Mogens Mogensen coat hanger

This rare coat hanger, designed by Mogens Mogensen and produced by Albin Karlssons Metallfabrik in Eskilstuna, Sweden, is a striking example of utilitarian modernist design executed in steel. Likely produced during the mid-20th century, the piece reflects a distinctly functional aesthetic rooted in Scandinavian industrial design principles, where simplicity of form is combined with material durability.

The structure is composed entirely of steel and features a triangular side profile that supports the main functional components. The upper section consists of several parallel steel rods arranged horizontally, forming a surface for hats or folded garments. Beneath this shelf is a straight bar fitted with six evenly spaced double hooks, each offering two levels of hanging space for coats, scarves, or bags. The proportions and spacing are carefully considered, allowing for efficient storage without visual clutter.

The surface of the steel shows visible signs of age and oxidation. Areas of rust, particularly at the rod ends, along with discoloration and light surface irregularities, testify to the piece’s age and use. These marks are consistent with vintage industrial steel objects and contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece. While the hanger remains fully functional and structurally sound, its surface could be lightly cleaned or stabilized depending on the collector’s or restorer’s intent.

The dimensions are 125 cm in width, 40 cm in depth, and 12 cm in height (49.2 x 15.7 x 4.7 inches), giving it a wide but shallow footprint suitable for hallway or entryway installation. Its linear construction and minimal depth make it an effective storage solution for compact spaces, while the exposed steel framework and sharply geometric side profile lend it a sculptural, architectural quality.

Mogens Mogensen’s work is marked by a focus on practicality, and in this piece, that ethos is clearly realized. Produced by Albin Karlssons Metallfabrik—a manufacturer based in Eskilstuna, a Swedish city known for its metalworking industry—the coat hanger stands as a testament to postwar Scandinavian design that valued industrial materiality, structural clarity, and everyday utility.