Czech glass and crystal are renowned worldwide for their unique quality, elegance, and dazzling beauty. These characteristics have elevated them to become icons not only of Czech craftsmanship but also of global design. Elite Bohemia has been proudly building upon and developing this tradition since 1996, bringing sparkle, sophistication, and unique aesthetics to interiors around the world for more than two decades.
COMPANY STORY:
FROM FAMILY ROOTS TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
Elite Bohemia was founded in 1996 by people who had glass literally flowing through their veins. One of them was Josef Chlum, whose journey to glassmaking began in childhood. His father, a glass presser in the Jablonec glassworks, taught him to appreciate the beauty and potential of glass. However, Josef decided to complement this passion with strategy and business skills, so he studied economics and focused on international trade in Czech glass.
His dream was not only to continue the family tradition but to spread Czech
glass worldwide. Another key pillar of the company was
Jaroslav Kocián, Josef's father-in-law and a long-time expert in traditional glassmaking technologies. His experience and knowledge provided Elite Bohemia with a solid foundation in craftsmanship excellence. The combination of their passions and know-how created a brand that not only honors the heritage of Czech glassmaking but also demonstrates that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
WHAT MAKES CZECH GLASS SO EXCEPTIONAL?
Czech glass has been a symbol of luxury and quality for centuries. Since the 17th century, it has stood out for its unique properties - perfect clarity, hardness, and the ability to reflect light in fascinating ways. The so-called "fire" of Czech crystal, meaning its brilliant sparkle and play of light, has become legendary.
In their time, Czech chandeliers adorned the palaces of French King Louis XV, Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, and Russian Empress Elizabeth.
TRADITION AND MODERN STYLE: PERFECT HARMONY
One of Elite Bohemia's successful principles is the ability to combine traditional glassmaking techniques with modern trends. Behind this connection is chief designer Jiří Krišica, who has extensive experience in both glassmaking technologies and design. His goal is to create lighting fixtures that are not only beautiful but also functional, timeless, and environmentally friendly.
An example of this harmony is the Illusion light fixture, where traditional metal arms were replaced with elegant suspension on steel cables. This innovative approach not only brings fresh aesthetics but also reduces production costs and waste, which is another step towards greater sustainability.
In today's world, where sustainability is becoming an inseparable part of responsible business, Elite Bohemia is also committed to environmental values. The company is taking several steps to reduce its ecological footprint - from optimizing production processes to eco-friendly packaging of its products. Instead of plastics, it uses recycled paper, significantly reducing waste.
The lighting fixture design process itself also focuses on waste minimization. For example, the Melody lighting fixture, which works with various rod lengths, is designed to maximize material utilization. In marketing, the company prefers recycled materials and supports its suppliers who invest in environmental technologies.
Today, Elite Bohemia's luxury crystal chandeliers adorn not only private residences but also concert halls, hotels, and other magnificent spaces around the world. The company also works on custom-made orders, where the customer plays the role of co-creator in the entire design. This approach ensures not only original design but also a high level of personalization.
Thus, Elite Bohemia is not just a lighting manufacturer - it is a bearer of a story born from passion, tradition, innovation, and deep respect for the glassmaking craft. Every time a chandelier of this brand lights up, a piece of Czech history illuminates - and that is something we can be rightfully proud of.
JOSEF CHLUM
OWNER
Josef Chlum, a successful entrepreneur with a clear vision, who has been leading the thriving glass company ELITE BOHEMIA for almost 30 years.
Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small family business into a prominent glass company that today trades with more than 30 countries around the world, primarily in the Middle East, European Union, USA, and Southeast Asian countries.
Josef's love for glass began in childhood. His father, a glass presser at Jablonec Glassworks, instilled in him a feeling for the beauty and potential of glass. Josef decided to combine this passion with strategy and business skills, so he studied economics and specialized in foreign trade with Czech glass. His dream was not only to continue the family tradition, but also to expand Czech glass throughout the world.
His vision, determination, and ability to lead a team make him an inspiring figure not only in the business environment, but beyond it as well.
JIŘÍ KRIŠICA
DESIGNER
Jiří Krišica is a talented Czech designer known for combining traditional materials with modern technologies. Since 2024, he has been designing for ELITE BOHEMIA and
participating in projects where he applies his distinctive vision. His work in lighting design has gained recognition from professionals and the public worldwide.
He grew up in the heart of the Czech glass industry, where glass is not just a material, but also culture and art. After studying in Železný Brod and at Czech Technical University in Prague, he gained experience on international projects.
His approach combines technical precision with visual appeal. He creates solutions that are both thoughtfully detailed and visually striking. Besides new projects, he focuses on sustainability and innovations in material technologies. Although their implementation in glassmaking is challenging, he strives for products that are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.
Jiří Krišica is a visionary with the courage to experiment and seek new paths in his field.
MICHAL HOLATA
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Michal Holata has been an integral part of ELITE BOHEMIA since its very beginning. He joined the company in 1998, shortly after its establishment, and has since become a stable member of the team and an important pillar of production.
Over the years, he has worked in all parts of the company, gained detailed knowledge of the entire production process, and naturally progressed to the position of production manager. His relationship with glass has thus gradually transformed from a mere job into a lifelong passion.
What fascinates him about his work is the material itself – glass. He perceives it as a symbol of Czech tradition, but also as an incredibly malleable and creative material where the boundaries of what can be created are constantly being pushed.
As production manager, he ensures all components needed for the creation of lighting fixtures and actively participates in the entire process from drawing to final product. Together with designers and technicians, he fine-tunes details, solves problems that arise during production, and contributes to innovative projects that push both the company and glassmaking itself forward.
Work is a major part of his life, yet he finds time for rest and recharging. He most enjoys traveling around the Czech Republic, loves nature and movement – in winter he goes cross-country skiing, enjoys playing footvolley, or goes hiking and camping.
Michal considers himself an optimist who can get along with anyone. In life, he avoids conflicts and looks primarily forward. "I don't like dwelling on the past – I live for the future," he says.
follow us
Elite Bohemia
Sokolska 93
513 01 Semily
Czech Republic
sales@elitebohemia.cz
phone: (+420) 481 622 566
mob. : (+420) 728 022 342