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 for Tecno Wood and Leather Office Desk Dinning Room Chairs, 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roma, Lazio
The Osvaldo Borsani chairs, simple structure but much elegance to this set of 4 chairs of Italian design of the 1950s. Refinement and class as is in the Borsani style, unique pieces ...
Leather, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Arredamenti Borsani-Varedo Set of Six Dining Chairs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Arredamenti Borsani-Varedo, set of six dining chairs, chestnut and straw, Italy, 1930s Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for ABV Arredamenti Borsani-Varedo in the ...
Straw, Chestnut
20th Century Osvaldo Borsani Set of Six Dining Chairs for ABV 50s
By Atelier Borsani Varedo, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Turin, Turin
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...
Faux Leather, Wood
$1,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Osvaldo Borsani Mid Century Italian Mahogany Stained Dining Chairs for ABV 1950
By Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Conversano, IT
Overview Elegant set of six dining chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, produced in Italy during the 1950s. A refined example of Borsani’s design langua...
Wood
Osvaldo Borsani Set of Four Oak and Straw Dining Chairs for ABV, Italy 1937
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Osvaldo Borsani Set of Four Oak and Straw Dining Chairs for Arredamenti Borsani, Varedo, Italy 1937 Beautiful Geometrical backs in Pure Art Deco Style. Reference: Osvaldo Bo...
Straw, Oak
Set of Eight Osvaldo Borsani Italian Modern Mahogany and Brass Dining Chairs
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Queens, NY
8 Italian Mid-Century modern mahogany dining side chairs with brass sabot and white upholstered seat and shaped back with nailhead trim, (OSVALDO B ORSANI)
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Set of Six Dining Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Set of six dining chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo. This Fine set of Chairs features elegant lines and patinated brass details.
Brass
Set of 5 S88 chairs and T 41 table designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 1955
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare set of 5 chairs mod. S88 and table mod. T 41 designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno in 1955. Chairs: bentwood seats and backs, black lacquered metal frame, chairs are foldable b...
Brass, Metal
Osvaldo Borsani & Eugenio Gerli per Tecno Set di 4 Sedie "S81", Italia 1960s
By Eugenio Gerli, Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Naples, IT
Set di quattro sedie da pranzo, modello S81, disegnate da Eugenio Gerli per Tecno nel 1958, con struttura in legno e alluminio pressofuso e pelle di colore nero originale dell'epoca.
Aluminum
Set of 6 S88 Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, 1956, Italy
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Italy, chairs, 1950s, collector's item These 6 folding chairs are a once-in-a-lifetime set. The chairs, model S88, were designed in 1956 by the renowned Osval...
Steel
Set of Two Reclining Osvaldo Borsani Chairs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Design Centre
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two reclining chairs - very early design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s. The reclining chairs are in original condition and feature a fol...
Steel
$7,000 / set
H 36.62 in W 16.93 in D 20.08 in
Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani: Mid-Century Italian Dining Chairs, 1950s, Set of 6
By Atelier Borsani Varedo, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant lines and a sturdy structure characterize this splendid set of six dining chairs, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, from the 1950s. The mahogany-colored wood surfaces, as well a...
Bouclé, Walnut
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
$4,410Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 39.38 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Six Vittorio Dassi Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Dining Chairs, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Six dining chairs designed by the famous Italian architect Vittorio Dassi, solid mahogany chairs and original eco-leather upholstery, in excellen...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$924Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Set of Four Italian Beech Dining Chairs, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Italy - Made of beechwood - Very good craftsman work - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Beech
Set of Eight Mid Century Italian Dining Chairs
Located in London, London
This elegant set of eight 1960s Italian dining chairs showcases refined mid-century craftsmanship and beautifully balanced proportions. The frames are crafted in richly grained teak,...
Teak
Set of 6 Mid Century Italian Teak Dining Chairs, 1950s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely set of 6 dining chairs, designed and fabricated in Italy in the 50's. The teak wooden structure is very elegant but solid. The chairs are just reupholstered with new won...
Fabric, Teak
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
Mid century italian dining chairs, set of 6 - 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century modern 'boomerang' design dining chairs with new beige skai upholstery. Beautiful elegant design. 1950s - Italy Good overall condition, newly upholstered Dimensions H...
