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 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
$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
Modernist Desk in Solid Wood 40s / 50s Bauhaus Style Vintage
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French desk from the 40s / 50s in modernist Bauhaus style. Structure of the desk in veneered and solid Rio rosewood with a triple tubular base in chromed steel quite rare. The desk i...
Chrome
Marcel Breuer B21 Thonet Bauhaus Tubular Steel Typewriter Table
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Sharon, CT
Important early piece (1928) of Breuer's revolutionary tubular furniture.
Steel
$14,608
H 30.12 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
Pier Luigi Colli Desk in Ash Veneer and Dark Stained Details, Italy 1930s
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Hellouw, NL
An elegant Italian desk by Pier Luigi Colli, made in Turin during the 1930s. Its geometric construction, warm wood grain and detailed finish reflect the transition between Art Deco a...
Ash
$3,600
H 29 in W 48 in D 22 in
Founders Light Blonde Pecan Single Pedestal Desk Tubular Chrome Legs MINT!
By Founders Furniture Company, Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Founders light blonde pecan single pedestal desk tubular chrome legs MINT! Solid wood construction dovetail joints.
Chrome
Yew Wood Pedestal Desk
Located in Woodbury, CT
This Classic English style desk features a file drawer in the left-hand pedestal, a modern convenience not found in an antique desk. The three-piece, gold tooled tan leather and tuli...
Leather, Yew, Mahogany
Jules Wabbes, Desk, Wood, Steel, Belgium, 1960s
By Jules Wabbes
Located in High Point, NC
A laminated wood and black-lacquered steel desk designed by Jules Wabbes and produced by Le Mobilier Universel, Belgium, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Touch ups or re...
Steel
Amazing Desk Art Deco 1930 France Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Wood, Ebony, Zebra Wood
Desk Style: Art Deco, 1930, France, Material: Wood
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Wood
Swedish Modern Birch desk, 1930's
By Axel Larsson
Located in Uccle, BE
Axel Larsson was a prominent Swedish furniture architect with a career that spanned more than 50 years. At the age of 25, he was employed by Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors at th...
Birch
$13,500
H 29.53 in W 59.06 in D 23.63 in
Modern Organic Desk Made from Sustainable Ancient Wood & Blackened Steel
By Tréology
Located in Papanui, Christchurch
The folded steel base for the Milford desk was inspired by the plunging mountains that create the Milford Sounds and the way the light catches shadows on the ridges and valleys of Mitre Peak. The Milford Desk is made from matai, a New Zealand native...
Steel
A Modernist Desk France 1930s
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A modernist desk from France 1930s Minimalist form. Drawer handle and the base are in copper. Rosewood and copper. Report : Fully restored by a cabinetmaker. We keep the original...
Copper