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 Serving Trolley, by R.Slezák, Oak, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This functionalist Bauhaus-style serving cart originates from Czechoslovakia from the first half of the 20th century and is a creation of the renowned Robert Slezák Factories. The c...
Steel, Chrome
$1,295
H 30.52 in W 26.58 in D 16.54 in
Space Age Vintage Bar Cart Serving Trolley Green Chromed Metal 1970s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage bar cart or serving trolley from green formica plates and chromed metal frame 1970s. Throughout its foldable parts on eac...
Metal
Victorian Oak Carved Serving Cabinet, 1930s
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Exceptional Renaissance oak tea trolley cabinet featuring richly carved decoration, a glass inset top, side storage compartments, and an elegant wheeled base. Crafted in solid oak, ...
Bronze
Bar serving Trolley by Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Serving Bar, or Bar trolley in wood veneer RED goatskin , From Aldo Tura early 1960. Made in Italy. with two flaps of 20 cm each, making a total of 80 cm when they are all open ...
Brass
Art deco serving trolley by no.1157 by Thonet Debrecen 1930
By Thonet-Mundus
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art deco serving trolley no.1157 by Thonet Debrecen 1930 professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Bremshey & Co. / Gerlinol Dinette Serving Trolley
Located in Bern, CH
Bremshey & Co. Germany gold steel folding frame with wood effect Formica surface. Practical for easy storage and occasional usage. Producer: Bremshey & Co. (Bremshey Gerlinol...
Metal
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 25.99 in D 17.72 in
Rare Bauhaus Chrome Table by Robert Slezak, 1930s
By Slezak Company
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s - Czechoslovakia - Maker: Robert Slezák - Publicated in catalogues and books - Renovated desk with new veneer - Marked by a stamp.
Chrome
Bauhaus Tubular Steel Console Table by Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Slezak Company, Robert Slezák
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
Magenta Serving Trolley
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
A piece from real, unmistakable Italian design. The perfect synthesis between aesthetics and practicality. Harmonious lines that join the strong burnished metal profile with walnut w...
Wood
$4,400
H 29 in W 28 in D 15 in
Black Lacquer & Chrome Bauhaus Two Tier Serving Cart on Wheels c.1940s MINT
By Josef Hoffmann, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Le Corbusier Bauhaus Style Black Lacquer & Chrome Two Tier Serving Cart on Wheels c.1940s MINT!
Chrome
$1,648
H 15.75 in W 21.66 in D 27.56 in
Bauhaus tubular steel Chrome Table model R12 by Robert Slezak - 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1930s, Czechoslovakia - good original condition - original colour - mentioned in catalogues jr
Chrome
Rare 1930s Bauhaus Tubular Table, SLEZAK D1, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- in good original condition with minor signs of use - the height of the board is adjustable: 83-118cm
Chrome
$2,002
H 20.08 in W 15.75 in D 13.78 in
Antti Hakkarainen, 1930s´Wrought Iron Serving Table, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
By Antti Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
The wrought iron tray-table by Antti Hakkarainen made by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen is a beautiful piece of furniture. The tray part with beautiful ceramic tiles can be removed and used...
Metal, Iron
Sold
H 27.96 in W 41.34 in D 20.08 in
Bauhaus Oak Bar or Serving Cart by Robert Slezák for Kovona, 1940s
By Robert Slezák, Kovona
Located in Prague, New Town
Bauhaus wooden bar or serving cart designed by Robert Slezák for Kovona in Czechoslovakia, 1940s. Date of manufacture: 1940s Origin: Czechoslovakia Mat...
Steel, Chrome
Czech Serving Trolley from Slezak, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Wien, AT
This bar or serving cart was designed and made by the Czech company Slezak and features original chrome plating with a little patina. The wooden panels have been restored.
Chrome