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.
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By Ernest Palme, Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Max Ingrand, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful frosted glass wall lamps from the 1960s. The frosted glass creates a very pleasant lighting effect, spreading an elegant, sparkling play of light throughout the room. Wonde...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, 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
Beautiful large mid-century brass crow's foot table lamp by Kalmar Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful large Mid-Century Modern brass table lamp with a crow's foot. Manufactured by Kalmar. Made in Austria. Very attractive, typical, striking Mid-Century design with a brass ba...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Four Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal
Set of 2 Vintage Hollywood Regency Style Brass Sconces from Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Two impressive brass wall lights from Kalmar. A simple design with a special materiality. The lamp consists of a simple angle as a shade, with a base mounted on the back. The two en...
Metal
Pair Of Wall Lights Model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of exclusive wall lights model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970, (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). Handmade and hi...
Gold Plate
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Gebrüder Cosack, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Gaetano Sciolari, Harvey Guzzini
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar Chandelier "Tulipan" Chandelier, Austria, Murano Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic and high-quality Chandelier featured in a metal frame white coated and brass elements with ten E14 bulbs and 41 hand-blown clear glass onion shaped globes. Made by J.T. Kalma...
Metal, Brass
J.T Kalmar Mid Century Brass Lucite Ceiling Light Flush Mounts (2), Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte
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
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, Gino Vistosi, 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
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 unique elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blown ...
Metal, Brass
Table lamp by J.T. Kalmar Mod. 1197 Phönix 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Table lamp by J.T. Kalmar Mod. 1197 Phönix 1950s Original condition The shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Barovier, Venini, Barovier&Toso, J.T. Kalmar
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light, Patinated Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wonderful patinated brass and Murano glass flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of a brass ring...
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Cast Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful ice glass pendant light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each lamp is made of 12 cast ice glass bl...
Metal, Chrome, Brass, Nickel
$800Sale Price|47% Off
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional JT Kalmar chandelier with large ice frost glass with chrome structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the bes...
Glass
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing original vintage Kalmar chandelier with thick textured glass pendants — each one resembles elongated icicles. Handmade glass, metal mount with natural patina. Austria, the 19...
Murano Glass
Pair of Small Palmette Gold Brass Structured Wall Lights, 1960s, Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful wall lights were designed in the style of Kalmar, featuring a brass base and a rectangular glass cover in opal and clear glass. The glass cover consists of one layer of bea...
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier 'Florida', Glass Brass, 1970s
By Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous high quality pendant light fixture model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamp is made of polishe...
Crystal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Amber and Clear Glass Wall Lights, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With white colored backplate. This light is handmade and a high quality piece. Illuminate...
Metal
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two beautiful and handmade high quality pendant light fixtures model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Crystal, Brass
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Haus & Garten, J.T. Kalmar, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and fantastic height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp with a wicker lampshade model 'Kugel-Dreierzug' no. 2514 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s....
Brass
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
$600Sale Price|50% Off
Kalmar 1960s Glass Floral Wall Light
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
1960s German wall lights composed of a heavy thick glass floral element and a polished brass frame by Kalmar. One light source. Newly Rewired.
Brass
Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light is composed of a 3 thick Murano glass cube attached to a chrome metal frame. Wonderfu...
Chrome
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar, 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
J.T. Kalmar, Pelikan, Floor Lamp, Brass, Metal, Fabric, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal, brass, plastic band and fabric floor lamp designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 62"H x 15"W x 27"D Bulb Speci...
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
1 of the 2 Pairs of Brass and Brown Glass Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high end wall sconces made of hand blown clear and opal and brown (smoked) Murano glass on a messing hardware designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Mini...
Brass
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of a chandelier model 'Tulipan' and a matching pair of wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tul...
Brass, Metal
Large Chandelier Pendant Light 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Glass and Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large, fantastic, beautiful and high quality pendant light fixture model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The ...
Brass
One of the Four Pairs Citrus Swirl Clear Glass Wall Lights from J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Kalmar swirl sconces wall lights with clear citrus shaped glass, designed and manufactured in Austria, Europe by J.T. Kalmar/Kalmar Lighting in around 1969. Beautiful, thick textured...
Metal, Brass
A Pair Of J.T. Kalmar Tulipan Glass Wall Lamps, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Kalmar tulipan sconces from about 1950s, brass frame with four tulipan shaped glasses, fitted with two E14 socket. Fully working. Price per set of two
Brass
Mid-Century Ice Glass Chandelier By J.T. Kalmar, Austria c.1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in London, GB
A fabulously elegant Mid-Century Modernist Austrian ice-glass & chrome chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, dating from circa 1970. The chandelier, which was part of the 'Sierra' series, is a...
Chrome
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
Large Fazzoletto Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare stunning glass Pendant lamp by Kalmar Fazzoletto, Designed in the 1970s in Austria by J.T. Kalmar Excellent quality and in very good condition. New electric with one E27 socket ...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By Orrefors, Kaiser Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end wall sconces made of blown glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for exce...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Chandelier by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large brass frame with six arms fitted with E27 sockets each with silk shades. Designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s for J.T. Kalmar produced in the 1940s. The chandelier is fully re...
Brass
One of Three Wave Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three wave glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Simple yet beautiful design. Each pendant has one wave textured glass...
Brass
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
$578Sale Price / item|51% Off
Multiple Large Clear Glass White Pendant Lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960, Restored
By J.T. Kalmar, Vistosi
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple large clear glass white pendant lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960 restored. Sold and priced individually Set of 13 large identical tubular c...
Brass
$4,980 / item
Large J.T. Kalmar Uplight Brass Dome Chandelier
By Florian Schulz, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass dome lamp by J.T. Kalmar from the 1970s. Fitted with six E27 polcelain sockets and up to 100watts each. Excelent condition, repolished. up to 5 p...
Steel
Brass Chandelier By Josef Frank For J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
Large brass frame with six arms fitted with E27 sockets each with silk shades. Designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s for J.T. Kalmar produced in the 1940s. The chandelier is fully re...
Brass
Patinated Brass Uplight Bowl Chandelier Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By Stilnovo, Florian Schulz, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large polished brass bowl up light chandelier / pendant light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of so...
Brass, 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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Eight Austrian Mid-Century smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austri...
Metal, Brass
Large 10-Arm Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Brass and Textured Pressed Glass, 1960s
By Orrefors, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful and large 10-armed light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s to early 1960s). It consists of a frame made of solid, poli...
Brass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 pairs unique large and elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or-early 1970s). Tulip shap...
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops ...
Chrome
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Missoni Home, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century modern table or side lamp, crafted in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The lamp features an elegant tripod brass base and is height-adjustable from ...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning midcentury height-adjustable pendant light from the 1950s, the Kalmar Model 2520, featuring a counterweight, a beautifully leather-covered handle, and a cylindrical pastel green lampshade...
Metal, Brass
Counterweight "Jo-Jo Zug" Adjustable Pendant Light by Josef Frank
By Frank Josef, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large height adjustable brass counter balance "jo-jo" pendant Lamp. Design attributed to Josef Frank manufactured in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar. Fitted with three E27 sockets. The lamp...
Brass
$3,200 / item
Original Kalmar Ice Glass Chandelier from 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Kalmar chandelier brass construction from about 1950s fully working piece of Mid-Century. Measure: Height 60 cm. Diameter: 58 cm.
Gold Plate, Brass