Cobra Table Lamp by Elio Martinelli for Martinelli Luce

The Cobra Table Lamp by Elio Martinelli is A Sci-Fi Design Classic.

With its serpentine silhouette and space-age presence, the Cobra Table Lamp by Elio Martinelli is a true standout of 20th-century design. First conceived in 1968, this sculptural lamp takes its name—and form—from the poised hood of a cobra, with a rotating arm that allows the light to be directed precisely where it’s needed. It’s both beautifully functional and unmistakably theatrical.

This lamp brings a touch of retro-futurism to any setting, and has lit up the screen in several distinctive productions. You’ll spot it in House of Gucci, on the desk of Maurizio Gucci, as well as in the beautifully styled sets of Fantastic Four: First Steps, Conversations With Friends, and Mr Jones. Its rounded, organic form and sculptural presence make it a perfect fit for interiors with cinematic ambition.a

Whether used as a reading light, a bedside lamp or on your desk, the Cobra makes a bold and elegant statement. Even when switched off, it acts as an eye-catching design object—one that wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi film or a midcentury modernist home.

Crafted from high-gloss moulded resin and available in white, black or red, it offers a surprisingly economical way to bring museum-worthy design into your space. Martinelli Luce’s lighting designs are featured in some of the world’s most important design museums, and the Cobra remains one of their most celebrated creations.

️ Follow the Buy buttons to find yours, or seek out vintage versions on Etsy for a dose of original retro flair.