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.
Osvaldo Borsani wall-mounted wood and brass desk model E22 by Tecno Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A wall-mounted desk in wood, metal, and brass, part of the E22 series, produced by Tecno, designed by Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s A wall-mounted piece of furniture, free from floor suppo...
Metal, Brass
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno ‘T96’ Executive Corner Desk in Black Lacquered Wood
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, executive desk, model ‘T96’, lacquered wood, steel, chromed metal, Italy, design 1956, produced 1958 This ‘T96’ executive desk is designed by Osvaldo Bor...
Steel, Chrome, Metal
Osvaldo Borsani desk mod T333 for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bari, IT
The T333 desk, designed by the famous designer Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, is a masterpiece of elegance and functionality. It is an iconic piece from the 1950s, characterised by clean...
Metal
Desk by Fabio Lenci for Bernini, 1970s
By Fabio Lenci, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and leather desk with lots of storage space designed by Fabio Lenci for Bernini. Stamped Bernini. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Wood, Leather
Boomerang Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano, 1950s Italy
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural black boomerang executive desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano. Finished with leather desktop inclusion. Floating pedestal on right side and longer return on the le...
Aluminum
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal desk. Stamped Tecno. Comprises a cabinet with three lockable drawers and storage space, and another cabinet with three lockable drawers. Wear due to time and age. FOR...
Metal
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal desk. Composed of a box with 3 lockable drawers with key and storage space, and another box with 3 unlockable drawers. The boxes can be turned. Stamped Tecno. Wear du...
Metal
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bruxelles, BE
White wooden desk with black metal. Consists of a cabinet with 3 drawers and storage space, and another cabinet with 3 drawers. No keys. Wear and tear due to age and use. FOR SHIPPIN...
Metal
Yellow Writing Desk By Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno
Located in Paddington, NSW
Osvaldo Borsani was an influential Italian architect and designer, born in 1911 in Varedo, Italy. He is best known for combining modernist aesthetics with technical innovation, creat...
Metal
Italian Glass Top on Chrome Executive 'Nomos' Desk by Norman Foster for Tecno
By Tecno, Sir Norman Foster
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A Large Executive Desk, designed by Sir Norman Foster and manufactured by Tecno, Italy. This vintage example dates to late 1980s and in superb original condition. A modern and sleek ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani T95 for Tecno, Italy 1956
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic office desk model T95 designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1960s. The desk has metal legs and rosewood veneer top and compartments. This nice sized...
Metal
$14,717
Desk by Osvaldo Borsani
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
This simple and elegant desk, model “T90,” was designed for Tecno by Italian architect and designer Osvaldo Borsani. The wooden top is made of molded plywood, there are two drawers, ...
Metal
Desk, Made of Walnut by Osvaldo Borsani, 1954
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Berlin, DE
Chique and minimal, rare desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1956 and manufactured by Tecno Italy. the plate and the drawers are made of walnut wood, its construction is made of bla...
Metal
Gianfranco Frattini Sesamo desk for Bernini Italy, 1980s
By Bernini, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Skokie, IL
The form is both innovative and elegant: the desk functions seamlessly as an entrance accent, a refined workspace, or a secretary station, with a matching chair that tucks effortless...
Steel
$5,651
H 118.12 in W 28.75 in D 30.71 in
Osvaldo Borsani E22 Double Sided Freestanding Wall Unit for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This double-sided freestanding E22 bookcase is a rare and peculiar example of Borsani's innovative design and the Tecno manufacturing expertise. Its construction of metal, wood, and ...
Metal
$9,890
H 29.14 in W 85.04 in D 90.56 in
Italian modern wood, steel and leather desk attributed by Fabio Lenci, 1970s
By Fabio Lenci
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern wood, steel and leather desk attributed by Fabio Lenci, 1970s Desk for center of the room with a C-shaped structure, made of wood with black wood profile. The rectangu...
Metal, Steel
$6,829
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 25.6 in
Rosewood Rolltop Desk/Cabinet, Model 804, by Gianfranco Frattini for Bernini
By Gianfranco Frattini, Bernini
Located in Argelato, BO
Gianfranco Frattini designed this gorgeous rosewood rolltop desk, model 804, for Bernini in the early 1960s. What appears to be a compact chest of ten...
