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.
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe with Chrome Legs by Robert Slezák, 1930s Czechoslovakia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
Authentic two-door Bauhaus wardrobe designed by Robert Slezák, model SK-9, made in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. A classic catalog example of Central European interwar functionali...
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco-Streamline 3-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935
By Hana Kucerova-Zaveska, Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco- streamline 3-door wardrobe designed by Arch. Hana Kucerová-Záveská (Czech, 1904–1944) and manufactured by Robert Slezák Company, circa 1935. The outstanding form of this wa...
Metal, Chrome
Art Deco-Streamline 2-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c. 1935
By Robert Slezák, Hana Kucerova-Zaveska
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco- streamline 2-door wardrobe designed by Arch. Hana Kucerová-Záveská (Czech, 1904–1944) and manufactured by Robert Slezák Company, circa 1935. The outstanding form of this wa...
Metal, Chrome
Walnut Bauhaus Wardrobe Made in Czechia by Robert Slezak, 1930-1939
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Original walnut wardrobe made in Czechia by Robert Slezak Period: 1930-1939 Condition: Original Material: Walnut and Chrome-plated steel.
Chrome, Steel
Modernist Tubular Steel Desk, Stained Wood, Chromium Plated Metall, c. 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk model PS 10, stained wood, chromium plated metal, c. 1930. The wood finish can be customized. This desk is restored on request, delivery time 8-10 weeks.
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Cabinet Made Of Chrome Plated Metal And Walnut Veneer, c. 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist Cabinet made of chrome plated metal and walnut veneer. Designed and manufactured by Robert Slezak, c. 1930. Restored on request. Delivery time c. 12-15 weeks.
Metal, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Etagere, by A. Beck, Robert Slezak, Birch, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Catalog number: B8 Producer: Robert Slezák, Bystřice pod Hostýnem Architect: Arnošt Beck This elegant Bauhaus-style étagère originates from Czechoslovakia from the first half of th...
Steel, Chrome
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
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A striking burr walnut double wardrobe with beautifully bookmatched veneers and rich, honeyed figuring throughout. The elegant arched top is finished with delicate carved floral deta...
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive quality Art Deco burr walnut compactum, circa 1930s Featuring a pull out hanging rail, shelves and a drawer The original key is missing but the latch works
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautifully proportioned compact vintage wardrobe, showcasing a striking warm wood veneer with rich, symmetrical grain patterns across the doors. Raised on elegant Queen Anne–style...
Wood, Walnut
British Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, circa 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Art Deco walnut compact wardrobe featuring a skyscraper style front Complete with unique red bakelite and brass handles - circa 1930's Fitted out with a clothes and shoe rail
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A vintage Oak Art Deco compactum / compact wardrobe circa 1930's Inside is fitted out with a pull out hanging rail and shelves
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An elegant English Art Deco two-door wardrobe crafted in richly figured walnut, dating from the early to mid 1930s. The piece features a refined gently bowed front with striking book...
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A stylish 1930s Art Deco compact wardrobe by Palatal Furniture, featuring beautifully figured burr walnut veneer to the doors with bookmatched patterning and original stepped handles...
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A 1930s Art Deco compact gentleman’s wardrobe with bookmatched walnut veneer to the twin doors, forming a mirrored grain pattern. Diamond-shaped handles and a stepped plinth base giv...
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Burr Walnut Double Wardrobe Made in England
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Art Deco burr walnut double wardrobe. A very lovely solid and well-made wardrobe, there is damage on side of...
Walnut
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A beautiful quality Art Deco 1930's burr walnut compact wardrobe. Inside is beautifully fitted out with a pull out clothes rail, shelves and drawers
Wood, Walnut
$11,118
H 77.96 in W 102.37 in D 23.63 in
1930s Venetian Baroque Wardrobe, by Testolini Freres in Walnut decored and Briar
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious 1930s Venetian Baroque cupboard wardrobe, by Testolini Freres Venice, in hand-carved walnut yellow decored and burl walnut, with central mirror . Interior upholstered in ora...
