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.
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
1 of the 4 of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 elegant modern wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. Each wall light as solid ice glas...
Chrome
Kalmar Floor Lamp 'Pelican' Mod. 2097, Height Adjustable, Brass Black Iron, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Pelikan floor lamp by J. T. Kalmar. Cast iron lamp base a painted center pole with a leather handle and brass stiffeners for adjusting the height and a brass arm/shade holder. F...
Brass
Kalmar Table Lamp 'Phoenix' Mod. 1197, Brass Walnut Wood, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous and rare table lamp model 'Phönix' (engl. 'Phoenix') no. 1197 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or 1960s). The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1953 as well as 1960. It is made of a solid brass stand and a walnut handle. The fixture has a socket for a medium or standard screw base light bulb. It is rewired and the lampshade is renewed. It is in very good condition with little patina on brass and ready to use. About Kalmar: Founded in Vienna by Julius August Kalmar in 1881, Kalmar first specialized in the production of handcrafted objects of cast bronze. After the turn of the century, Julius Theodor Kalmar...
Brass
Up of 3 Identical J.T. Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to three identical huge Austrian Mid-Century Atomium chandeliers, designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna in 1969. Vey impressive pieces, made of nickel-plated metal with nice...
Nickel
Midcentury J.T. Kalmar Crystal Structured Glass Pendant Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame fitted with one E27 and one E14 socket 3 crystal-ice structured glass elements. Designed by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950''s. Total lenght 115cm, lenght of the lamp only 58cm.
Brass
1 of 4 Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Lights Chandeliers 'Rs 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large 27-arm atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'RS 27 Kugel HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
$7,253 / 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
Tulipan Ceiling Light by Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Fantastic ceiling light model by JT Kalmar with clear and oker colored tulipan glasses. This chandelier emits a wonderful light. Works with a regular E27 light bulb. Good c...
Brass
Pair of Thick Textured Glass and Brass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful ice-like texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Brass
Mid Century Modern XXL Chandelier in ice glass and brass by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular XL Mid Century Modern Chandelier manufactured by J.T. Kalmar of Vienna. This 12-arm chandelier is done in gold played brass and features s...
Brass
$1,030Sale Price / item|20% Off
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass Zylinder Sconce by J. T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This minimalistic and pure Austrian Midcentury zylindrical Set of three wall lights or sconces were designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s in Vienna Austria, Mod. No ...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, Austria 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 midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan sh...
Metal, Brass
Several J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights Smoked Glass and Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Several Smoked glass wall lamps from the 1960s. Spectaculair design and high quality workmanship. The light illuminates lovely due to the smoked and structured glass and brass, it...
Brass
Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
Josef Frank J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp Tisch-Überall, Brass & Leather, Austria, 1930
By J.T. Kalmar, Haus & Garten, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Oskar Wlach
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful Viennese Modernism table or desk lamp form the 1930s, designed by Josef Frank for Haus & Garten (Josef Frank und Oskar Wlach) in 1934. The...
Brass, Iron, Wire
Rare J. T. Kalmar Flush or Wall Mount Lamp Bonn
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare J.T. Kalmar dispersion "Bonn" ceiling or wall light. Steel frame fitted with 2 E14 sockets up to 100watts each, covered with round heavy glass shade.
Glass
One of Five Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five large 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Brass, Metal
$2,495 / item
Kalmar Tulipan Flush Mount Light, 1960s, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two beautiful 'Tulipan' flush mount lights or chandeliers by Kalmar Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fro...
Brass, Metal
Scandinavian Modern Amber Glass Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Modern rectangular amber colored sconces with four light sources. Rewired for use in the USA. Brass finials attach glass to white enamel backplates.
Murano Glass
$1,160Sale Price / set|58% Off
Two Copper J.T Kalmar Pendants, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two Copper J.T Kalmar Pendants, circa 1950s. Polished and stove enameled.
Copper
Impressive Austrian Kalmar "Fuente" Crystal Ice Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large and heavy steel construction silver painted 28 crystal ice glass elements and fitted with 8 E14 + 1 E27 sockets and 28 made by Kalmar in Austria in the 1960s.
Crystal, Steel
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
Pair of Large Kalmar Glass Sconces or Wall Lights, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Beautiful pair of large 1950s glass sconces or wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. Thick textured glass creates a fantastic light effect. The chrome bolts can be replaced wit...
Brass, Chrome, Metal
Impressive Austrian Kalmar ARENA Crystal Ice Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large and heavy steel construction with 15 lights and crystal ice glass elements. Made in Austia in the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar model ARENA.
Crystal, Steel
$1,159 / item
Textured Ice glass Gold Wall Lights Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful high quality light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria. Manufactured in mid century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). This wall light features lights m...
Brass
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights, circa 1960, Textured Glass abd Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large pair of Austrian wall lights by J.T. Kalmar from the 1950s. Bold modernist design combined with thick and heavy textured glass. Good origina...
Brass, Steel
Austrian Brass Chandelier with Textured Glass by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with six arms and textured glass shades, fitted with E27 sockets. Made in Austria in the 1950s J. T. Kalmar Vienna. Complete restoration on request possible.