Aluminum
$4,650
H 36.23 in W 109.06 in D 18.51 in
Credenza by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Exquisite credenza or sideboard designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo. This very elegant mid century italian sideboard is made of high quality mahogany wood, a whit...
Brass
Custom 1950s Wall Mounted Modernist Writing Desk
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique handmade custom wall-mounted writing desk made in the 1950s. Solid birch construction with patinated brass accents and a smooth black laminate desk surface that folds up when ...
Model T61 Table by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in London, GB
Model T61 table by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s A 1960s Model T61 coffee or side table designed by Osvaldo Borsani with a single drawer. Made in teak with a black painted metal...
Steel
$4,650
H 36.23 in W 109.06 in D 18.51 in
Credenza by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Exquisite credenza or sideboard designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo. This very elegant mid century italian sideboard is made of high quality mahogany wood, a whit...
Brass
Side Table by Osvaldo Borsani, around 1960
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant side table from the T61 series was designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1960. It has a generous drawer made of wood, the legs are made of lacquered metal.
Metal
1970s Writing Desk, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable - mahogany veneer
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Desk/ Table by Borsani, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Desk/ Table by Borsani, Italy, 1950s
Wood
$4,474 / set
H 28.35 in W 33.08 in D 20.08 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Small Desk and Chair Attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Cute and stylish Italian midcentury modern desk, with a graceful chair, attributed to Paolo Buffa. This teakwood desk it is a splendid example of the Italian class design of 1950. B...
Brass
Wood Borsani Boomerang executive desk
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Brussel, BE
Iconic design ! Wood Borsani Boomerang executive desk in excellent condition. Unique model with 2 small drawers hidden on the top.
Metal
Black Borsani Boomerang executive desk
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Brussel, BE
Iconic design ! Black Borsani Boomerang executive desk in excellent condtion.
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani ‘T95’ Executive Desk for Tecno, Italy, 1950s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Hellouw, NL
A synthesis of rationalist design and functional elegance; the T95 desk by Osvaldo Borsani captures the essence of Italian post-war modernism. Produced by Tecno in the 1950s, this de...
Teak
Executive desk the Italian wood 60s Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Milano, MI
Executive desk model T96 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno. 1960s exotic wood top and drawer units with black painted metal support frame. The drawer units are rotatable so tha...
Iron
Sold
H 28.5 in W 113.75 in D 35.5 in
20th Century Italian Rosewood Writing Table - Desk by Osvaldo Borsani & Tecno
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large vintage Mid-Century modern Italian writing table made of hand crafted polished Rosewood designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, in good condition. The sculptural desk is compo...
Metal, Chrome
Desk Boomerang by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal desk in the shape of a boomerang. Stamped Tecno. 2 modules, one with 3 drawers and another with 3 drawers and storage. Wear due to time and age of the desk. For shippi...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 97.64 in D 41.34 in
Model D96 Boomerang Desk by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Milano, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Antwerp, BE
Model T96 office desk designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1956. The desk top shows a beautiful grain and deep warm colour with a leather inlay. The desk has...
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 80s desk mod. Nomos design Norman Foster for Tecno
By Tecno, Sir Norman Foster
Located in None, IT
Table with chrome-plated steel frame and black laminated wood top. Nomos model, design Norman Foster for Tecno, 1980s. CONDITION: In good condition, shows signs of wear given by tim...
Steel
Desk Boomerang by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wood and metal desk in the shape of a boomerang. Stamped Tecno. 2 modules, one with 1 large lockable drawer and another with 3 drawers and storage. Wear and tear due to the age of th...
Metal
Sold
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 25.6 in
1980s Tecno by Norman Foster Christal top Steel Structure Nomos Desk Table
By Tecno, Sir Norman Foster
Located in IT
Table produced in the 1980s by Tecno on design by Norman Foster. Chromed steel metal structure. Rectangular glass top recently added . Feet are adjustable. This table is suitable bot...
Metal, Steel
Vintage office desk, Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Rare Osvaldo Borsani vintage desk manufactured by Tecno in the 1960s - early 1970s. Steel black structure with wood top venereed in white /beige laminate. Two side adjustable drawe...
Steel
Osvaldo Borsani Desk For Tecno, Italy 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic office desk model T95 designed by Osvaldo Borsani and manufactured by Tecno, Italy 1960s. The desk has metal legs and rosewood veneer top and compartments. This nice sized ...
Metal