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.
1930s Original chrome Bauhaus Tubular steel Table by Robert Slezak
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930 - original condition - original hospital colour!! - wooden part suitable for renovation - chrome in perfect condition jr
Chrome
$1,227
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
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Side Table B 12 by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Mücke & Melder
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Originally designed by Marcel Breuer and catalogued as model B 12, this elegant Bauhaus side table stands as a hallmark of rational design. Manufactured in the 1930s by Mücke & Melde...
Steel, Chrome
$5,250
H 21.66 in W 23.43 in D 15.56 in
First Edition Side Tables by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, Germany, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Antwerp, BE
Nesting tables B9 by Marcel Breuer, a hallmark of Bauhaus design produced by Thonet. Crafted from chrome-plated tubular steel and sleek wooden panels, these tables exemplify Breuer's...
Aluminum
$1,987 / 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
$5,203
H 6.11 in W 58.27 in D 30.32 in
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
$1,812
H 25.99 in Dm 18.12 in
Restored Bauhaus Side Table, Chrome, Steel, Lacquered Wood, Czech, 1930s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This side table is a pure representative of Czechoslovak functionalism and the Bauhaus aesthetic from the 1930s. During this era, design focused on maximum utility and the harmony of...
Steel, Chrome
$2,923
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
$1,646Sale Price|20% Off
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
Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Dressing Table, 1940s
Located in Żory, PL
This Bauhaus style oak dressing table with mirror was produced in the 1940s in Czechoslovakia. The frame is made of chromed tubular stee...
Steel, Chrome
$4,092
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
Bauhaus Round Table in Walnut by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
This round Bauhaus style table was designed by Robert Slezak and produced in the 1930s. The walnut top has been restored and is lacquered in a satin finish. The chrome-plated frame i...
Steel, Chrome
$1,451
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Bauhaus tubular steel side table model B 12 by Marcel Breuer, 1930s
By Slezak Company, Marcel Breuer
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
An early example of the Bauhaus side table, Model B 12, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928 and manufactured around 1930 under Thonet licence by Robert Slezák in former Czec...
Steel, Chrome