Velvet, Mirror, Burl, Walnut
Custom Made Scandinavian Style Wardrobe
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom made Scandinavian style wardrobe / food cupboard. Can be fitted with hanging rails or shelving. Can be made to your dimensions and paint colour. For reference, the interior i...
Pine
Sold
H 27.56 in W 31.89 in D 16.15 in
Restored Bauhaus Cabinet, by Robert Slezák, Chrome Plated Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant cabinet from the early 20th century was crafted by the renowned Czechoslovak manufacturer Robert Slezák. Its original chrome steel frame has been professionally cleaned ...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 70.48 in W 47.64 in D 22.05 in
Art Deco-Streamline 2-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935
By Hana Kucerova-Zaveska, Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco- streamline 2-door wardrobe designed by Arch. Hana Kucerová-Záveská (Czech, 1904–1944) and manufactured by Robert Slezák Company, circa 1935. The outstanding form of this wa...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 59.06 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Restored Bauhaus Cabinet, by Robert Slezák, H. J. Hagemann, Beech, Czech, 1930s
By Hermann John Hagemann, 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 The mahogany veneer on the door is folded into a tree pattern. The cabinet ...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 63.39 in W 61.42 in D 17.72 in
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Cupboard Cabinet with Secretary Desk by R. Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus style cupboard in oak and walnut, was produced in the 1930s by Robert Slezak. The cabinet is multifunctional, divided into 5 parts. There are 4 drawers, 3 shelves, 2 di...
Oak, Walnut
Sold
H 51.19 in W 51.19 in D 12.6 in
Restored Bauhaus Bookcase, Robert Slezák, Walnut and Chrome Plated Steel, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Walnut Bookcase Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Designed by renowned Czech designer Robert Slezak. This item features classic Bauhaus design elements. Elemen...
Chrome, Steel
Robert Slezak wardrobe Slezak, Czechoslovakia
By Robert Slezák
Located in London, GB
A trained locksmith from Bystrice pod Hostýnem, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Robert Slezak founded a small metal workshop in 1908. The workshop quickly grew, and in 1913 produced metal chairs. In 1931, it began the production of Bauhaus steel tube furniture...
Steel
Sold
H 70.48 in W 63 in D 22.05 in
Art Deco-Streamline 3-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935
By Hana Kucerova-Zaveska, Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco- streamline 3-door wardrobe designed by Arch. Hana Kucerová-Záveská (Czech, 1904–1944) and manufactured by Robert Slezák Company, circa 1935. The outstanding form of this wa...
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 59.06 in W 43.31 in D 23.63 in
Restored Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Wardrobe from Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus-style wardrobe was manufactured by Robert Slezak in Bystrice pod Hostynem (Czech Republic) in the 1930s. Features two doors and three adjustable shelves. The wardrobe st...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 70.48 in W 47.64 in D 22.05 in
Art Deco-Streamline 2-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935
By Hana Kucerova-Zaveska, Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco- streamline 2-door wardrobe designed by Arch. Hana Kucerová-Záveská (Czech, 1904–1944) and manufactured by Robert Slezák Company, circa 1935. The outstanding form of this wa...
Metal, Chrome
Small Black Slezak Cabinet Made in 1930s Czechia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by renowned Czech designer Robert Slezak. A trained locksmith originally from Bystrice pod Hostýnem, he founded a small locksmith's workshop in his hometown in 1908 for comm...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 71.26 in W 47.25 in D 22.25 in
Bauhaus Wardrobe by Robert Slezák Bystrice, Czechoslowakia circa 1930 in Green
By Robert Slezák
Located in Epfach, DE
Wardrobe by Robert Slezák Bystrice, Czechoslowakia circa 1930 Bauhaus A Slezák wardrobe with original green lacquered plywood. Bauhaus 1930. In ...
Chrome, Iron
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