In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor (J.T.) Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, J.T. was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna State Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, J.T. Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage J.T. Kalmar lighting that includes chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Mazzega, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic light fixture model Tulipan by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip s...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Gebrüder Cosack, Gaetano Sciolari, Harvey Guzzini, J.T. Kalmar, Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in München, DE
Stunning donut wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design creates a spectacular light. High quality. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG Condition: Very goo...
Metal
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Gino Vistosi, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Christoph Palme
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements create an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Barovier&Toso, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Barovier, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A brass and glass basket light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). Two fixtures are available. The price is p...
Metal, Brass
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant cascading ceiling light with 48 clear, pink and blue interlocking Murano glasses suspended individually on a golden brass frame. Multicolored glasses can be arranged individu...
Brass
Square Kalmar Textured Glass Flush Mount Light Sconce 'Hippolyt', 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A textured glass flushmount light fixtures model 'Hippolyt 42', model no. 5256 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. The lamps can be used as ceiling or wall lights....
Metal
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Brass Murano Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous flush mount light model 'Catena' by Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or 1970s). 18 large 'ribbons' in clear (12 pieces) and whit...
Brass
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. Each square wall light has a square brass back plate with a square milkglass on top. The...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful textured glass and brass light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A round glass ring is mounted with thre...
Brass, Metal
1 of the 2 Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Pendants, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. ...
Brass
Round Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Round Glass Flush Mount was designed by Kalmar Franken in Austria during the 1960s. A beautiful example of mid-century modern lighting, the fixture features a thick, han...
Glass
$1,654 / item
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By RAAK, Palwa, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
Stunning donut wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design creates a spectacular light. High-quality workmanship. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG Condition: Very ...
Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the Mid Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan s...
Metal, Brass
Extra Large Textured Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels and a large central piece, all fixed to a white ...
Metal
1 of 4 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light is composed of a 1 thick Murano glass cube attached to a chrome metal frame. ...
Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extra large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two ligh...
Metal, Brass
1960s Scandinavian Modern Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar, Brass & Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern Classic flush mount featuring 13 ice cube elements suspended on a polished brass backplate. Rewired for use in the USA, uses chandelier...
Brass
Textured Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels and a large central piece, all fixed to a white ...
Metal
Set of Two Large Murano Glass Wall Light Cube, by Kalmar , Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Set of two Large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light is composed of a 4 thick Murano glass cube attached to a brass frame. Wond...
Brass
Mid-Century Space Age frosted glass round flush mount J.T. Kalmar Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Space Age clear and frosted glass round flush mount or wall lamp designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, circa the 1960s. This stunning and iconic Space Age lighting fixture s...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Modernist wall sconces made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s. The light is made of polished brass and the lampshades are made of acrylic glass. The faceted acrylic glass provid...
Brass
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The lamps...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar 1970s Ice Glass Flushmount Light - Metal & Art Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Large ice glass flushmouny from Kalmar houses 3 light sources. 3 Polished Nickel outside screws secure the glass. Rewired for use in the USA.
Metal
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 flush mounts /wall lights, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With bras...
Metal, Brass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
1 of the 2 Small Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Pendants, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. H...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Ceiling Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass ceiling light. High quali...
Metal
Kalmar Amber Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Venini Tronchi Murano Glass & Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling light with 24 clear and amber Venini "Tronchi" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Designer: Carl...
Brass
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, AVMazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements spread an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are ...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Flush Mount, circa 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant glass and brass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1960. The glass dome is heavily textured on both sides creating the signature Kalmar "water ripple...
Brass, Steel
Textured Iced Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square iced glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels which form a square together. Cleaned and well-wired, in ful...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 18 organic and ribbon-shaped Mu...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Textured Glass Brass White Metal, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A textured clear glass is mounted with a brass knob to a white p...
Brass, Metal
1 (of 8) Amber Murano Flush Mount & Sconce Glass by Carlo Nason for Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount and wall sconce executed in handblown partially amber and clear Murano glass and chromed hardware designed by Carlo Nason. With this light you make a clear statem...
Metal, Chrome
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Granada Brass Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 flush lights with Brutalist ice glass on a chrome frame, circa 1970s, by J.T. Kalmar. Cruciform design flush mount light with structured glass shade and a central brass sq...
Chrome
Kalmar Flushmount Flush Mount Light, Textured Glass Brass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square flushmount light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A textured clear glas...
Brass, Metal
Tree Trunk Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Tree Trunk Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s This large flush mount was produced in Austria by Kalmar in the 1960s. It is composed of 12 thick textured ice g...
Metal
Large Austrian Vintage White Ice Glass Wall Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare square textured white (not clear) murano glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: Four x E27 (US E26)
Murano Glass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Amber and Clear Flush Mount, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare flushmount, gorgeous and stylish ceiling lamp, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s, with a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colo...
Metal, Brass
Set of Three Textured Ice Glass Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three beautiful textured Murano glass sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 1x E27 (US E26).
Metal
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Temde Leuchten, Max Bill, Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in München, DE
A very impressive Sputnik ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. This lamp is a highlight for any room. It creates a particularly sparklin...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Sun Mid-Century Brass Chandelier Ceiling Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century modernist brass chandelier / ceiling Light / flush mount from the 1950s, model „Sonne“ (sun), executed by Kalmar Vienna. In good condition with nice patina on...
Brass
Kalmar Murano Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Venini Tronchi Glass & Brass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount chandelier with 24 clear Venini "Tronchi" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Chandelier illuminates beautifully and offers a lot of light. Gem from the time....
Brass
Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, 1970s, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamps can be used as pend...
Brass
J.T Kalmar Square Brass & Textured Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Introducing a charming Mid-Century flush mount or ceiling lamp. Crafted with a square lampshade from textured melting glass, reminiscent of ice, and adorned with a brass knob in the ...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip...
Brass, Metal
Huge Mid-Century Modern Brass Sputnik Spider Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1960s
By Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive and extra large 16-arm Mid-Century Modern brass spider flush mount fixture or chandelier by Kalmar, manufactured circa 1960 (late 1950...
Brass
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
1 of the 2 Extra Large Textured Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels and a large central piece, all fixed to a white ...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo flush mount chandelier gold brass glass lamp, Austria, 1960. Stunning four-tier 19" Austrian Kalmar chandelier in excellent condit...
Gold, Brass
Brass and Glass Flushmount by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Fantastic brass and glass flushmount light fixture by Kalmar with 2 layers of thick hand blown glass loop elements (clear and tranclucent). ...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Vienna Round Mid-Century Flush Mount / Ceiling Lamp, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful flush mount ceiling lamp from the 1960s, made by J.T. Kalmar Austria. A charming light, made of solid textured glass on a metal base, with a nice brass knob in the center...
Metal, Brass
Glamorous 25" Catena Flush Mount Chandelier Murano Glass & Brass by Kalmar, 1960
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant ceiling light with 24 clear and "pulegoso" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Manufacturer: J.T. Kalmar. Model: Cat...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished brass plate with patinate...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian Midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This Chandelier is composed by 8 uni...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Round Mid-Century Brass Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning modernist flush mount lamp / ceiling light from the 1950s by Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This charming light features solid textured glass on a white metal base with a round b...
Brass, Metal