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.
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
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
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
$3,375
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
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
$532Sale 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
$1,763
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
$1,109Sale 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
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 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
$1,645
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
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...
Brass, Metal
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
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 Robert Slezák, Hermann John Hagemann
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