Faux Leather, Wood
$2,400 / set
H 32 in W 20.5 in D 21 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Oak and Cane Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New Windsor, NY
A set of four distinct oak and cane back dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana. Each chair still retains the gold metal tag on the underside of each sea...
Upholstery, Oak, Cane
$6,000 / set
H 37.6 in W 17.33 in D 22.45 in
Set of Eight Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Straw, Beech
$7,920 / set
H 31.25 in W 19.25 in D 20.5 in
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
Mid century rosewood dining chairs by Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century rosewood, brass and leatherette dining chairs by Osvaldo Borsani designed and manufactured in the 1950s. these very are chairs were well preserved and acquired directly ...
Faux Leather, Rosewood
Rare set of eight dining room chairs by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in London, GB
A very rare set of 8 dining room chairs designed and produced by Osvaldo Borsani C1940s . Solid cherrywood frames later upholstered in luxurious mohair moss green velvet with contras...
Velvet, Cherry
Vintage 1970s Osvaldo Borsani Set of 6 Dining Chairs
By Pier Luigi Colli, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani, Ico Parisi
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage 1970s Osvaldo Borsani Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Cobalt Blue Velvet with Polished Steel Swivel Base A rare and authentic set of six dining chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani,...
Steel
Sold
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 20.48 in
Four dining chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani. published
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set of four elegant dining chairs by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani. Crafted from dark wood, they feature soft, white upholstered seats and backs. The design is refined, wit...
Textile, Wood
Osvaldo Borsani 'Modus' chairs for Tecno, 1970s - set of 4
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Modus plastic and fabric desk/swivel chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Italy. Timeless design from the seventies. Overall good condition with normal age related wear. Or...
Fabric, Plastic
Sold
H 38.19 in W 18.51 in D 17.72 in
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Wood and Leather Office Desk Dinning Room Chairs, 1960
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Roma, Lazio
The Osvaldo Borsani chairs, simple structure but much elegance to this set of 4 chairs of Italian design of the 1950s. Refinement and class as is in the Borsani style, unique pieces of their kind that remain precious forever. Six Osvaldo Borsani punched Chairs from 1960. All covered in red leather ( the leather is original of the years), with wooden legs, and metal frame. Founder with his brother Fulgenzio of Tecno, architect Osvaldo Borsani has given life to products-icon of the company and of Italian design. Founder of Tecno with his brother Fulgenzio, architect Osvaldo Borsani created iconic products for the company and Italian design. Osvaldo Borsani began working at a very young age in the family furniture manufacturing company. In 1933 he participated in the fifth Triennale di Milano with the project for the “Casa Minima”, which was awarded the silver medal. In the post-war period, after graduating from the Polytechnic, he formed friendships with numerous artists, with whom he created important works of art in furniture...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani Chairs, Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Pair of Osvaldo Borsani Chairs, produced by Atelier Borsani Varedo, Italy, 1950s. Wooden frames and later upholstery. Minor signs of use and wear relative to age. Fast shipping ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 36.62 in W 17.33 in D 20.48 in
Set of 6 Osvaldo Borsani Mid-Century Modern Italian Bouclè Dining Chairs, 50s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant lines and solid structures for this splendid set of six dining chairs, designed by Osvaldo Borsani in the 1950s. The wooden surfaces, as well as the backrests and seats with ...
Bouclé, Mahogany
High Back Swivel Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani & Valeria Fantoni
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in New York, NY
Polished aluminum, steel, fabric. Rare custom dining/ desk chairs designed by father & daughter and produced by ABV. Sleek upholstered seats supported by tri-legged swivel bases. Pri...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Italian Dining Chairs by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 8 dining chairs from the Italian Modernist period by iconic designer Osvaldo Borsani. Made of French polished mahogany, these stylish and comfortable chairs feature their orig...
Brass
Osvaldo Borsani 'Modus' Chair for Tecno, 1970s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Modus plastic and fabric desk chair designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Italy. Timeless design from the seventies. Overall good condition with normal age related wear. 197...
Metal
Sold
H 35.83 in W 17.52 in D 15.99 in
Set of 8 Dining Chairs Designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo
By Atelier Borsani Varedo, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Conversano, IT
Amazing Set composed of eight iconic Mid-Century style chairs designed by Osvaldo Borsani for Atelier Borsani Varedo, 1940's-1950's The chairs are made in mahogany Beech Wood, wi...
Wood, Beech