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 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
$4,210
H 76.78 in W 51.19 in D 28.75 in
Original Antique Baroque Top Cabinet Around 1780 Walnut Veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Antique Baroque top cabinet around 1780 walnut veneer on solid wood. 2 parts with shellac hand polish. Chests of drawers with 3 curved drawers,...
Wood
$5,774
H 45.28 in W 42.13 in D 12.41 in
Emilio Lancia display cabinet in walnut and walnut burl, Italy, 1930s
By Emilio Lancia
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A small and delicate display cabinet in walnut and walnut burl, design by Emilio Lancia, Italian production, 1930s In Emilio Lancia’s furniture production, one can clearly detect re...
Walnut, Burl
Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet circa 1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Display Cabinet circa 1930s Stepped shaped top, Glazed Centre door with working lock & key, Open to Reveal: Mirror back , 3 plate glass adjustable shelves Pair pane...
Walnut
$1,804
H 43.12 in W 30.52 in D 14.77 in
Chrome Plated & Black Metal Vintage USM Wall Cabinet by Fritz Haller, 1980s
By Usm Haller, Fritz Haller
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Small three-module cabinet in black metal with a chrome frame. Adjustable plastic feet. The upper compartment features a drop-down door. The middle and lower compartments feature two...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
$3,609
H 18.71 in W 31.3 in D 17.72 in
Belgian Art Deco Cabinet in Burl Veneer with Marble and Glass, circa 1930
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1930 / Cabinet / Burl veneer, marble and glass / Art Deco A sophisticated embodiment of Belgian Art Deco design, this cabinet from circa 1930 showcases the era’s signature...
Marble
Paul Evans Style Chrome Plated Cabinets
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern two door cabinets with striped polished and matte chrome top, sides and front. Ample storage, adjustable shelf. Great as sofa side cabinets. (Please confirm ite...
Metal
$7,218
H 63.39 in W 48.43 in D 16.93 in
Gauthier-Poinsignon & Cie, Art Nouveau cabinet in Walnut and Elm burl veneer
By Atelier Gauthier Poinsignon
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Attributed to GAUTHIER-POINSIGNON & Cie, cabinet in walnut veneer and elm burl decorated with walnuts and walnut leaves, and bronze ornamentation, Art Nouveau period, sideboard, a t...
Bronze
Rare Bar Cabinet in Walnut and Brass, 1930's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Bar Cabinet in Walnut and Brass, 1930's Additional Information: Material: Walnut and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 124 x 43.5...
Brass
French Art Deco Modernist Cabinet circa 1930
Located in CA, CA
A modernist French sideboard, circa 1930 in rosewood on a black lacquered curved plinth base, triple bookcase to the left and finished with a minimal oversized nickel plated circula...
Rosewood
1930s Art Deco Mirror Walnut Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished - The mirror dimensions are: height: 125cm, width: 60cm, depth: 6cm - Quality craftsmanship work.
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
$5,413
H 33.47 in W 48.82 in D 16.54 in
Art Deco Bar Cabinet in Walnut Feather and Chinoiserie Lacquer, 1930s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Art deco bar cabinet in walnut, the grissinato or thousand striped base supports the body of the cabinet rounded at the sides, in the center a splendid walnut root with carved handle...
Walnut, Lacquer
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 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
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
Modernist Two-Door Cabinet, circa 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist two-door cabinet by Robert Slezak, Czechoslovakia, circa 1930.
Metal, Chrome