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.
Pair of Bauhaus Étagères by Robert Slezák and Arnošt Beck, Birch Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Source: Czechia Period: 1930-1939 Maker: Robert Slezák Architect: Arnošt Beck This item features classic Bauhaus design elements. Elements of this style are neutral colors and occas...
Chrome, Steel
Antique Plant Etagere
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique plant etagere Dimensions: circa - 31.25"W x 20.25"D x 28"H Beautiful texture and patina.
Iron
Mid-Century Bentwood Planter, Austria, 1930s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century bentwood planter - Austria 1930s.
Bentwood
$9,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Wood and Bronze Planters, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and bronze planters. France, late 19th century.
Bronze
$717Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.85 in Dm 8.13 in
Wedgwood Jasperware Jardiniere or Planter with Classical Figures, 1930s
By Wedgwood
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Jasperware stoneware Jardiniere or Cache Pot, made by Wedgwood, England and dating to circa 1930s. The jardiniere has a lovely shape, very much like a brush pot...
Pottery, Stoneware, Ceramic
$3,295 / set
H 72 in W 32 in D 13 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Etageres Shelving Units Flat Chrome & Glass
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern flat bar chrome Etageres with 1/2 inch thick glass shelving. In excellent vintage condition with small chips to the glass corners. 5 glass shelves. Chrome ...
Steel, Chrome
Distressed Italian Ceramic Urns, Glazed Finish, 1930s Roman Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large ceramic urns, each with a robust, rounded body and a narrow, flared neck. The urns are finished in a distressed green glaze that gives them a weathered, antique appear...
Ceramic
French 1940s Wrought Iron Spiral Display Staircase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French 1940s black lacquered wrought iron decorative display staircase or plant stand
Metal
Vintage Wrought Iron Plant Stand, Distressed White, Rustic 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage wrought iron plant stand designed to hold multiple flower pots. The stand is made of wrought iron, which gives it a sturday ...
Wrought Iron
$3,006 / item
H 27.56 in Dm 17.72 in
Set of Three Cast-Iron Planters from a St Petersburg Winter Garden, circa 1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming set of three cast-iron vases, each with different, original paint finishes -- one blue, one burnished gold and one green and white. The paint has worn away in places, s...
Iron
$425
H 13.25 in W 6.6 in D 6.6 in
Pair of Vintage French Metal Footed Floral Flower Vases, 1930s-1950s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We found these fantastic green painted tall vases just outside of Paris, France from a owner of a bar that was closing due to retirement. This pair features a flared shape with a wid...
Metal
$584Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.12 in Dm 15.36 in
Pair Antique Mahogany Birch Wood Plant Stands Jardinières Torchiere English 1900
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Pair Antique Mahogany Birch Wood Plant Stands Jardinières Torchiere English 1890-1910 A very elegant, matching pair of antique plant stands / torchieres, each featuring a two-tier di...
Birch
$18,000
H 38.5 in Dm 24 in
Pair of Italian Carved Wood Hand Painted and Gilt Garden Planters, Circa 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Italian carved wood hand painted and gilt garden planters with decorated egg dart borders, acanthus leaf motif, and terminating on scrolled legs...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Sold
H 36.23 in W 31.5 in D 6.5 in
Czech Bauhaus Chrome Flower Stand by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.17 in W 35.44 in D 11.42 in
Czech Green Bauhaus Style Chrome Étagère by Robert Slezák, Lacquered Wood, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This étagère, with a frame of bent steel tube and lacquered wood shelves, was made in the 1930s in the Czech Republic. Original chromium plating in a very nice original condition. S...
Chrome