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 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
$3,304
H 35.83 in W 28.75 in D 14.97 in
Art Deco walnut and maple cocktail cabinet, produced in Austria, 1930s.
Located in amstelveen, NL
Crafted in walnut veneer with contrasting light maple wood banding, the cabinet features a bold geometric design typical of early 1930s Deco, with continuous striped marquetry wrappi...
Walnut, Maple
Unavailable|$2,376
H 27.56 in W 31.89 in D 16.15 in
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
$1,739
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
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
Unavailable|$1,623
H 23.63 in W 33.86 in D 15.75 in
Restored Walnut ArtDeco Small Cabinet, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Walnut ArtDeco Small Cabinet. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Walnut, Chrome-Plated Steel Revived polish. Our professional refurbishi...
Steel, Chrome
$3,478
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
$5,565
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
$5,217
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
Jules Leleu mahogany cabinet nickeled metal 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Paris, IDF
This very fine Art Deco cabinet was created in the 1930s by Jules Leleu, with flamed mahogany veneer and a nickeled metal base, and bears the workshop stamp. The piece perfectly illu...
Metal
$28,986
H 75.99 in W 51.19 in D 14.18 in
Contemporary FIRA bar cabinet in american walnut & burl veneer
Located in 1204, CH
Tim Vranken is a Belgian furniture designer who focuses on solid, handmade furniture. Throughout his designs the use of pure materials and honest natural processes are paramount. The...
Walnut, Burl
$4,309Sale Price|40% Off
H 86.62 in W 39.38 in D 36.23 in
Early 18th Century Burl Walnut Veneered Bureau Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Early 18th century burl walnut veneered bureau cabinet. The upper section with swan neck top over double doors, the lower section with a sloping-f...
Oak, Walnut
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