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 "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Five Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Five Austrian Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 4 Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
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...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Set of 2, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
A striking pair of Kalmar wall sconces dating from the 1960s. Their sculptural design consists of irregularly arranged pieces of thick, textured glass in clear, smoky and amber tones...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
$858Sale Price|25% Off
Large 1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Andernach, DE
Extra large 1970s Italian Mid-Century Organic Modern floral pendant light. Three large and very thick hand blown clear and smoked grey Murano glass petals are supported by a metal fr...
Metal
Large Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier, Brass Textured Glass, Mid-Century, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Rupert Nikoll, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large glass and brass pendant chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of a brass ring wh...
Metal, 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
J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' Wall Light, Frosted Glass, Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' wall light, Austria 1970s. Featuring chunky frosted glass cubes with textured, icy surfaces mounted on minimalist chromed frame, diffusing a soft, cryst...
Chrome
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' Wall Lights, Frosted Glass, Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' wall lights, Austria 1970s. Featuring chunky frosted glass cubes with textured, icy surfaces mounted on minimalist chromed frames, diffusing a s...
Chrome
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By Max Ingrand, J.T. Kalmar, Ernest Palme, 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 JT Kalmar frozen Wall Sconces , Murano glass, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elegant pair of J.T. Kalmar wall sconces, Austria, 1970s. Each features beautifully sculpted murano glass shades with organic, flowing forms and subtle translucency, mounted on polis...
Murano Glass
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 Midcentury Set of Ten Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Ten "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were desifned and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar
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 "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Gilt Brass & Blown Glass Flush Mount Light, 1970, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Exquisit gold-plated brass and blown crystal glass 'Palazzo' flush mount light made by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, in late 1960s - early 1970s. This light is handmade and high qual...
Gold Plate, Brass
Textured Ice Glass Wall Lamp by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Textured ice glass wall lamp by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. This striking wall light features a thick rectangular glass shade with a deeply structured surface, reminiscent of mel...
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
1 of 3 Large J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Vienna, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 High-end wall sconces each wall sconce is featuring wonderful faceted crystal clear glass "triete" prism-rods, with brass details and back plate. Made by J.T Kalmar, Vienn...
Gold
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, J.T. Kalmar, Josef Hoffmann
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
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
$570Sale Price|40% Off
J.T. Kalmar Soria Midcentury Ice Glass Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wall lamp from the "Soria" series, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Lovely design, it has two sockets, an integrated switch and three textured solid ice ...
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
Set of Four Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored a...
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
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Six Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Six Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken K...
Metal, Brass
One Of The Two Textured Glass Chrome Wall Lights J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the six beautiful high quality light fixture made by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten, Germany. Manufactured in Mid century, circa 1960. This wall light features lights made of handmade...
Metal, Chrome
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, 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
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
set of 2 CUBIC Ice Glass Ceiling Light, by J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount set of 2 aslo useable as wall lights Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1970s set of 2 Original modernist Ho...
Metal
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two extendable table lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Extendable in the hight from 50cm up to 54cm Brass parts are polished and stove enamelle...
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
Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier 'Citrus', Brass Amber Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous penant light model 'Citrus' by Austrian light maker J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The ligh...
Brass, Metal
J.T. Kalmar Flush Mount Murano Ice Glass & Brass Ceiling Light, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling or wall light made of Murano ice glass with brass hardware. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Designer: Carlo Nason attr. Measures: di...
Brass
Sconce by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
The sculptural Kalmar wall sconce, manufactured in Austria in the 1970s, is a perfect example of luxurious modernist lighting, where functionality blends with the artistic expression...
Metal
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Palwa, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, RAAK
Located in München, DE
Stunning donut wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design creates a spectacular light. High-quality workmanship. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG Condition: Very ...
Metal
1 'of 2' Pair of Kalmar Wall Sconces Frosted Glass and Chrome, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant set of two hand blown Murano glass wall sconces on a nickel frame. Hanging glass resembles ice floes. Gem from the time. With this light you make a clear statement in your in...
Nickel, Chrome
$960Sale Price / set|40% Off
J.T. Kalmar Pair Sconces Wall Lamps, Brass & Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pair of brass and glass modernist wall lights, executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. Charming sconces, made of solid textured melting glass with white metal bases ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Ice-Glass "Puck" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" wall sconces, model "Puck". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. Each wall sconce is composed by ...
Metal
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s Polished and stove enameled Original texture glass shades we can change the hight to fit your room hight. e14 bulbs ( sma...
Brass
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
$630Sale Price / set|50% Off
Two Kalmar Sconces Glass and Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two Kalmar sconces glass and brass. Polished.
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Eght Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal, Brass
Counterweight Silk Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar Designed by Adolf Loos
By J.T. Kalmar, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A height adjustable rare brass counter balance pendant lamp by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s and designed by Adolf Loos. Fitted with three E27 sockets. The lamp is ...
Brass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Kalmar Ice Glass Relief Glass "Breitenstein" Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel frame black painted with 8 chrome plated mirrors and ice glass plates (shades), fitted with 16 E14 sockets. Desigend and manufactured in the...
Brass
$4,980 / item
Large J.T. Kalmar Uplight Brass Dome Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar, Florian Schulz
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
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
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Four Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken ...
Metal, Brass
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
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s Original condition Only the wire is changed ( new )
Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Barovier, Venini, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are ...
Metal