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 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
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
Original Bauhaus Writing Desk with Chair, by R. Slezák, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Revived original varnish Professionally cleaned chrome Dimensions of the chair: Height: 84.5 cm (33.3 in) Width: 41 cm (16.1 in) Depth: 56 cm (22 in) Seat: 43 cm (16.9 in) Dimensio...
Steel, Chrome
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1940s
By Robert Slezák, André Lurcat
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
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
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
Restored Art Deco Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Desk dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 148 cm (58.3 in) Depth: 75.5 cm (29.7 in) Leg space: Height: 61 cm (24 in) Width: 62 cm (24.4 in) Made by Slezak Factories, a unique...
Steel, Chrome
late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigevano, PV
late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood and formica top. this desk was made for a house in milan, designed by gio ponti and emilio lancia.
Formica, Walnut
$6,200 / item
H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in
Solid Walnut Writing Desk with Brass Inlay "Library Writing Desk"
By Anton Maka
Located in Shelby Twp, MI
The library writing desk is made of solid walnut with brass inlays. The desk drawer is split into two separate sections with a convenient divider ...
Brass
$3,791
H 29.93 in W 78.75 in D 35.44 in
Modernist Bauhaus desk made of wood and chrome-plated steel, France, 1950s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Bauhaus-style executive desk with a veneered and solid wood top, featuring a frame consisting of a triple tubular base made of chrome-plated steel. The desk consists of a chrome-plat...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s Desk in briar wood. Under the rectangular top, there are a column of three rectangular drawers with round chromed steel handles and a l...
Metal
Paolo Buffa 'Datillo' Writing Desk, Beech & Walnut, Italy, 1940
By Galdino Maspero, Paolo Buffa
Located in New York, NY
A 'Datillo' petite writing desk / table by Paolo Buffa and produced by Galdino Maspero in stained beech wood and walnut. With two drawers on the left hand side underneath a rectangul...
Beech, Walnut
$11,500
H 29.14 in W 70.87 in D 39.38 in
Fine French 1930s Mahogany Dining/Writing Table (8 matching chairs available)
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Deco rectangular mahogany table raised on two sculptural pedestals, accented with bronze lower moldings. Eight matching chairs available separately (not included i...
Brass
Tubular Steel Functional Desk in Birch, Heteka Finland 1930s
By Heteka, Pauli Blomstedt
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful example of the functionalist period and tubular steel furniture. This writing desk is made by Heteka Finland and is most probably by the renowned Finnish Architect Pauli ...
Metal
$2,729
H 29.53 in W 61.23 in D 31.5 in
Danish Modern Writing Desk in Oak, in style of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
A commanding solid oak freestanding writing desk in the Danish Country Modern tradition, with deeply hand-carved drawer fronts, brass ring pulls, and a richly figured cathedral grain...
Brass
Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk in Walnut by Stanley #1
By Stanley Furniture
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: USA Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Stanley Furniture Era: 1960s Materials: Walnut, Laminate (Top) Measurements: 46" wide x 18" deep x 30" tall Knee Hole: 22.5" wide x 14" de...
Laminate, Walnut
$2,642
H 30.71 in W 38.19 in D 22.05 in
1940s Art Deco Midcentury Italian Walnut Burl Glass Writing Desk Table
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Art Deco Mid-Century Modern desk writing table, in wood with elegant refined side legs with decors, curved black glass top and highlighted by the two drawers. The u...
Glass, Wood
$22,403
H 31.5 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
Gio Ponti Writing Desk in Walnut and Brass for the BNL Offices, Italy 1940s
By Schirolli, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and collectable walnut desk with brass ferrules designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Schirolli (Mantova - Italy) in the 1940s for the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL - Nation...
Brass
$6,663
H 29.14 in W 40.16 in D 20.48 in
1940s Writing Desk by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli Mobili, Cantu, Wax-Polished
By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant writing desk with legs and frame in solid walnut, veneer teak wood the tops and partridge eye wood for the front drawer. Restored and wax-polished Measures cm: H 74, W 102, ...
Walnut, Teak
$5,974
H 29.93 in W 53.94 in D 26.78 in
Modernis Tubular Steel Desk, Chrome Plated Metal, Stained Wood, Germany, c. 1930
By Bruno Weil, Thonet
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist tubular steel desk designed by Bruno Weil and manufactured by Thonet or under Thonet license, c. 1930. The desk is made of chrome-plated tubular steel and black-stained wood.
Metal
French Art Deco Pedestal Desk, Oak with Brass Hardware, 1930s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Art Deco Pedestal Desk, Oak with Brass Hardware, 1930s. This oak desk is built with two curved pedestal cabinets flanking a central kneehole and a single frieze drawer. The r...
Brass
$6,000
H 31.5 in W 47.5 in D 22 in
Maison Jansen attr., Ebony and Parcel-Gilt, Writing Desk, France, 1940s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
Maison Jansen attr., Ebony and Parcel-Gilt, Three-Drawer Desk, France, 1950s Ebony and gilt Hollywood Regency desk. An ebony and parcel-gilt decorated three drawer desk or writing t...
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 54.34 in D 29.53 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions: Height: 78 cm (30.7 in) Width: 138 cm (54.3 in) Depth: 75 cm (29.5 in) Space for legs: Height: 73 cm (28.7 in) Width: 83 cm (32.7 in) This elegant Bauhaus writing desk ...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 45.28 in D 17.72 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus writing desk originates from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s. It is an authentic piece from the renowned manufacturer Robert Slezák, as evidenced by its preserved ...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.93 in W 59.06 in D 29.53 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezák, Walnut, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions of the table: Height: 76 cm (29.9 in) Width: 150 cm (59.1 in) Depth: 75 cm (29.5 in) Leg space: Height: 71 cm (28 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Luxurious desk design in Cau...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 29.14 in W 57.09 in D 28.35 in
Restored Bauhaus Writing Desk, by Robert Slezak, Beech, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Dimensions of the table: Height: 74 cm (29.1 in) Width: 145 cm (57.1 in) Depth: 72 cm (28.3 in) Leg space: Height: 69 cm (27.2 in) Width: 72.5 cm (28.5 in) This table was designed ...
Chrome, Steel
Sold
H 30.32 in W 57.49 in D 29.93 in
Bauhaus Restored Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Robert Slezak, Czechia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Completely restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Designed by Robert Slezak in the 1930s. Material: beech, chrome-plated steel. Wood is completely restored. New polish and professionally cleaned chrome. 8 drawers and locks are fully functional. Tubular steel with original chrome plating...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.71 in W 53.15 in D 30.32 in
Bauhaus Beech Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Robert Slezak, Czechia, Restored
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Designed by Robert Slezak in the 1930s. Material: Beech, chrome-plated steel. Number of drawers: 3. Wood is completely restored. Tubular steel with original chrome plating...
Chrome
Sold
H 26.97 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Bauhaus Restored Oak Writing Desk Made in 1930s by Robert Slezak, Czechia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored writing desk with a frame in tubular chromed steel. Designed by Robert Slezak in the 1930s. Material: Oak, chrome-plated steel. Wood is completely restored. Tubular steel with original chrome plating...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
White Bauhaus Writing Desk Made in 1930s Germany 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
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Czech White Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
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
Sold
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
Sold
H 31.5 in W 59.45 in D 29.53 in
Czech Mahogany Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
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
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Czech White Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
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
Sold
H 30.32 in W 55.12 in D 29.53 in
Czech Beech Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 59.45 in D 31.5 in
Czech Mahogany Bauhaus Chrome Tubular Writing Desk by Robert Slezak, 1930s
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