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 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, Julius 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 Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor 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 Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor light mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The lamp is made of polished aluminum and handblown b...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Kalmar Brass Floor Lamp 'Cavador' No. 2098, Height Adjustable, 1960, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful brass floor lamp model 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, in 1950s or 1960s. The lights is documented in the Kalmar catalogues 1960. The bras...
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamps 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor lights mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The They are made of polished aluminum and ha...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
$5,109 / item
Brass & Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass and partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip for easy repositioning...
Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar Floor Lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar floor lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s Polished and stove enameled The shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
One of Two Height Adjustable Kalmar Brass Floor Lamps 'Cavador' No. 2098, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1960. ...
Brass
Rarest Kalmar Bamboo Floor Lamp n°2081 - Austria 1960's
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern charming very rare vintage floor lamp is a real icon of Viennese design from 1960. The floor lamp no 2081 named Karla was designed by J. T. Kalmar and produced by ...
Brass, Iron
Kalmar Floor Lamp Glasschaft no. 2134, Patinated Brass Emerald Green Glass 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic and rare floor lamp 'Glasschaft' (engl. 'glass rod'), no. 2134 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960. The stand is made of an emerald g...
Brass
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp vienna around 1950s The shade is replaced ( new ) Metal withe painted Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
$7,513 / item
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
All new, contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in exclusive hardwood (Paul Ferro) or Wenge & bronzed brass base with silk fabric lamp shade. Made a...
Brass
Large Kalmar Table Lamp 'Frankenberg', Illuminated Glass Stand Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large table lamp model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickeled base with a large hand ...
Brass
Adjustable Kalmar Floor Lamp with Swiveling Shade, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Adjustable Kalmar floor lamp, Vienna, around 1950s. Brass polished and stove enameled Original wicker shade in good condition Swiveling shade Adjustable height from 141cm - 176cm.
Brass
Oak & Brass 'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic and high end made 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in solid oak with polished brass base and a silk fabric lamp shade. All new. Made at original manufacturer Kalmar Werkstätten...
Brass
Kalmar Floor Lamp, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar floor lamp, circa 1950s Original condition Shade is replaced (new).
Brass
Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Table or Floor Lamp, Glass Nickel, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large 'Tulipan' table or floor lamp by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickel-plated base with a large handblown bubble glass. The red lamp shade...
Aluminum, Nickel
$1,858Sale Price|20% Off
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the lampbase. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in ac...
Brass
Floor Lamp in Brass and Rosewood by Kalmar Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor Lamp in Brass by Kalmar, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the base of the lamp. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in accordance to local requir...
Brass
Brass and Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by Kalmar - US Plug
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass, partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip fo...
Brass
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Brass partly blackened The shade is reolaced ( new )
Brass
'Pelikan' Floor lamp in Brass and Lacquered Steel by J.T. Kalmar, Austria 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hellouw, NL
We are very enthusiastic about this ‘Pelikan’ Floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar, a striking masterpiece from the 1950s, produced in Austria. This stunning creation combines the luxurious war...
Brass, Steel
"Sirius 12K" Atomic Space Age Floor Lamp, J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Mortsel, BE
Step into the realm of atomic-inspired design with the extraordinary "Sirius 12K" Atomic Space Age Floor Lamp created by J.T. Kalmar. This ...
Metal, Chrome
Floor Lamp in Brass and Rosewood by Kalmar Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor Lamp in Brass by Kalmar, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the base of the lamp. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in accordance to local requir...
Brass
$5,109 / item
H 59.06 in W 26.78 in D 20.08 in
Brass and Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by Kalmar - US Plug
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass, partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip fo...
Brass
$1,787
H 33.08 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Space Age Italian Geometric Chrome Floor or Table Lamp by Stilux, Milano, 1970s
By Stilux
Located in Rome, IT
Splendid floor or table lamp in chrome, featuring seven light bulbs placed at the end of chrome intersecting pipes giving life to a unique optical effect, which reminds a skyscraper....
Metal, Chrome
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
All new, contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in exclusive hardwood (Paul Ferro) or Wenge & bronzed brass base with silk fabric lamp shade. Made a...
Brass
Kalmar 'Hase TL' Table Lamp of Brass & Leather
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Table lamp model 'Hase TL' by Austrian Kalmar Lighting. The freestanding lamp 'Hase' from 1954 is another exemplar of the Wiener Werkbund. Using simple metal t...
