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.
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Couch / Daybed by Rudolf Slezák, Czechoslovakia, ca. 1934
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
This Bauhaus tubular steel couch was produced circa 1934 by the Czechoslovak manufacturer Rudolf Slezák as a company design. The piece reflects the functional and reduced design prin...
Steel, Chrome, Iron
1930s Bauhaus Multifunctional Daybed, Robert Slezák, Tubular Steel, Storage Unit
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
This multifunctional daybed was manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s and is a fine example of Bauhaus-era tubular steel furniture. Designed to function as both a sofa and a day...
Steel, Chrome
$823
H 15.36 in Dm 14.97 in
Modernist Tubular Stool Black & White Fabric, Chrome-Plated Steel, Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Modernist Bauhaus - Art Deco chrome tabouret. Completely restored, new upholstery and fabric Maker: Slezák Company Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
$894
H 16.54 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
Modernist Tubular Stool, Ivory Leather, Chrome-Plated Steel, Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Modernist Bauhaus - Art Deco chrome tabouret. Completely restored, new upholstery and leather. Maker: Slezák Company Source Czechia Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
$2,900
H 23.5 in W 73 in D 34.5 in
Stylish Bauhaus daybed / Art Deco / Modernist by Schlaraffia Werke Husser & Co
By S.W. Farber
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stylish Bauhaus daybed / Art Deco / Modernist by Schlaraffia Werke Husser & Co.. Retains original spring cushions.original label,, dated 1937, Amazing design. Hand delivery avail to ...
Fabric, Wood
Restored Bauhaus Tubular Steel Sofa by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus style sofa was produced by Robert Slezak's company in the Czech Republic in the 1930s. The sofa has been completely renovated - it has varnished wood, new cushions uphol...
Steel, Chrome
$16,410
H 25.6 in W 37.8 in D 77.96 in
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Bauhaus Brown Leather Barcelona Daybed for Knoll
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Vicenza, IT
Barcelona daybed, designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe in 1929 and manufactured by Knoll International. Made of chromed steel and coffee brown leather. Fully restored in Italy. The ...
Chrome
$2,880Sale Price|35% Off
H 16.54 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
1920s German Bauhaus Daybed in Yellow with Reupholstered Cushion and Bolster
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional German Bauhaus daybed from the 1920s, showcasing the radical simplicity and geometric clarity characteristic of the movement. The frame, finished in a striking yellow ...
Fabric, Beech, Paint
Rare Smilow Daybed Couch
By Mel Smilow
Located in New York, NY
Wood frame, loose cushion seat and back. Well-crafted and well designed, the frame is in excellent condition, the cushions show significant wear and will need to be replaced. Rare fo...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,471
H 29.53 in W 76.78 in D 33.47 in
Restored Bauhaus Sofa, by Robert Slezak, Chrome, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus sofa from the 1930s is an exceptional example of Czechoslovak functionalist design. It was produced by the renowned Slezákovy závody and has been meticulously re...
Steel, Chrome
$1,528
H 31.11 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Chrome Desk Chair 1930s / Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Original condition - wooden parts restored, chrome with patina - new upholstery jt.
Chrome
$4,471
H 29.93 in W 75.6 in D 32.29 in
Restored Black Bauhaus Sofa, Robert Slezak, High-Quality Leather, Chrome, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored black Bauhaus sofa by Robert Slezak. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Number of Seats: 3 Material: Chrome-plate...
Chrome, Steel
$6,915 / item
H 29.53 in W 76.78 in D 33.47 in
Modernist Tubular Steel Couch/ Daybed, Chromed Metal, Fabric Upholstery, c. 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
This original tubular steel Couch / Daybed in Art Deco - Streamline Design is restored on request and available in different amounts. Delivery tim...
Steel, Chrome
$8,205
H 26.38 in W 74.22 in D 33.86 in
Italian Rationalist Chrome Tubular Daybed / Sofa by Columbus, 1930s
By Angelo Luigi Colombo
Located in Milan, IT
Rare Italian rationalist daybed produced by Columbus in the 1930s, exemplifying the purity of line and structural clarity that defined early Italian modernism. The piece features a ...
Chrome