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.
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Console Table by Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák, Slezak Company
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
A distinctive example of Bauhaus design from the 1930s, this tubular steel console table was produced by Robert Slezák in former Czechoslov...
Steel, Chrome
$1,235
H 26.78 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
Small Czech Restored Black Chrome Bauhaus Table, R19, Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Small Czech chrome Bauhaus table. Material: Chrome-plated steel and Oak Period: 1930-1939 Source: Czechia.
Chrome
$2,000 / set
H 24.02 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Restored Bauhaus Bedside Tables, by R. Slezák, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This pair of bedside tables from the early 20th century is an outstanding example of Bauhaus functionalist design. Manufactured in Czechoslovakia, they seamlessly combine elegant chr...
Steel, Chrome
$3,648
H 26.78 in W 37.41 in D 16.93 in
Oak Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Bauhaus Style, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Manufactured by Robert Slezak factory, in the 1930s. Wood is completely restored. The original veneer is preserved. Tubular steel with ...
Chrome
Modernist Tubular Steel Console Table, Germany, circa 1930
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist chrome-plated tubular steel console table, Germany, circa 1930.
Metal, Chrome
1930s Lacquered Bar Console Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer
By Marcel Breuer
Located in New York, NY
Original 1930s black lacquered table with tubular metal legs in the style of Marcel Breuer. Has a variety of uses, console, bar, small desk or vanity.
Aluminum
DS Stålmöbler, Console Table, Steel, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A red, black-lacquered wood and tubular steel console table produced by DS Stålmöbler, Sweden, c. 1930s. Moderate cracking and peeling of ...
Steel
$3,353
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Czechia by Robert Slezak, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Designed by renowned Czech designer Robert Slezak and made by Slezak Factories, a unique Czech furniture brand specialising on chrome and bent metal furniture. It has been re-pol...
Steel, Chrome
$2,071
H 21.26 in Dm 25.2 in
Art Deco / Bauhaus Round Wooden Table with Tubular Steel legs, Circa 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful Functinalist Art Deco coffee / side table featuring two wooden tops with tubular chromed steel legs. The materials blend together with charm and sophistication showcasing...
Chrome
$5,589
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 28.35 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1940s
By André Lurcat, Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This desk was designed by French modernist architect André Lurcat Catalog model: PS 8 Professionally cleaned chrome and re-chromed New polish Dimensions of the desk: Height: 80 cm ...
Steel, Chrome
$2,942
H 26.78 in W 37.41 in D 17.92 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant writing desk is a premier example of Bauhaus functionalist design, dating back to 1930s Czechoslovakia. It was manufactured in the renowned Robert Slezák factory, one of...
Steel, Chrome
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in W 17.52 in D 28.75 in
Bauhaus Table with Bakelite Tabletop, from the 1930s, Czech Republic
Located in Vienna, Austria
Made in the 1930s, this table is composed of a steel tube base that has been chrome-plated, the top is made of wood with a bakelite laminate surface. The bakelite is in very good co...
Steel
$3,353
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by R. Slezák, Chrome, Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This writing desk is a fantastic example of interwar functionalism and Bauhaus style design from the 1930s. It was manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the renowned Robert Slezák compan...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Console Table by Robert Slezák
By Robert Slezák, Slezak Company
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Manufactured by Slezák company in former Czechoslovakia during 1930's. In good original condition with some traces of wear on the lacquere. Chrome very well preserved with only minor...
Steel