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.
Original Bauhaus Clothes Valet, by Robert Slezák, Chrome, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant Bauhaus style valet stand comes from Czechoslovakia from the 1930s. It is made of tubular chrome steel and was produced by Slezákovy závody. This practical and clean-lin...
Chrome, Steel
Restored Bauhaus Coat Rack, by Robert Slezák, Chromed Steel, Czech, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This practical coat rack, faithfully reflecting the innovative spirit and functionalist elegance of the 1930s, was manufactured by Slezák in Czechoslovakia as a magnificent example o...
Chrome
$442Sale Price|20% Off
1930s Robert Slezak Bauhaus Dressboy, Czechoslovakia
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
good original condition with minor signs of use.
Chrome
$2,820
H 70.87 in W 70.87 in D 26.38 in
Original Bauhaus Functionalist clothes stand, Germany, 1930s, Modernist Design
Located in Berlin, DE
This original Bauhaus clothes stand was crafted in Germany around 1936 and originates from a commercial interior of the 1930s. Designed in the spirit of functionalist modernism, the ...
Steel, Chrome
Tecta Model S25 Bauhaus Valet Stand, Germany, 2000s
By Stefan Wewerka
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Manufactured by Tecta in Germany in the early 2000s, the Model S25 valet stand is constructed entirely from chrome-plated tubular metal. The design follows Bauhaus principles of func...
Metal, Chrome
Chelsea Clothes Valet in Hazelnut Color
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Chelsea Collection, this latest valet stand seamlessly blends practicality with elegance. Featuring luxurious leather trays and accented by a sleek brass clothing rack...
Wood
$704Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 42.92 in D 11.03 in
1930s Bauhaus Chrome Plated Etagere with Opaxy Glass, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with some signs of use
Chrome
$479Sale Price|50% Off
H 7.49 in W 41.34 in D 8.86 in
Bauhaus Tubular Chrome Wall-Mounted Coat Rack with Adjustable Hooks, 1930s
By Bauhaus Deutschland
Located in Herentals, BE
A striking wall-mounted coat rack from the 1920s, executed in tubular chrome and embodying the functional elegance of the Bauhaus movement. This piece demonstrates the hallmark princ...
Steel
$733
H 10.24 in W 39.57 in D 11.62 in
Art Deco Bauhaus Style Chrome Tubular Steel Wall Coat Rack, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Deco Bauhaus Style wall coat rack. Striking German design from the 1930s. Original chrome metal frame with 10 original hooks. This wonderful Art Deco Bauhaus...
Metal, Chrome
1930's Bauhaus Chrome Wall Coat Hanger
Located in Praha, CZ
Chrome wall coat and hat hanger from former Czechoslovakia, made in th 1930's. Good condition patina
Chrome
$2,087
H 40.95 in W 20.08 in D 11.03 in
Bauhaus Era German Art Deco Vintage Tube Steel Beech Coat Rack, 1930s, Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Bauhaus era German Art Deco vintage coat rack or valet from tube steel and beech in dark yellow color, 1930s Germany. A wonderful Bauhaus style valet or coat rack made from lacquered...
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Clothes Valet by Fratelli Reguitti
By Fratelli Reguitti
Located in Sofia, BG
20th century vintage clothes valet by Fratelli Reguitti made in Italy circa 1950 Beechwood with brass and rubber castors and brass tie holders, o...
Walnut
$846
H 10.24 in W 38.59 in D 11.42 in
Art Deco Chrome Wall Coat Rack by Gispen, 8 Hooks, Netherlands, 1930s
By Gispen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Art Deco wall coat rack Chrome tube frame ,comes with 8 hooks and a place for your had on top . Holland 1930s
Chrome
$884Sale Price|20% Off
H 39.77 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
Bauhaus-style 1930’s Chrome-Plated Tubular Steel Coat Rack
Located in Karis, Nyland
Vintage Standing Coat Rack, also known as a valet, made of chrome-plated tubular steel. A sturdy, simple and functional piece. Made in Finland, possibly manufactured by Merivaara.
Steel, Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Wood Valet Stand Dressboy
Located in Carimate, Como
Vintage 1970s Italian wood dressboy valet stand, with classic carved column and pedestals.
Brass
Bauhaus Coat Rack, 1930's.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Metal With aged patina Original condition
Metal
Bauhaus Style Tubular Steel Coat Rack, Circa 1940
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Elegant Bauhaus-style coat rack crafted in chromed tubular steel, dating to circa 1940. The design embodies the functional clarity and structural honesty characteristic of early mode...
Iron
$803Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.98 in W 38.59 in D 14.18 in
1930s Bauhaus Flower Stand with Glass, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Glass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 17.52 in D 17.52 in
Art Deco Bedside Cabinets in Black Glossy Lacquered Wood and Chromed Steel, 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist bedside cabinets pair in black glossy lacquered wood and chromium plated tubular steel, circa 1930
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 23.63 in W 17.52 in D 17.52 in
Art Deco Bedside Cabinets in Black Glossy Lacquered Wood and Chromed Steel, 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Berlin, DE
Modernist bedside cabinets pair in black glossy lacquered wood and chromium plated tubular steel, circa 1930
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 23.63 in W 15.75 in D 14.18 in
Restored Bauhaus Chromed Tubular Steel Nightstands by R. Slezak, 1940s, Set of 2
By Robert Slezák
Located in Żory, PL
This pair of nightstands was manufactured by Robert Slezak in the 1940s. The frame is made of chrome tubular steel, the cabinets are walnut. The tables have been restored, the wood i...
Steel, Chrome
Bauhaus Coat Stand by Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
Bauhaus coat rack manufactured by Slezak in Czechoslovakia in 1930s. Very good original condition with a little age patina. Including umbrella drip tray.
Metal, Chrome
Sold
H 47.64 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Chromed Clothes Valet Stand, Dressboy, V17 by Slezák, circa 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
High quality functional furniture. Manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the Slezák Robert Company in Bystrice pod Hostýnem (1913-1948). Original, very preserved chrome plating. Original...
Chrome
Sold
H 47.64 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Chromed Clothes Valet Stand, Dressboy, V17 by Slezák, circa 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
High quality functional furniture. Manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the Slezák Robert Company in Bystrice pod Hostýnem (1913-1948). Original, very preserved chrome plating. Original...
Chrome
Sold
H 39.38 in W 17.33 in D 14.18 in
Bauhaus Chromed Clothes Valet Stand, Dressboy, No. V17 by Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
High quality functional furniture. Manufactured in Czechoslovakia by the Slezák Robert company in Bystrice pod Hostýnem (1913-1948). Original, very preserved chrome plating. Original...
Chrome
Sold
H 70.87 in Dm 19.69 in
20th Century Restored Czech Bauhaus Hall Coat Stand by Robert Slezák, 1930s
By Robert Slezák
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Bauhaus period hall coat stand crafted of chrome Robert Slezák. Period: 1930-1939.
Chrome
Chromed Clothes Valet Stand, Dressboy, circa 1930
By Robert Slezák
Located in Praha, CZ
Original preserved chrome plating.
Chrome