELONA, ES

An important P40/C adjustable lounge chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, dating from circa 1963–1965 and corresponding to the second edition of the model. The P40 is regard...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s
Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s

Osvaldo Borsani P31 Chair for Tecno, Italy 1950s

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Aartselaar, BE

Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in Italy during the late 1950s, this striking vintage lounge chair is a fine example of mid-century Italian design. Its elegant tripod base, cra...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Steel

1956, Osvaldo Borsani, P40 Adjustable Lounge Chair in Terra Red Fabric
1956, Osvaldo Borsani, P40 Adjustable Lounge Chair in Terra Red Fabric

1956, Osvaldo Borsani, P40 Adjustable Lounge Chair in Terra Red Fabric

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

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 Beach, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Beautiful P40 in a special terra brownish red color color. The upholstery is new. The chair is in good condition. The P 40 is a reclinable...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Art Design Chair - Stand Alone chair - Artistic Chair by Milanese Studio
Art Design Chair - Stand Alone chair - Artistic Chair by Milanese Studio

Art Design Chair - Stand Alone chair - Artistic Chair by Milanese Studio

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani, Spinzi

Located in Milano, IT

Art Chair - Mid Century Office Chair - Osvaldo Borsani Seating customized by Spinzi Milano - One off piece - Art Design- Hand made - Osvaldo Borsani was an influential designer of ...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Eight Leather Office Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
Set of Eight Leather Office Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno

Set of Eight Leather Office Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Barcelona, ES

Set of eight office chair designed in 1966-1976 by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy. Cast aluminum with chrome-plated bases and original black leather upholstery. Swivel base with ad...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa for Tecno, 1954 - Metal Frame, Adjustable
Osvaldo Borsani D70 Sofa for Tecno, 1954 - Metal Frame, Adjustable

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...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

4 chairs Wood and leather S82 Eugenio Gerli for Tecno 1960's
4 chairs Wood and leather S82 Eugenio Gerli for Tecno 1960's

4 chairs Wood and leather S82 Eugenio Gerli for Tecno 1960's

By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli

Located in Milano, Lombardia

set of 4 chairs with wooden frame and leather upholstery. Designed, in the early 1960s, by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Very elegant and sturdy chair with steel inserts and joints. The c...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage Italian Blue Sofa 1970s by Tecno
Vintage Italian Blue Sofa 1970s by Tecno

Vintage Italian Blue Sofa 1970s by Tecno

By Tecno

Located in Reggio Emilia, IT

Italian sofa produced by Tecno with original fabric and metal frame with manufacturer’s mark, production Italy ca 1970s. Please note that the sofa is original of the period and this...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960s

Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy, 1960s

By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno

Located in Milan, IT

Armchair model "PS142" by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno. Fully emerald green upholstered frame on wheels. A second piece with different blue fabric available

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Velvet

Osvaldo Borsani Modus Chairs for Tecno, Stackable Design, Italy, 1978
Osvaldo Borsani Modus Chairs for Tecno, Stackable Design, Italy, 1978

Osvaldo Borsani Modus Chairs for Tecno, Stackable Design, Italy, 1978

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in bari, IT

This model was presented in January 1972 in Cologne as the first product of the Tecno Project Center, an innovative initiative by Borsani that marked a change in the landscape of Ita...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Eight Modus Swiveling Conference Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, 1960
Set of Eight Modus Swiveling Conference Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, 1960

Set of Eight Modus Swiveling Conference Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno, 1960

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Dronten, NL

A refined and highly functional set of eight “Modus” conference chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Milan. An enduring example of Italian modernist design, the Modus model ...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Chair "Modus" Tecno Design Ovaldo Borsani Eugenio Gerli, 1970s Rare Version
Chair "Modus" Tecno Design Ovaldo Borsani Eugenio Gerli, 1970s Rare Version

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...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Four PS142 Armchairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy
Set of Four PS142 Armchairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy

Set of Four PS142 Armchairs by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy

By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno

Located in Barcelona, ES

Set of four PS142 armchairs designed in 1966 by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, Italy. Metal frame upholstered with original checker fabric.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

D70 Daybed Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1950s
D70 Daybed Sofa by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1950s

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...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian mid-century modern armchair and pouf by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1960s
Italian mid-century modern armchair and pouf by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1960s

Italian mid-century modern armchair and pouf by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1960s

