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.
$1,989
H 23.63 in Dm 31.5 in
Bauhaus tubular steel coffee table by Arnošt Beck for Mücke Melder, 1930s
By Mücke & Melder
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
A three-legged functionalist coffee table, designed by Arnošt Beck and crafted by the renowned Mücke & Melder company under catalogue number Tn58 in the former Czechoslovakia dur...
Steel, Chrome
Italian Bauhaus round coffe table in wood and metal, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Bauhaus round coffe table in wood and metal, 1930s Coffee table with round wooden top. The frame is made of chromed steel tubular. Bauhaus. 1930s. Good condition. Light signs...
Steel
1930s Functionalist Coffee or Side Table, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Walnut veneer - Chrome plated parts with signs of use.
Chrome
Vintage Steel and Wood Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
This table features a restored, oak veneered wooden top and a chromed tubular steel construction with patina. We offer shop to door delivery worldwide in special transport boxes.
Chrome
Joseph Diongre coffee table for Flagey 1938
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The architect Joseph Diongre (1878/1963) designed the Flagey building in 1933. He also designed the furniture for this building. This table designed for Flagey is hard to find, it is...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Italian Augusto Romano Coffee Table
By Augusto Romano
Located in London, GB
A mid-20th century coffee or side table in walnut and maple timber by architect and designer Augusto Romano (1918-2001). Featuring a decorative, book-matched veneer top above dramati...
Maple
Bauhaus two tiered coffee table model 503, W.H.Gispen, 1930s
By Willem H. Gispen, Gispen
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
Bauhaus coffeetable or conference table by W.H. Gispen with a lino top. High quality timeless design, after almost 100 years it is still very stable, sturdy and only shows small sign...
Metal, Aluminum
Rare Swedish Modern Coffee Table by Otto Schulz for Boet, 1930s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
An iconic and rare coffee table by Otto Schulz (Germany/Sweden, 1882–1970), created for his own company Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden, during the 1930s. The table features a bold, roun...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Teak and Steel Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s coffee table, features modern metal base and a round top with beautiful teak grain. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ ...
Steel
Vintage Coffee Table by Pieff
By Tim Bates, Pieff and Co.
Located in London, GB
A smart and stylish vintage coffee table by Pieff of Worcester. This was designed by Tim Bates, it was made in England and dates from the 1960-70’s. It is of exceptional quality and...
Chrome
