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.
Art Deco-Streamline 3-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935
By Robert Slezák, Hana Kucerova-Zaveska
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
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
Walnut Bauhaus Sideboard by Robert Slezak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Walnut Bauhaus sideboard by Robert Slezak. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Walnut, Glass Number of drawers: 3 Revived poli...
Steel, 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
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
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
$5,493
H 69.1 in W 46.07 in D 22.64 in
Stunning Antique Hungarian Hand Painted Housekeepers Linen Cupboard / Wardrobe
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this very well made antique Hungarian hand painted Housekeepers pot cupboard circa 1880 Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers wi...
Pine
$10,273
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
$12,389
H 70.08 in W 64.18 in D 21.26 in
French Cubistic Art Déco Cupboard Oak Cérusé, Amber Colored Mirror Glass, 1940s
Located in Salzburg, AT
French Cubistic Art Déco Cupboard Oak Cérusé, Amber Colored Mirror Glass, 1940s Extraordinary, cubistic shaped French Art Déco cabinet in solid chene ceruse with six different sujets in amber mirror glass door panels. Very deep engraving of the glass panels executed in a high-level individual workmanship. Size of one glass panel: 34 cm x 26 cm + wooden frame 2 cm The 2 doors are set as if in a frame, the body stands on a pedestal. Therefore, the object appears light-footed despite the solid construction. The front side of the strong wooden feet is decorated by ropes. The surface was waxed again and has a pleasant soft touch. The color of the object corresponds to a natural sand tone and combines perfectly with the amber mirror glass. The large brass key...
Glass, Oak
Small Swedish oak Jugendstil sideboard, 1930s.
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1930s Swedish Jugendstil cabinet crafted from solid oak. The piece features two drawers above a double-door cupboard, raised on elegantly tapered legs. The doors are decorated with h...
Oak
Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet 1930s Rounded in Shape on 4 corners, Arch Shapes Astragal Moulding on doors, Working lock & key, open to reveal Embossed Black Wallpaper...
Walnut
Desk Art Deco in Wood, 1930, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Wood
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
$4,509
H 71.26 in W 35.63 in D 15.36 in
19th Catalan Spanish Baroque Carved Walnut Tuscan Two Doors Wardrobe or Cabinet
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing a remarkable 19th-century Catalan Spanish Baroque wardrobe, skillfully hand-carved from solid walnut and featuring Tuscan-inspired ...
Iron
Art Deco Modernist Cabinet by Harry Dreessen, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Deco Modernist cabinet. Design by Harry Dreessen. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s Solid oak and original oak veneered base with ebony macassar elements. Th...
Macassar, Oak
Mid-Century Bentwood Planter, Austria, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century bentwood planter - Austria 1930s.
Bentwood
French Art Deco Walnut Sideboard with Marble Top – c.1930s
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A refined French Art Deco sideboard from the 1930s, featuring a rich walnut veneer with matched grain to the three cupboard doors and three drawers. The fluted legs and central plint...
Marble
Sold
H 71.26 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
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
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 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 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
Sold
H 70.87 in W 43.31 in D 21.66 in
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