Best known for his sleek, Bauhaus style, designer Robert Slezák was a pioneer in the manufacturing of chrome and bent-metal furniture during the early 20th century.
Born in the town of Bystřice pod Hostýnem in today’s Czech Republic, Slezák originally trained as a locksmith and in 1908 established a locksmith’s workshop in his hometown. What began as a small business providing common locksmith products grew into the Slezák Factory, which made brass fittings for furniture and buildings. In 1911, Slezák became one of the first manufacturers in Europe to use a galvanic coating of copper, chromium and nickel on the surface of his products.
Starting in 1913, Slezák focused on designing and producing brass and metal furniture with wood accents, like chairs, beds and tables. By the 1930s, Slezák’s furniture style began to evolve towards mid-century modern and Bauhaus design, leading to streamlined and tubular three-seat sofas, stools, bent-metal chairs, wood and chrome coffee tables, desks, lighting and cabinets. During this time, Slezák also collaborated with the Czech furniture company Ton N.P. Bystřice pod Hostýnem on pieces including his Bauhaus chrome and walnut side table.
After 1948, Slezák’s firm became part of the Kovona furniture-making company, which continued to produce and recreate Slezák’s designs from the 1950s to the 1980s. Since 1992, the Czech furniture manufacturer has been known as Kovonax.
Today, Slezák’s designs remain highly sought after by interior designers and collectors of mid-century and Bauhaus furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Robert Slezák seating, tables, lighting and more.
Pair of Bauhaus Étagères by Robert Slezák and Arnošt Beck, Birch Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Source: Czechia Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Robert Slezák Architect: Arnošt Beck This item features classic Bauhaus design elements. Elements of this style are neutral colors and occas...
Chrome, Steel
Restored Bauhaus Flower Pedestal, by Robert Slezák, Chrome, Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been re-polished with polyutherane piano lacquer by our professional...
Chrome, Steel
$2,550
H 43.2 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Stylish and Great Antique, Ebonized Flower, Plant or Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful column for displaying a work of art or otherwise. This antique and attractive design pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture, vase or bust. Most colors wil...
Wood, Beech, Paint
Pair of Louis XVI Painted Wood Jardinière Stands
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The circular container carved with pearls and rinceaux and supported by an inswept strung-piaster quadripartite stand with a central finial and hung with swags raised on a conforming...
Wood
Black Laminate and Stainless Steel Pedestal with Swivel Top
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Black laminate and stainless steel pedestal with swivel top.
Stainless Steel
Brushed Stainless Steel Dining Table Base/ Pedestal Column, French 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing brushed stainless steel column/ pedestal base which can also be used as a dining table base by adding a custom thick round glass. The beautiful finish is modern and ind...
Stainless Steel
Antique Plant Etagere
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique plant etagere Dimensions: circa - 31.25"W x 20.25"D x 28"H Beautiful texture and patina.
Iron
Marbled Pedestal of Black and White Painted Wood, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This marbled pedestal, dating back to the circa 1930s, exudes a timeless charm with its striking black and white painted wood construction. Its...
Wood
Mid-Century Bentwood Planter, Austria, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century bentwood planter - Austria 1930s.
Bentwood
$9,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Wood and Bronze Planters, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and bronze planters. France, late 19th century.
Bronze
Wedgwood Jasperware Jardiniere Classical Figures Fully Marked, Ca 1930s
By Wedgwood
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Jasperware stoneware Jardiniere or Cache Pot, made by Wedgwood, England and dating to circa 1930s. The jardiniere has a lovely shape, very much like a brush pot...
Pottery, Stoneware, Ceramic
$15,000 / set
H 39 in W 13.25 in D 12.25 in
Pair of Neoclassical Venetian Figural Poly Chromed & Gilt Pedestals, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Neoclassical Venetian Figural Poly Chromed Gilt Foliage and Fruit Basket Gadrooned Pedestals on Stand, Late 18th century
Wood, Giltwood, Paint, Gesso
$3,295 / set
H 72 in W 32 in D 13 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Etageres Shelving Units Flat Chrome & Glass
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern flat bar chrome Etageres with 1/2 inch thick glass shelving. In excellent vintage condition with small chips to the glass corners. 5 glass shelves. Chrome ...
Steel, Chrome
$6,680 / set
H 43 in Dm 10.4 in
Set 2, Striking Pair Top Quality Made Brass Pedestal Flower, Plant or Stands
Located in Lisse, NL
Set 2: Exceptional pair of MidCentury Brass pedestals, rare & striking design. If you’re looking for a pair of pedestals that truly make a statement, these Arts & Crafts style treas...
Brass
Sold
H 36.23 in W 31.5 in D 6.5 in
Czech Bauhaus Chrome Flower Stand by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 35.44 in D 11.42 in
Czech Green Bauhaus Style Chrome Étagère by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. S...
Chrome
Sold
H 32.29 in Dm 15.75 in
Black Chrome Bauhaus Pedestal by Slezák, Perfect Condition, Design Thonet, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Black pedestal from Czechia, 20th century. Bauhaus Material: Chrome Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Robert Slezák.
Chrome