By Eugenio Gerli, Tecno

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian mid-century modern armchair and pouf by Eugenio Gerli for Tecno, 1960s Armchair and pouf or chaise longue with a wooden frame and metal base. Armchair and pouf upholstered in...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Funky "Coffee Bar" Chairs by Robin Day for Tecno
Pair of Funky "Coffee Bar" Chairs by Robin Day for Tecno

Pair of Funky "Coffee Bar" Chairs by Robin Day for Tecno

By Tecno, Robin Day

Located in Beerse, VAN

Pair of funky chairs designed by Robin Day for the Italian brand Tecno. For a long time I had no idea what to do with these kind of chairs. But I bought them in a monastery and the ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Chairs S82 Eugenio Gerli Tecno Mohair White set of 4
Chairs S82 Eugenio Gerli Tecno Mohair White set of 4

Chairs S82 Eugenio Gerli Tecno Mohair White set of 4

By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Chairs S82 Eugenio Gerli Tecno Mohair White set of 4.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Tecno Chip Chair by Carlo Mo, Steel and Oak, Modern Italian Design
Tecno Chip Chair by Carlo Mo, Steel and Oak, Modern Italian Design

Tecno Chip Chair by Carlo Mo, Steel and Oak, Modern Italian Design

By Carlo Mo, Tecno

Located in Berlin, DE

The Chip chair was designed by sculptor Carlo Mo. The chair is very small and more an object ora. sculpture, as it is pretty low and not very comfortable to...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Steel

P08 folding chair by Justus Kolberg for Tecno, 1991 , Italy
P08 folding chair by Justus Kolberg for Tecno, 1991 , Italy

P08 folding chair by Justus Kolberg for Tecno, 1991 , Italy

By Tecno

Located in Milano, IT

The P08 Folding Chair by Justus Kolberg for Tecno, 1990s is a folding chair designed by Justus Kolberg for Tecno in the early 1990s as an essential and versatile solution for confere...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Plastic

P40 Armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, 1955 first edition purple fabric mid-century
P40 Armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, 1955 first edition purple fabric mid-century

P40 Armchair Osvaldo Borsani Tecno, 1955 first edition purple fabric mid-century

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Armchair model P40 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1955, first edition. The P40 is considered one of the icons of postwar Italian design and is a modern reinterpretation of...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal, Brass

'D70' sofa bed by Osvaldo Borsani Tecno  1970 new gray fabric
'D70' sofa bed by Osvaldo Borsani Tecno  1970 new gray fabric

'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...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

P40 by Osvaldo Borsani, first edition by Tecno
P40 by Osvaldo Borsani, first edition by Tecno

P40 by Osvaldo Borsani, first edition by Tecno

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Paire de fauteuils P40 par Osvaldo Borsani pour Tecno, première édition.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

set of 4 signed eugenio gerli S82 chairs by tecno
set of 4 signed eugenio gerli S82 chairs by tecno

set of 4 signed eugenio gerli S82 chairs by tecno

By Tecno, Eugenio Gerli

Located in Munich, DE

well made dining or meeting chairs by tecno. interesting connection and composition of wood and metal. foam and fabric professionl redone.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Minimal Leather Armchair Model "D101" by Tecno, Italy, 1980s
Minimal Leather Armchair Model "D101" by Tecno, Italy, 1980s

Minimal Leather Armchair Model "D101" by Tecno, Italy, 1980s

By Tecno

Located in Milan, IT

Rare leather armchair model D101 by Tecno. Originally custom-conceived by Centro Progetti Tecno for a private bank, the model was later put in serial production. Pure squared proport...

Category

1980s Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Leather

1954, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, D70 Daybed Sofa in Original Brown Fabric
1954, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, D70 Daybed Sofa in Original Brown Fabric

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...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Metal

Sofa Daybed D70 Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
Sofa Daybed D70 Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno

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.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tecno Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel

1991 Chip Chair by Carlo Mo for Tecno in Ebonized Oak and Enameled Steel
1991 Chip Chair by Carlo Mo for Tecno in Ebonized Oak and Enameled Steel

1991 Chip Chair by Carlo Mo for Tecno in Ebonized Oak and Enameled Steel

By Tecno, Carlo Mo

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Chip Chair, designed by Carlo Mo for Tecno in 1965. This particular example hails from 1991, when Tecno relaunched the design in a very limited quantity. This avant-garde l...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Tecno Seating

Materials

Steel

Tecno seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Tecno seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Tecno seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Tecno were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Le Corbusier, Carlo De Carli, and Gavina. Prices for Tecno seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $384 and can go as high as $34,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,008.