Brass
Height-adjustable Floor Lamp by Möllers Armatur, Brass and Leather, 50s
By Möllers Armaturfabrik
Located in Göteborg, SE
Floor lamp with adjustable height. At its highest the lamp is 147cm and 118cm at its lowest. The floor lamp is made of brass with a brown leather wrapped around the holder. The ...
Brass
Floor lamp by J.T. Calmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Floor lamp chrome base and acrylic tubes .Three way switch . Lamp can be also a table lamp
Chrome
One Large Wooden Table or Floor Lamp, Birma
Located in Antwerp, BE
One beautiful old antique wooden stock pot from Burma converted in the 1970s into lamps. The lamp with the damage is still available for sale. Measures: Diameter wooden base 36 cm....
Wood
One Large Wooden Table or Floor Lamp, Birma
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two beautiful old antique wooden stock pots from Burma converted in the 1970s into lamps. Measures: Diameter wooden base 36 cm. Height base without socket 46 cm. Shades are not in...
Brass
$5,719
H 59.06 in W 31.5 in D 18.51 in
Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
Metal, Brass
One of Two Ceramic and Brass Artichoke Table Lamps
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two Italian brass table lamps with ceramic artichoke leaves. In the manner of Maison Charles. France, 1950s. Diameter ceramic base 39 cm. Height ceramic base 35 cm. Height of ceram...
Brass
$11,080
H 102.37 in Dm 78.75 in
Florian Schulz Double Ball Brass Arc Floor Lamp, Height Adjustable, 1970
By Florian Schulz
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional, rare to find giant double ball floor lamp by Florian Schulz, Germany, 1970. This lamp is adjustable and can be pivoted in multiple positions, it is being designed for...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 59.06 in Dm 20.48 in
Rare & Elegant Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' by J.T. Kalmar 1960s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten Für Kunst Im Handwerk, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern brass floor lamp 'Flamingo' with original lamp shade. Model No: 2083. Designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Execute...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Micheline Mid-Century Floor Lamp, Brass Tripod Base, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant, minimalist mid-century modern floor lamp named "Micheline," model no. 2092, from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. The lamp captiva...
Metal, Brass
Floor lamp Hase by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in PARIS, FR
Very elegant and original floor lamp, thanks to its tall slender brass shaft and boomerang-shaped base in patina brass. It was designed in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar and produced by th...
Brass
Sold
H 38.19 in Dm 15.75 in
Pair Large Kalmar Table Lamps 'Frankenberg', Glass Nickel Fabric Shades, 1970s
By Orrefors, Venini, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of rare and large table lamps model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The stand and base is mad...
Brass, Metal, Nickel
Sold
H 58 in W 18 in D 29 in
J.T. Kalmar 2x Dornstab Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Walnut, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful "Dornstab" floor lamps, we offer a matching one in our other listing. Designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna Austria. The conical lampshade is adjustable to ...
Brass
Sold
H 72.05 in W 24.41 in D 9.45 in
Floor Lamp - Design by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s.
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Floor Lamp - Design by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s. This lamp has an adjustable, lacquered metal shade and uplight.
Metal, Brass
Early Brass 'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Beautiful vintage 'Dornstab' floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar from the late 1950's. Made of solid beech and brass. Made at Kalmar Werkstätten Austria. Designed in 194...
Brass
Sold
H 59.06 in W 18.51 in D 29.93 in
Dornstab floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar and A. Pöll for Kalmar Werkstätten, 1940s Aus
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Dornstab floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar and A. Pöll for Kalmar Werkstätten, 1940s Austria. The Dornstab is back into production, but this is the original 1st version dating back to 1947. ...
Brass
Sold
H 66.15 in Dm 19.69 in
Pair of Kalmar Floor Lamps 'Telescope', Brass Tulip Base Height Adjustable, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two brass floor lights model 'Telescope' / 'Teleskop' with tulip stands by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s or early 1970s...
Brass, Metal
Early Brass 'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Beautiful vintage 'Dornstab' floor lamp by J.T. Kalmar from the late 1950's. Made of solid beech and brass. Made at Kalmar Werkstätten Austria. ...
Brass
Sold
H 58 in W 18 in D 29 in
J.T. Kalmar 2x Dornstab Adjustable Floor Lamp, Brass, Walnut, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful "Dornstab" floor lamps, we offer a matching one in our other listing. Designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna Austria. The conical lampshade is adjustable to ...
Brass
Sold
H 59.06 in W 26.78 in D 20.08 in
Kalmar Werkstätten Brass & Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp - NEW SHIPS FROM STOCK
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass and partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip...
Brass