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.
Walnut Bauhaus Sideboard by Robert Slezak, Chrome-Plated Steel, Czechia, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Walnut Bauhaus sideboard by Robert Slezak. Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1930-1939 Material: Chrome-Plated Steel, Walnut, Glass Number of drawers: 3 Revived poli...
Steel, Chrome
French Art Deco Sideboard, Walnut Veneer, Curved Design, 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Art Deco console features a bold, symmetrical silhouette centered around a vertical stack of four drawers with sleek, circular metal pulls. The design features bold, ar...
Walnut
$512Sale 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
Art Deco Walnut Sideboard, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional Art Deco sideboard produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. Crafted from walnut wood and veneer, this piece showcases an outstanding symmetrical grain pattern across its ...
Wood, Walnut
Bauhaus Sideboard by Wk Möbel
By WK Möbel
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique sideboard from the 1960s in Scandinavian design. High-quality corpus in teak veneer with four drawers, two doors, one shelf and new stainless steel feet in Bauhaus design. Qu...
Stainless Steel
1930s French Art Deco Walnut Sideboard with Black Marble Top
Located in Astoria, NY
1930s French Art Deco walnut sideboard, sourced in Provence, France. The piece features a broad, gently shaped façade with richly figured walnut veneer and a substantial black marble...
Marble, Metal
Scandinavian Modern sideboard by Otto Schulz, Sweden, 1930s
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant functionalist sideboard by Otto Schulz, with bold lines and contrasting birch and darker colored wood. Large round drawer handles with decorative ...
Birch
$3,191 / set
H 24.02 in W 15.95 in D 13.78 in
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
$10,500
H 39.5 in W 79.25 in D 21.5 in
Restored 1930s Charles Dudouyt French Art Deco Sideboard / Buffet in Walnut
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
A striking and beautifully restored monumental credenza by modernist designer Charles Dudouyt, made in France c. 1930s. The case sits atop a recessed bridge base, with a pair of wide...
Walnut
Mahogany Sideboard, 1930s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Sideboard in mahogany ebonized profiles, with niche in mosaic mirror for sculpture, black crystal top, brass handles. Shelves are missing. The wooden crate is recommended for transpo...
Brass
$3,500
H 27.96 in W 27.56 in D 18.51 in
Contemporary Tubular Steel Sideboard Czech Functionalism Bauhaus
Located in Wien, AT
This sideboard with a construction of polished stainless steel and oak veneered plywood is made to order by Tschechisches Wohndesign. Delivery time if not in stock 4-6 weeks. 1 piec...
Stainless Steel
Art Deco Sideboard in Walnut and Black, France, 1930s
Located in Ulm, DE
This exceptional French Art Deco sideboard from the 1930s combines a strong architectural presence with the warm elegance of beautifully figured walnut. The deep black high-gloss lac...
Walnut, Lacquer
Art Deco Walnut Sideboard, France, 1930s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Art Deco Sideboard, Walnut with Mirrored Vitrine Door, 1930s. This Art Deco sideboard is built in walnut with richly figured book-matched veneers across the doors and top. Th...
Walnut
Sold
H 24.02 in W 15.36 in D 14.97 in
Art Deco Chrome and Tubular Steel Sideboards from Slezak, Set of 2
By Robert Slezák
Located in Wien, AT
This tubular steel sideboards was produced by Slezak in former Czechoslovakia in the 1930th. Old paint in good condition. Steel tube with original chrome plating and patina. Fully cl...
Steel, Chrome