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
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
Pair of Bauhaus Bedside Cabinets by Robert Slezák, Reseda Green, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Original pair of bedside cabinets manufactured by Robert Slezák in the 1930s. Their combination of chromed tubular steel and reseda-green lacquered wooden cabinets is a characteristi...
Steel
1950s Oak Bauhaus Mirror Cabinet, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good /very good original condition with minor signs of use
Chrome
$530Sale 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
Beautiful Art Deco Cabinet from 1930s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Introducing a piece of history - an Art Deco cabinet from the 1930's that has been repurposed as a bar/fridge, but with endless possibilities for customization. This unique piece of ...
Mahogany
Veneered Art Deco cabinet - Sweden, 1930s
Located in London, GB
This lavishly veneered Art Deco cabinet features four doors and inner shelves and sits atop lion-shaped feet. Its intricate geometric marquetry and contrasting veneer finish are real...
Birch, Oak
Bauhaus Kitchen Wall Cabinet with Glass Bar 1930s
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
This small wall cabinet is a kitchen cabinet from the early 1930s. The cream white softwood wall cabinet features a spacious interior with two bakel...
Metal
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
Pair of bedside cabinets by Interluke, 1970s
By Interlübke
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Pair of vintage black lacquered bedside cabinets by Interlubke. Each cabinet has 2 drawers. Timeless design 1970s - Germany good condition Dimensions: Height: 43cm Width: 65cm...
Wood, Lacquer
Art Deco Display Cabinet c.1930s
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
An elegant and compact Art Deco display cabinet dating to the 1930s. Crafted in richly grained Indian rosewood with a deep, warm tone and softly rounded corners, this piece offers bo...
Rosewood
1930s Art Déco Display Cabinet
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique Art Deco display cabinet from the 1930s with an open bookshelf from the 1960s. The balanced design features two closed wooden doors at the bottom, a transparent display area a...
Glass, Walnut
Archive Cabinets By Franz Garny Circa 1930s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Archive Cabinets By Franz Garny Circa 1930s - 45 flip up compartments - 3 larger open compartments at the bottom - Salvaged from the German patent offices in Munich - Made by Franz ...
Steel
1930s French Art Deco Bar Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Art Deco bar cabinet from France, 1930s. Beautiful walnut with bookmatched pattern. Lift-top lid with drop front panel supported by interior brass stays. Lower cabinet and...
Metal, Brass
$5,658
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
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