Skip to main content

J.T. Kalmar Furniture

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.

to
1
8
8
6
1
8
7
1
7
1
7
6
4
2
2
8
7
1
8
8
8
244
8
6
6
5
Creator: J.T. Kalmar
Dealer: Venfield
JT Kalmar Tiered Ice Glass Pendant 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
No one produced more ice glass in the 1960s than Austrian lighting company JT Kalmar. Although it had earned it's medal as a foundry specializing in cast bronze pieces that helped de...
Category

1960s Austrian Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

1970's Kalmar Glass Sconce with Brass Frame
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
1970's Kalmar glass sconce with brass frame. 3 pieces available for immediate purchase.
Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Vintage Kalmar Ice Glass Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage Kalmar ice glass sconces. Two pairs available for immediate purchase.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

J.T. Kalmar Cut Crystal Glass Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Stunning cut crystal cylinder glass chandelier with brass canopy and suspension by J.T. Kalmar, Austrian 1960's. This fixture is a stunning example of Kalmar's mid-century designs. T...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

JT Kalmar Patterned Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
This shallow dish flush mount fixture by Austrian lighting manufacturer JT Kalmar has a pattern that looks like raindrops in a pool of water. Three 60-watt bulbs provide just the rig...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Chrome

J.T. Kalmar Patterned Convex Glass Flush Mount 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Concentric circles dot the surface of this glass and chrome flush mount fixture by Austrian lighting company J.T. Kalmar. The three lamp fixture is the perfect light for a foyer or p...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Chrome

J.T. Kalmar Elegant Cut Glass Flush Mount Light Fixture 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully patterned, drum shape, cut glass light fixture by renowned Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar. Bring light and beauty to your space with this elegant flush mount ...
Category

1960s Austrian Bohemian Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

J.T. Kalmar Pair of Sconces in Cut Glass Crystal 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cut crystal cylinder glass sconces with chrome body by J.T. Kalmar, Austrian 1960's. There is a matching chandelier available.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Chrome

Related Items
1 of 4 Murano Ice Glass Pendants by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass pendants by Kalmar, 1960s 5 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

1 of 4 Murano Ice Glass Pendants by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass pendants by Kalmar, 1960s 5 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Petite Bubble Glass Pattern Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite bubble glass pattern flush mount. Made in Germany by Glashütte Limburg. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one European E27 Edison or...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

Ice Glass J.T. Kalmar Sconce
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Kalmar sconces from about 1950s, brass frame with a ice glass shade mounted with 2 brass scrows on the frame. Fully working. Price per set of two
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ice Glass J.T. Kalmar Sconce
Ice Glass J.T. Kalmar Sconce
H 11.03 in W 5.12 in D 4.73 in
Mid-Century Faceted Crystal Pendant Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This small but weight substantial Mid-Century Modern pendant chandelier features a three-tiered crystal setting with an abundance of raised geometric patterns etched/cut into its sur...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Nice brass and frosted glass light fixture by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or eraly 1970s). One bulb E26 / E27 for 75W max.
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Monumental Crystal Pattern Clear Glass Flush mount Ceiling Light, 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning large crystal pattern clear glass flush mount. Made in Germany by Glashütte Limburg. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires two Europea...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

Brass and Murano Glass Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high-end brass and murano glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. Manufactured in the late 1960s-early 1970s. The brass ring holds a huge heavy blown glass with four br...
Category

1960s Austrian Other Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar Brass & Murano Glass Petal Sconce Wall Light, Vienna, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, high-quality Mid-Century Modern wall lamp from the 1970s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The base is made of brass with a folded and curved petal shaped s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar Cube Flush Mount Lamp or Wall Mount, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame fitted with one E27 socket and beautiful hand blown cubic-shaped glass shade. Made in Austria by. J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Brass

Petite Bubble Glass Pattern Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1960s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite bubble glass pattern flush mount. Made in Germany by Glashütte Limburg. Gorgeous textured glass flush mount with metal fixture. The fixture requires one European E27 Edison or...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

Kalmar J.T. Austrian Designer Pair of Ice Glass Wall Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Iconic pair of wall sconces designed in "Brutalist" style by Julius Theodore Kalmar and produced by Kalmar for the Soria collection between 1960 and 1964, for this series the company preferred to use Murano glass; each sconce consists of a nickel-plated metal frame in the shape of an open box, in the front, there are lamp holders for two light points and an attachment on which the glass structure is easily hooked and can be removed for cleaning, while the one that rests on the wall contains the electrical wires; These spectacular sconces are characterized by the icicle-like glass components (ice glass) that look incredibly similar to a real ice sculpture; when lit and flooded with light, they cast beautiful shadows on the surrounding walls, creating a cozy warmth in the room despite their icy appearance, they play with natural (sun) light even when turned off. Founded by Julius August Kalmar in 1881 in Vienna, Kalmar originally produced handcrafted objects with cast bronze. Over the years, they partnered with acclaimed architects and designers, eventually presenting their custom-made wares at major exhibitions such as the 1888 Vienna Trade Exposition, 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, the 1901 Export Exposition Scandinavia, and the 1906 Austrian Exhibition in London. Entering the 20th century, Kalmar began crafting customized fixtures with top-tier architects and designers for some of the largest luxury projects in the world, a path they continue on today. Notable projects include Makkah Clock Royal Tower, W Doha Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, The Langham...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Brutalist J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

Previously Available Items
JT Kalmar Rippled Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture, Smaller Model, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
The wave pattern in the glass diffuses the light of this three-light flush mount fixture with forked chrome support clips by Austrian lighting manufacturer JT Kalmar. 1960's
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Rose and Pale Blue and Clear Glass Waterfall Sconces by J.T.Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Rose and pale blue and clear glass waterfall sconces by J.T.Kalmar, Austria.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Glass

Vintage Kalmar Ice Glass Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Glass

Vintage Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture with Bubble Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Kalmar flush mount light fixture with bubble glass.
Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass

1970's Kalmar Hammered Disc Fixture
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
1970's Kalmar Hammered Disc Fixture
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

Kalmar Flat Hammered Disc Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Kalmar Flat Hammered Disc Chandelier
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage J.T. Kalmar Furniture

Materials

Metal

J.t. Kalmar furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

J.T. Kalmar furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of J.T. Kalmar furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by J.T. Kalmar were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Kalmar Lighting, Emil Stejnar, and Rupert Nikoll. Prices for J.T. Kalmar furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $890 and can go as high as $9,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,700.

Recently Viewed

View All