Spider Table Lamp by Oluce
Spider Table Lamp by Oluce
$1,745.00
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Spider is an adjustable table lamp with a long, flat reflector on a slim chromed stem, designed in 1965 by Joe Colombo for Oluce and winner of the Compasso d’Oro in 1967.
It comes in 2 colors: Black and Mustard Yellow, both on a chromed stem.
The Design Story
Oluce, founded in Milan in 1945, makes Spider around one purpose-made part: a horizontal spot bulb. A single stove-enamelled metal reflector holds the bulb, sits on a chromed vertical rod and a lacquered metal base, and tilts on a joint so you can send the light exactly where you need it. There is no shade and no decoration, only a precise tool that has become an icon of 1960s Italian design.
The Story
Spider was the first Oluce design to win the Compasso d’Oro, Italy’s highest design award, in 1967. It appeared at the exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at MoMA in New York in 1972, and it belongs to the permanent collections of the Milan Triennale, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf and Die Neue Sammlung in Munich. Oluce also makes Spider as a floor lamp and, since 2025, as the smaller Mini Spider.
The Designers
Joe Colombo (1930 to 1971) is remembered as one of the great Italian designers of the postwar years, and he died at 41. Oluce describes his work as optimistic and forward looking. He designed complete living cells such as Visiona ’69 for Bayer, the compact Mini-Kitchen of 1963, the Bobby cart and Elda armchair of 1970, a chair for Kartell in 1968 and the mp lamp of 1972, which used halogen light.
“A melamine joint allows the inclination and repositioning of the reflector.”
Oluce, on Spider
How It Was Made
The reflector is stove-enamelled sheet metal made to take one horizontal spot bulb, and the base is lacquered metal. The stem is chromium plated and the tilting joint lets the reflector be repositioned. Oluce makes Spider in Italy.
Awards and Recognition
- Compasso d’Oro ADI, Milan, 1967 (Oluce’s first)
Museum collections and exhibitions: shown in “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” at MoMA, New York (1972) and at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Die Neue Sammlung in Munich (1983). Part of the permanent collections of the Milan Triennale, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf and Die Neue Sammlung.
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Why You’ll Love It
Spider throws a clean, directed beam on the page or keyboard, and the head tilts to wherever you want it. The lines are as sharp today as in 1965, and the black and mustard finishes suit a classic study as well as a modern one. It is also a small piece of design history that you can use every day.
Made for Real Life
The lamp takes one G9 bulb up to 48W. The bulb is not included, so you can choose the brightness and warmth you like. It is UL rated for the US and works with a standard on/off switch; it is not dimmable. Wipe the finish with a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners.
Product Details
| Maker | Oluce, Milan (since 1945) |
|---|---|
| Product | Spider 291 table lamp |
| Designer | Joe Colombo (1965) |
| Type | Adjustable table lamp, direct light |
| Height | 15.7 in (40 cm) |
| Base width | 7 in (18 cm) |
| Material | Metal and aluminium; chromium-plated stem |
| Finishes | Black or mustard yellow lacquer; chrome stem |
| Light source | 1 x G9, 48W max (bulb not included) |
| Dimming | Not dimmable |
| Rating | UL listed |
| Product weight | 3 lb (1.4 kg) |
| Package size | 7 x 20 x 20 in (18 x 51 x 51 cm) |
| Made in | Italy |
| Item numbers | Black: OL-SPIDER-291-BL; Mustard Yellow: OL-SPIDER-291-YE |
Where It Shines
Put it on a desk, a console or a bedside table, or anywhere a flexible reading light is useful. It suits modern, mid-century and minimalist rooms, and two lamps side by side look striking on a long desk.
Questions We Hear Most
How big is the Spider table lamp?
The lamp is 15.7 in (40 cm) tall on a base about 7 in (18 cm) wide, a good size for a desk or nightstand.
What bulb does the Spider table lamp use?
It takes one G9 bulb up to 48W. The bulb is not included, so you can pick the output and color temperature you prefer.
Can I dim the Spider?
No. The lamp is listed as not dimmable and works with a simple on/off switch.
Can I move the light?
Yes. The reflector tilts on a joint, so you can aim the beam at your work or reading surface.
Is there a floor version of the Spider?
Yes. Oluce also makes Spider as a floor lamp, and a smaller Mini Spider table lamp.
Who designed the Spider?
Joe Colombo designed it in 1965. It won the Compasso d’Oro in 1967, the first Oluce design to do so.
Why We Love It
Spider combines a famous name, an award and a very practical light. It tilts, it stays put, and it makes any desk look considered.
Shipping Info
| Processing Time | In stock. Ships in 2 to 4 business days. |
|---|---|
| Ships From | United States |
Shipping & Returns
Free Shipping within the U.S. for orders over $100.
Because many of our pieces are made to order or specially sourced, most items are considered final sale.
What are the items you could return?
1. Items received damaged or broken
2. Incorrect items that were shipped
3. Defective items
A replacement will be shipped right away.
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Phone: (866) 817-1878
Email: info@loftmodern.com
Address: LoftModern, a division of Modern Design Center, Inc., 337 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
We reply to messages within one business day. For damaged or incorrect items, please see our Return and refund policy. Interior designers and trade professionals can apply for a trade account.
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