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1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
Note all articles are independently researched and written by myself. However, if you buy via one of the links it may be an affiliate and I may earn a small commission.

Dating back to 1968, the Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli is still as futuristic today as was back then.

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli

 

That’s pretty much the point. This was the future. Space-age design was all the rage in an era of space exploration. Plastics were being pushed as the future and designers were seeing how far they could go with the concept.

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli

 

Plenty of examples of good space-age design are still on the shelves as a result of reissues and a good number would do your home proud. But I have picked this one out because it’s a personal favourite and also it has an unusual feature, as you can see from the photos.

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra lamp by Elio Martinelli

 

At first glance, a simple piece of lighting design, an eye-catching silhouette that will be a talking point in your living room or on your desk. But it lives up to its name when you move it.

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra lamp by Elio Martinelli

 

The lamp’s shade can be rotated 360 degrees, creating that snake-like shape and allowing you to focus the light where you need it. Which is why the Cobra is good for a desk, as well as a bedside light or just as a feature light in your living room.

There is another reason for featuring this light now too. A new set of colours have just been made available by maker Martinelli Luce, with a design tweaked to use an LED bulb for the modern era.

1960s classic: Cobra table lamp by Elio Martinelli
1960s classic: Cobra lamp by Elio Martinelli

 

Some of those colours are here, with other viewable on the retailer’s site. Talking of retail, you can pick up the lamp in red, black or white, with prices starting at £863.

Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website

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