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 Orrefors, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
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
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
J.T Kalmar Mid Century Brass Lucite Ceiling Light Flush Mounts (2), Austria
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Perfectly preserved vintage, labelled J.T Kalmar flush mounts, Austria, circa 1970- Two lights available, priced per piece. Dimensions are 26" x 26" x 11.4" Rare minimalistic flush ...
Brass
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier, 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
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
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
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Venini, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier, 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
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Gaetano Sciolari, Harvey Guzzini, Gebrüder Cosack, 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, Christoph Palme, Gaetano Sciolari, Palwa, J.T. Kalmar
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
Pair of Kalmar Murano Smoke Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and large murano glass wall sconces or lights or ceiling lamps by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG, Austria, 1960s. A white lacquered metal back plate holds an organic hand blown...
Steel, Nickel
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Barovier, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
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
Huge Kalmar 24.5" Square Modernist Glass Flush Mount Heidelberg, Austria 1974
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant huge square mid-century ceiling lamp 'Heidelberg 62' executed 1974 by Kalmar, Vienna in Austria. To use as a ceiling light but also as a wall sconce. Made of solid textured c...
Crystal, Nickel, Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Pair Kalmar Sconces or Flush Mount Lights, Brass Cast Ice Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of identical, large and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (...
Brass
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Max Ingrand, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AVMazzega, 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
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By Kaiser Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
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
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, 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
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ice glass Kalmar chandelier. Attributed to J.T. Kalmar and Kalmar Lighting, Austria, 1960s. It holds four pieces of textured ice glass blocks hanging from a chain and topped by a metal canopy...
Metal, Steel
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
$4,975Sale Price|50% Off
Huge Kalmar Tronchi Three-Tier Murano Glass Flush Mount Venini by Zuccheri
By Toni Zuccheri, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, BE
Wonderful huge, signed three-tier Murano glass tronchi flush mount or chandelier by Kalmar. The chandelier is from the 1960s and 48 hand blown Murano glasses in two colors hanging on...
Brass
Large J.T. Kalmar Textured Waved Murano Glass Flush Mount, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Huge 21" iconic midcentury ceiling light made by J.T. Kalmar in the late 1950s, Vienna. It's featuring thick Murano textured waved glass and polished brass hardware. It's in excellen...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Large Elegant Glass and Brass Flush Mount Fixture / Sconce by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1960's Glass and Brass flush mount fixture / sconce by JT Kalmar. The large dome shaped glass has a wonderful water ripple effect texture to both sides of the glass and is ...
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
Large Kalmar Murano Smoke Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and large Murano glass wall sconces or lights or ceiling lamps by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG, Austria, 1960s. A white lacquered metal backplate holds an organic hand blown ...
Steel, Nickel
Large Kalmar Flush Mount Light or Sconce, Brass Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of polished brass and cast glass. There are eight...
Brass
$1,677 / item
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Palwa, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, RAAK, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar
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
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, AVMazzega
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
J. T. Kalmar "Tulipan" Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame white painted with six E14 bulbs and hand blow glass elements made by J.T. Kalmar. Very good condition with minimal signs of age.
Brass
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
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
Large Square Iced Textured Glass Flush Mount, Wall Light by Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Flush Mount iced textured square glass by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has six iced textured glass panels at top and four panels beside all fixed to ...
Metal, Chrome
Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous glass ice cube flushmount by Kalmar from the 1970s. Stunning large flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flushmo...
Brass
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
$615Sale Price|24% Off
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This chandelier is composed by 4 units of Ice-Glass block...
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
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Max Bill, Temde Leuchten, 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 Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Ceiling Lamp, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar ceiling lamp circa 1960s Original condition.
Nickel
Huge Mid-Century Modern Brass Sputnik Spider Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo
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
Kalmar Murano Flush Mount Ceiling Light Glass & Brass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant white flush mount with textured Murano glass with brass finals on a metal hardware illuminates beautifully and offers a lot of light. Gem from the time. With this light you m...
Brass
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
Glamorous 25" Catena Flush Mount Chandelier Murano Glass & Brass by Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
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 Round J. T. Kalmar Mid-Century Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist flush mount / ceiling lamp from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. A charming light fixture, it has a domed 18 in diameter lampshade, made of solid ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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