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.
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
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
Restored Bauhaus Small Cabinet, by R. 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
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.
Steel, 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
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
Beautiful Art Deco wardrobe with stunning figured walnut veneers and striking book-matched grain. Features original handles, lock and key, hanging rail, shelf, pull-out tie rack and ...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Burr Walnut Biedermeier Style Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
Biedermeier style single wardrobe in walnut veneer, dating to around the 1930s. Features a shaped moulded door with figured veneer panels and a warm honey-toned finish, raised on sma...
Wood, Walnut
Vintage Art Deco Burr Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An Art Deco wardrobe in beautifully figured walnut with dramatic bookmatched grain, stepped cornice and original sculpted handles. A compact yet practical piece offering hanging spac...
Wood, Walnut
$5,383
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
$525Sale Price|23% Off
H 24.02 in W 45.28 in D 10.24 in
Bauhaus Chrome-Plated Tubular Steel Étagère / Flower Stand, 1930s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Chrome-plated tubular steel étagère made in the 1930s with glass shelves. Chrome plating is in original condition.
Steel, Chrome
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
$4,376
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
$2,672
H 72.05 in W 45.67 in D 23.63 in
1940s Bauhaus-Inspired Wardrobe by Hynek Gottwald – Czechoslovakia
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Żory, PL
A functional wardrobe designed in the spirit of Bauhaus modernism by Hynek Gottwald, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1940s. The piece combines utilitarian design with a clean i...
Steel
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
$1,101Sale Price|20% Off
H 65.75 in W 37.41 in D 15.75 in
1950s Oak Bauhaus Mirror Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good /very good original condition with minor signs of use
Chrome
Art Deco Mirror Cabinet, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia. Built inside light. Very good condition with minor signs of wear.
Mirror, Wood
$5,508Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 98.04 in D 21.66 in
Art Deco Walnut Sideboard, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional Art Deco sideboard produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. Crafted from walnut wood and veneer, this piece showcases an outstanding symmetrical grain pattern across its ...
Wood, Walnut
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 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 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
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