The S 12 wall hook was created for Thonet by Finnish designer Harri Koskinen

The new S 12 wall hook

A room’s overall appearance is determined by the sum of its parts, and it is the interplay of carefully selected details that sets apart exceptional interior design. This principle is precisely what Finnish designer Harri Koskinen had in mind when he created his new wall hook for Thonet. It’s a small piece which is as stylish as it is functional and exemplifies the essence and beauty of tubular steel. Whether hung individually or arranged in a group, the S 12 adds elegance to any wall, and, when not in use, has the appearance of a small wall sculpture.

Designer Harri Koskinen has made a name for himself with his lights and accessories, which are beautifully designed down to the last detail. He has now created a wall hook for Thonet that serves as a miniature expression of the aesthetics and quality of tubular steel, a material which – like bentwood – has played a key role in the Frankenberg-based company’s history. During the 1930s when the designs of leading Bauhaus designers and masters were being put into industrial production, Thonet emerged as one of the foremost manufacturers of modern tubular steel furniture.

Inspired by the iconic designs in Thonet’s portfolio – such as the S 32 cantilever chair by Marcel Breuer (artistic copyright: Mart Stam) – Harri Koskinen has also used tubular steel with a diameter of 25 mm in his S 12 wall hook. “A useful and yet artistic object, the 20-cm-high wall hook embodies the strength and beauty of tubular steel, and is thus a miniature expression of Thonet’s identity,” explains Norbert Ruf, Creative Director at Thonet. The practical S 12 is beautiful on its own or in a row of hooks and can be used for hanging up hats, jackets, umbrellas, bags and much more. “The hook is a stylish addition to any room, even when it is not in use, and is available in a chrome-plated version as well as in powder-coated black or tomato red,” continues Norbert Ruf. “It has the appearance of a small wall sculpture, without being overpowering.” Mounting the S 12 is easy and its assembly has been cleverly designed: first, a c-shaped flat steel bracket is mounted onto the wall using two small screws. Then, the wall hook (11 x 20 x 2.5 cm), which has a milled back, is attached and secured with a socket screw.

Harri Koskinen
He studied at the Lahti Design Institute as well as at the Aalto-Universität Helsinki Design and in 1996 gained international recognition for his Block Lamp design. The lamp, which consists of a light bulb enclosed by two glass blocks, is regarded as a classic in Scandinavian design. Koskinen founded his Friends of Industry Ltd. design agency in 2000. For the Salone del Mobile.Milano 2009 he also launched his own label, Harri Koskinen Works, under which he produces and sells many of his own furniture designs. His portfolio comprises a wide range of diverse products, including furniture and lamps, tableware and glassware, watches and textiles. Koskinen’s uncompromising, clear design aesthetics have brought him international acclaim throughout his career. His work is known for its functionality and strict aesthetic criteria, and he consistently strives to find innovative solutions for consumers and manufacturers alike. Harri Koskinen’s long-term customers and collaboration partners include Finnair, Hermès, Iittala, Issey Miyake, Marimekko, Muji, Panasonic, Seiko, Artek and Woodnotes. Many of his designs have received awards, including the Kaj Franck Design Prize (2014), the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize (2009), the Pro Finlandia Medal (2007) and the Compasso d’Oro (2004). They also feature in the collections of numerous notable museums, such as the MoMA in New York.