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Brass Crowfoot Table Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern table lamp. Designed & manufactured probably by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1950s. Executed in brass and fabric, the table lamp comes with 1 ...
Brass
$812Sale Price / item|36% Off
Two Beautiful Kalmar Vienna Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamps
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Very beautiful pendant lamps from the 1950s, produced by the Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a big tube made of clear textured glass. 2 are available, priced and sold per piece. ...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Giant Spider Brass Flush Mount Chandelier Refurbished, Austria 1950
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Spider Brass Flush Mount Lamp Chandelier Stella, Austria 1950 Rare 33" chandelier called Stella designed by J.T Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. ...
Brass
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square, large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 24 org...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two rare 'Tulipan' glass pendant chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Metal
Large Chandelier, Opaline Frosted White Milk Plexiglass Acrylic Brass, 1960s
By Stilux, Stilnovo, Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large 8-arm chandelier by Austrian light maker J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury, crica 1960. The light is made of a solid and polished brass frame with curved arms. Ea...
Brass
Ice Glass Wall Light, Sconce by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Ice crystal glass wall sconce. Metal hanger plate. By J. T. Kalmar, from the 1960s.
Crystal, Steel
Pair of Kalmar Murano Opal Clear 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
J.T. KALMAR Tripod Brass Table Lamp, Josef Frank Style, 1960s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Elegant midcentury modern table lamp, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Austria, Vienna. The lamp is made of polished brass base in manner of Josef Frank, who worked many years with Ka...
Brass
$928Sale Price|55% Off
Kalmar Pendant, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar pendant, circa 1960s. Polished and stove enamelled three lights.
Brass
Wave Textured Glass Silver Wall Light Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful high quality light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria. Manufactured in mid century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). This wall light features lights m...
Silver Plate
Gigantic Sputnik Chandelier or Ceiling Light SUN by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, BY
Gorgeous, gigantic Mid-Century Modern ten-armed Sputnik chandelier or ceiling lamp 'Sun' Mod. 5160. Designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Attention pleas...
Brass, Copper
Set of Eight Large Kalmar Sconces, Smoked Glass by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful and elegant large modern brass wall light or sconce, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a v...
Art Glass
Rarest Kalmar Bamboo Floor Lamp n°2081 - Austria 1960's
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Mid-Century J.T. Kalmar Modernist Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pendant lamp from the 1950s, produced by J.T. Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a tube made of yellow/amber textured glass. In very g...
Brass
Kalmar Catena Murano Glass Chrome Chandelier, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A fantastic Kalmar chandelier model "Catena" by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1970s. These lights are handmade high quality pieces. Made of large hand-molded Murano glass...
Blown Glass
J.T. Kalmar, Table Lamp, Brass, Teak, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and teak table lamp produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, c. 1960s. Oxidation present to brass Chip present to wood Wear consistent with age and use Dimensions of Shade (inch...
Brass
$371Sale Price|20% Off
J.T. Kalmar Franken Wall Lamp, Frosted Glass & Steel, 1970s Germany
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Oirlo, LI
J.T Kalmar Franken Wall lamp Model Steen, 1970 It doesn't get much nicer than lighting from Kalmar! If you are talking about German quality...
Glass
One of the Four Pairs Citrus Swirl Clear Glass Wall Lights from J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pair of Kalmar Table Lamps with Tulip Base, Polished Nickel, Red Shades, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of polished nickel table lights with tulip stands by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s or early 1970s). The light is document...
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Kalmar Bronze 20" Drum Chandelier Murano Glass Pendant Light, Gio Ponti Era
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant gold-plated drum chandelier with iced glass panels on a gilt-bronze frame. Heavy duty. Designed by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Design: Julius Theodor Kalmar. Measures: di...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
$290Sale Price|58% Off
Wall Lamp by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Wall lamp by Kalmar. Original condition. Two bulbs.
Metal
$580Sale Price|48% Off
J.T. Kalmar Pendant, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T. Kalmar pendant, circa 1960s Original condition.
Metal
$1,740Sale Price|61% Off
Rare Kalmar Chandelier with Textured Glass, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Rare Kalmar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1960s Original condition Six bulbs.
Nickel
Large Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light Sputnik Atomic 43-Arms Glass Aluminum 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large 43-arm atomic chandelier/pendant light model "RS 43 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s.) ...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
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
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Clean lines to complement all decors. Amazing large scale square glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970s). Multiple t...
Metal, Brass
$1,856Sale Price|42% Off
Adjustable J.T.Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Adjustable J.T.Kalmar, circa 1950s Good original condition Shade is replaced (New).
Brass
Several Ribbled Frosted Glass Brass Wall Lights Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful high quality light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria. Manufactured in mid century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). This wall light features lights m...
Metal, Brass
$1,392 / set
Two Wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s. Original condition only the shade are painted new. On-off switch on the shades. Wide is from 20-90 cm. we only have exactly the same ones ...
Brass, Aluminum
Pair of Large Kalmar Textured Glass Sconces Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large box textured glass wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s-early 1960s). Light bulbs are not included. It is possible...
Brass