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 Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Ernest Palme, Max Ingrand, Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne
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
Pair of Glass Brass Wall Lights by J. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Hillebrand
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of high-end structured ice glass wall sconces by J. Kalmar, produced by Hillebrand, manufactured circa 1960s in Austria, Europe. Each wall fixture is made from brass and it fe...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Orrefors, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
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
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Kalmar" Double Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4664/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Sconce Wall Lamp Icicle Murano Ice Glass 1970s, Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Andernach, DE
Magnificent wall lamp by 'Kalmar Kolarz KG', Austrias (Vienna) famous early 20th century up to today manufacturer of high-end design lighting. Made from 3 hand made, chunky Murano G...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconce model "Citrus" 4665/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalma...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brass wall light by by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a brass glass texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pattern on ceil...
Steel
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
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of gorgeous and ultra rare wall lights by Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Five multicolored (blue, smoke, amber, clear) gla...
Metal
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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, Nickel, Chrome
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
Floor Lamp Height Adjustable 'Fliegenbein' J.T. Kalmar, Black Metal Leather 1960
By Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare height adjustable floor lamp model no. 2116 'Fliegenbein' (engl. 'flys leg') by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, ca. 1960. This gorgeous piece is made of a bl...
Metal, Wire
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
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
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, 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
$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
Several Textured Ice Glass and Chrome Wall Lights Kalmar, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern wall lights in the style of Kalmar in the 1970s. A lovely design. Nine thick, textured glass beams in an organic, wave-like shape. The clear glass has an...
Chrome
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Pair of Wall Lights Model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exclusive pair of wall lights model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in mid century, circa 1970, (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). Handmade and...
Gold Plate
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting
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
1 of 2 Pairs of Small J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end and handmade brass wall lights made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant crystal glasses are mount...
Crystal, Gold Plate, 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
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
1 of 3 Ice Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern pendant lights, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. High end simplistic design. Each light has brass sockets and one layer of extremely stylis...
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
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant J.T. Kalmar sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. Ill...
Brass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of the 4 Pyramid Shaped Flush Mounts by J.T.Kalmar, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pyramid shaped flush mount designed and made by luxury manufacturer J.T.Kalmar, 1970. Kalmar is an Austrian company founded in Vienna in 1881. In the beginning they produced chandel...
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare Kalmar Dornstab table lamp. An early design classic that derives its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of t...
Metal
1 of the 6 Large Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces Two Tiers by, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern brass wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. Each wall light has five...
Steel
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
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
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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar
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
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Pendant Light Kalmar 'Pendelstern', Brass Opaline Frosted White Milk Glass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Vistosi, Stilnovo, Stilux
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large 5-arm pendant chandelier model 'Pendelstern' (engl. Pendulum star) no. 3758/5 by Austrian light maker J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury, crica 1960 (late 1950s ...
Brass, Metal
$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
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
Medium Mid-Century J.T. Kalmar Murano Ice Glass Wall Sconce, 1970s, Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Andernach, DE
Magnificent wall lamp by 'Kalmar Kolarz KG', Austrias (Vienna) famous early 20th century up to today manufacturer of high-end design lighting. Made from 2 hand made, chunky Murano G...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Pair of Star Shaped Nickel and Glass Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful star-shaped light fixtures by Kalmar Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of frosted clear glass, a ...
Metal, Chrome, Nickel
J.T. Kalmar, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Acrylic, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass, pink fabric and white acrylic pendant produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 41.25"H x 14"W x 14"D Stem Length (inches): 27.5...
Fabric, Acrylic
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
J.T. Kalmar Floor Lamp, Mod. Pelikan 'N. 2097', Metal and Brass, Austria, '50s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Argelato, BO
Pelikan floor lamp, mod. 2097, by the Austrian designer J.T. Kalmar. This elegant vintage floor lamp stands out for its iconic, mid-century modern and refined design. The structure...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 8 Wall Lights Model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 exclusive wall lights model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in mid century, circa 1970, (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). Handmade an...
Gold Plate
J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Gilt Brass & Blown Glass Flush Mount Lights, 1970, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Exquisit gold-plated brass and blown crystal glass 'Palazzo' flush mount lights made by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, in late 1960s - early 1970s. This lights are handmade and high q...
Gold Plate, Brass