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.
Large Mid-Century Modern Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1960s, One of Two
By Barovier, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available. The price is per li...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Large Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers, Brass and Textured Glass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair large and fantastic light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lights consist of a white painted m...
Metal, Brass
Beautiful 1960s J.T. Kalmar Franken heavy Murano glass floral ceiling lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Rare, heavy Murano glass floral brass ceiling lamp, an original from the 1960s. Each glass shade is unique. Manufactured by Kalmar Franken AG Vienna. Beautiful design. The ceiling la...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier 'Florida', Glass Brass, 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Mazzega
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
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...
Brass, Metal
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
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Cast Glass Brass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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
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
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
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, Venini, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Counterweight "Jo-Jo Zug" Adjustable Pendant Light by Josef Frank
By J.T. Kalmar, Frank Josef
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
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
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
Kalmar Murano Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Venini Tronchi Glass & Brass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount chandelier with 24 clear Venini "Tronchi" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Chandelier illuminates beautifully and offers a lot of light. Gem from the time....
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
Pendant Light 'Dreistich' J.T. Kalmar, Brass Walnut Wood Parchment Shades, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic pendant light model 'Dreistich' no. 3759 made of brass and walnut wood with parchment lamp shades by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, ca. 1960 (l...
Brass
Kalmar Chrome Sputnik Ceiling Fixture
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
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
J.T Kalmar Art Deco Style Semi Flush Mount Brass Glass, Austria 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Perfectly preserved vintage J.T Kalmar semi-flush mount or chandelier, Austria, circa 1970 Reminiscent of classic Art Deco flush mounts, this piece is consisting of a single brass di...
Brass
Rare Counterweight Silk Pendant Light Chandelier by Josef Frank
By Frank Josef, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Large height adjustable brass counter balance pendant. Design by Josef Frank manufactured in the 1930s and Fitted with three + three E27 sockets. The lamp is fully restored with new...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
Mid-Century Ice Glass & Brass 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 & brass chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, dating from circa 1970. The chandelier, which was part of the 'Sierra' series, is a ...
Brass
Beautiful Large Chandelier with Textured Glass by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with nine arms and textured glass shades, fitted with E14 socktes. Made in Austria in the 1950s J. T. Kalmar Vienna.
Brass
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By Gino Sarfatti, J.T. Kalmar, Gaetano Sciolari, Max Bill, Robert and Trix Haussmann
Located in München, DE
Very impressive Sputnik chandelier from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. The lamp is a highlight for every room. A particularly sparkling light is cre...
Metal
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kaiser Leuchten, Orrefors
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
Multiple Austrian Clear Glass Pendant Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, 1950
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
25x identical square clear glass pendant lights by J. T. Kalmar, Austria with chrome hardware. Newly rewired, one bulb per light (e14 with 60W). They are in excellent condition, the...
Chrome
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The lamps...
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
J. T. Kalmar "Tulipan" Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier with ten bulbs and 41 handblown glass elements made by J.T. Kalmar. Very good condition with minimal signs of age, such as patina on brass. The glass bulbs have no damage....
Brass
Large Chandelier Pendant Light 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Glass and Brass, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini
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
Austrian Midcentury black Metal Counterweight Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
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 off wh...
Iron
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, 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
J. T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Chandelier, White Textured Glass , 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass chandelier by Kalmar Vienna from the 1950s. Has lovely spoon-shaped, textured glass lampshades. In good condition with marginal patina on the brass. Height with...
Brass
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Barovier, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
Chandelier Pendant, Opaline Frosted White Milk Plexiglass Acrylic Brass, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, Stilux, Stilnovo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A 6-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. The brass parts...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Sun Mid-Century Brass Chandelier Ceiling Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century modernist brass chandelier / ceiling Light / flush mount from the 1950s, model „Sonne“ (sun), executed by Kalmar Vienna. In good condition with nice patina on...
Brass
Two Kalmar Lamps with Textured Glass, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Two Kalmar lamps with textured glass, Vienna, 1950. Beautiful dome-shaped ceiling mount by J.T. Kalmar. Thick glass with different textures on each side and nickel-plated hardware. V...
Brass, Nickel
Patinated Brass Uplight Bowl Chandelier Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Florian Schulz, Stilnovo
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
Kalmar Chandelier, 1950s Hand Blown 31 "Tulipan" Murano Glass.
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful, clear bubbel glass onion shaped ‘Tulipan’ chandelier designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950’s. Made in Vienna, Austria. The chandelier features a metal frame...
Metal, Brass
Structured Ice Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Steel/brass frame white lacquered fitted with six E27 sockets. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the early 1950s.
Steel
KALMAR Uplight Ceiling Pendant Light, 1970s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Morazzone, Varese
KALMAR Uplight Ceiling Pendant Light, 1970s, Austria Elegant Mid-Century Modern 'UFO' ceiling light, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in 1970's, Vienna, Austria. With original label. Thi...
Metal
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
Glamorous 25" Catena Flush Mount Chandelier Murano Glass & Brass by Kalmar, 1960
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant ceiling light with 24 clear and "pulegoso" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Manufacturer: J.T. Kalmar. Model: Cat...
Brass
Structured Ice Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame with eight structured glass elements and glass pearls fitted with four E14 sockets and one E27 sockets. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the early 1950s.
Steel
Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive handmade and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a w...
Brass, Metal
Large Vintage Murano Glass Fazzoletto Pendant Ceiling Light by Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful "Fazzoletto" Pendant by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s. Handblown Murano glass light in the style of Fulvio Bianconi for Venini. Diameter: 20 in. Lamp sockets: E27 (US E26)
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Amber Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Venini Tronchi Murano Glass & Brass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling light with 24 clear and amber Venini "Tronchi" Murano glasses on a golden brass frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Designer: Carl...
Brass
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, 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
Kalmar Blatt Chandelier, Textured Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large light fixtures model 'Blatt' (Blatt is the German word for leaf) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). 44 disc shaped ...
Nickel, Metal
Spectacular Austrian Murano Glass "Tulipan" Chandelier from J.T.Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Warsaw, PL
A spectacular and original vintage Kalmar “Tulipan” chandelier, featuring hand-blown Murano glass elements in distinctive tulip (gourd) form. Each glass piece is individually crafted...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Round Textured Glass Ring & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern glass and brass chandelier / pendant light from the 1950s, crafted by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. This charming fixture features brass and ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Large Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Large and gorgeous Austrian midcentury chandelier from 1970s. This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This piece is composed by 36 units of Ice-glass blocks (...
Metal
1 of the 2 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Clear Glass Light Fixtures, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna. Manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Mura...
Metal, Brass
Atomic Pendant Light Chandelier by Kalmar, Polished Chrome, 1970s, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two 12-arm polished chrome atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'ATOMIC 12 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s...
Chrome