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.
Restored Bauhaus Floor Lamp, by Robert Slezak, Oak, Chrome, Glass, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Adjustable height: 130 - 184 cm Width: 41 cm Depth: 55 cm This elegant Bauhaus floor lamp originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s. It is the work of the renowned manufacturer ...
Chrome, Steel
$2,344
H 67.33 in W 27.56 in D 22.05 in
1930s Jindrich Halabala Floor Lamp in Walnut Finish , Restored
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Carefully refurbished - Rewired - E26 or E27 bulb - US wiring compatible
Wood
Bauhaus UFO Chandelier, Restored Chrome & Glass, 1930s Czech Republic
Located in Praha, CZ
Very early UFO chandelier designed by Anyz and executed by IAS in 1930s. Chandelier was completely restored and is in a very good condition. New paint, only one scratch on upper side...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
1930s Bauhaus Floor Lamp, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Restored - cleaned and rewired - US wiring compatible - W: 40 D: 53 H: 165 cm
Metal
Bauhaus Floor Lamp by Halabala, 1940s, Restored
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
Nickel-plated floor lamp with two side tables in perfect condition. New opaline glass shade. Completely restored: new nicke-plating. Rewired: 1x60W, E25-E27 bulb US plug adapter ...
Nickel
1930s Bauhaus Floor Lamp, Czechoslovakia
By Bauhaus
Located in Praha, CZ
-Cleaned, repolished and rewired - chrome plated parts with some signs of use - adjustable shelf 48-125 shade diameter 30, shelf diameter 28.
Chrome
$1,657
H 65.36 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Modernist floor lamp in oak and chromed metal, attributed to DIM, 1930s
By D.I.M. Decoration Intérieure Moderne
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This modernist floor lamp in wood and chromed metal is attributed to DIM (Décoration Intérieur Moderne). It dates from the 1930s. This shelf light is in good condition.
Metal
$4,900
H 70.48 in W 24.81 in D 14.18 in
Restored Art Deco Bauhaus Rare Floor Lamp by Jindřich Halabala, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Wien, AT
Rare Floor Lamp by Jindřich Halabala An iconic model by J. Halabala, designed in the 1930s. This lamp combines dark-stained wood with an opaline glass globe and chrome-plated steel t...
Steel, Chrome
1930s Restored Large Art Deco Floor Lamp, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Carefully refurbished original paper lampshade with minor signs of use Newly rewired walnut veneer Opaxy glass.
Metal
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Wood, Chrome, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered wood, chrome and white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 60.5” H x 21” W x 24.25” Depth. Stated dimensions ...
Chrome
Chrome Bauhaus Table Lamp, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Good original condition with patina - New electricity - Interesting model - Indirect lighting.
Chrome
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Chrome, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
By Stilux
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass, yellow black-lacquered metal and marble floor lamp designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 62.5"H x 10.75"W x 25.5"D Bulb Specif...
Chrome
Robert Dudley Bl3 Medium Floor Lamp, Chrome
By Gubi, Robert Dudley Best
Located in Berkeley, CA
The Bestlite BL3 Floor Lamp in two sizes was designed in 1930 by Robert Dudley Best, a British designer highly influenced by Bauhaus. Its clean lines and elegant expression are combined with great functionality of the adjustable arm, both horizontal and vertical, and movable shade. Available in a variety of finishes, the Bestlite BL3 Floor Lamp works as reading light in any contemporary home where statement lighting is sought for. The Bestlite lamp design was first adopted by garages and the Royal Air Force engineering departments due to its great functionality. A feature in Architects Journal lauding Bestlite with the title of the first evidence of Bauhaus in Britain brought the lamp to the attention of the design conscious. Public demand for the Bestlite lamps soon followed and, when Winston Churchill personally chose the Bestlite BL1...
Brass, Chrome
Czech Bauhaus Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
Sold
H 71.66 in W 13.78 in D 16.93 in
20th Century Czech Bauhaus Chrome Floor Lamp by Robert Slezák, Period 1930-1939
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
20th Century Czech Chrome Oak Floor Lamp, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
20th century Czech chrome oak floor lamp, 1930s. Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
Chrome Walnut Floor Lamp by Slezák, 1930s, Design Thonet
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Measures: Adjustable height 130 - 184 cm
Chrome
Bauhaus Chrome Floor Lamp by Slezák, 1930s, Design Thonet
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Style: Bauhaus. Period: 1930-1939. Measures: Adjustable height 130-184 cm.
Chrome