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.
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Gebrüder Cosack, Harvey Guzzini, Gaetano Sciolari
Located in München, DE
Stunning donut wall or ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The design creates a spectacular light. High quality. Design: J.T. Kalmar Manufacturer: Franken KG Condition: Very goo...
Metal
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
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Barovier&Toso, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light, Patinated Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wonderful patinated brass and Murano glass flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of a brass ring...
Brass
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Christoph Palme, Gino Vistosi
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements create an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
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
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
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
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. Each square wall light has a square brass back plate with a square milkglass on top. The...
Brass
Textured Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels and a large central piece, all fixed to a white ...
Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini, 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
1 of 4 Large Murano Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Cube, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 large Murano ice glass wall lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The wall light is composed of a 1 thick Murano glass cube attached to a chrome metal frame. ...
Chrome
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s
By Venini, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derive...
Metal, Brass
1960s Scandinavian Modern Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar, Brass & Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern Classic flush mount featuring 13 ice cube elements suspended on a polished brass backplate. Rewired for use in the USA, uses chandelier...
Brass
$1,648 / item
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Palwa, 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
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By Kaiser Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar, 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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the Mid Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan s...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Space Age frosted glass round flush mount J.T. Kalmar Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Space Age clear and frosted glass round flush mount or wall lamp designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, circa the 1960s. This stunning and iconic Space Age lighting fixture s...
Metal
Round Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant Round Glass Flush Mount was designed by Kalmar Franken in Austria during the 1960s. A beautiful example of mid-century modern lighting, the fixture features a thick, han...
Glass
$605Sale Price|24% Off
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This chandelier is composed by 4 units of Ice-Glass block...
Metal
1 of the 2 Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Pendants, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. ...
Brass
Extra Large Textured Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels and a large central piece, all fixed to a white ...
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Tulipan Flush Mount Lights, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Two beautiful 'Tulipan' flushmount lights or chandeliers by Kalmar Austria, manufactured in MidCentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tul...
Brass, Metal
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extra large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two ligh...
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
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, 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
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 flush mounts /wall lights, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With bras...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar 1970s Ice Glass Flushmount Light - Metal & Art Glass
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Large ice glass flushmouny from Kalmar houses 3 light sources. 3 Polished Nickel outside screws secure the glass. Rewired for use in the USA.
Metal
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By AVMazzega, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements spread an impressively sparkling play of light. Very high-quality workmanship and a real...
Metal
Kalmar Flushmount Flush Mount Light, Textured Glass Brass, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square flushmount light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A textured clear glas...
Brass, Metal
1 of the 2 Small Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Pendants, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A gorgeous murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. H...
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
J.T. Kalmar Flush Mount, circa 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant glass and brass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1960. The glass dome is heavily textured on both sides creating the signature Kalmar "water ripple...
Brass, Steel
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Gaetano Sciolari, J.T. Kalmar, Max Bill, Robert and Trix Haussmann, Temde Leuchten
Located in München, DE
A very impressive Sputnik ceiling lamp from the 1970s. Exceptional design and very high-quality workmanship. This lamp is a highlight for any room. It creates a particularly sparklin...
Metal
Large J.T. Kalmar Textured Waved Murano Glass Flush Mount, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Huge 21" iconic midcentury ceiling light made by J.T. Kalmar in the late 1950s, Vienna. It's featuring thick Murano textured waved glass and polished brass hardware. It's in excellen...
Brass
Tree Trunk Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Tree Trunk Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken KG, Germany 1960s This large flush mount was produced in Austria by Kalmar in the 1960s. It is composed of 12 thick textured ice g...
Metal
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Granada Brass Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 flush lights with Brutalist ice glass on a chrome frame, circa 1970s, by J.T. Kalmar. Cruciform design flush mount light with structured glass shade and a central brass sq...
Chrome
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Amber and Clear Flush Mount, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Textured Glass Brass White Metal, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). A textured clear glass is mounted with a brass knob to a white p...
Brass, Metal
Large Austrian Vintage White Ice Glass Wall Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare square textured white (not clear) murano glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: Four x E27 (US E26)
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 18 organic and ribbon-shaped Mu...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Ceiling Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass ceiling light. High quali...
Metal
1 (of 8) Amber Murano Flush Mount & Sconce Glass by Carlo Nason for Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount and wall sconce executed in handblown partially amber and clear Murano glass and chromed hardware designed by Carlo Nason. With this light you make a clear statem...
Metal, Chrome
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished brass plate with patinate...
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
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 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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip...
Brass, Metal
Set of Three Textured Ice Glass Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of three beautiful textured Murano glass sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 1x E27 (US E26).
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