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.
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Gaetano Sciolari, Palwa, Gino Vistosi, J.T. Kalmar, Christoph Palme
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Venini, Barovier&Toso, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
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
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, Gebrüder Cosack, Harvey Guzzini, J.T. Kalmar, 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
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Venini, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, 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
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
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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 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
Kalmar Chandelier Light Fixture, Textured Glass and Brass, 1960
By Orrefors, Kaiser Leuchten, J.T. Kalmar
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
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Max Bill, J.T. Kalmar, Gaetano Sciolari, 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
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
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 Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier, Venini
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
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Carlo Nason, AVMazzega, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
Several Green Hand Blown Flush Mounts, Sconces from J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This glass wall sconces or ceiling lights executed in hand blown green and clear Murano glass and chrome hardware are produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, in the 1960s. Illuminates beau...
Steel, Chrome
Kalmar Flush Mount Ceiling Light 'Catena', Patinated Brass Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
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 brass plate with great patina and 18 organic and ...
Brass
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
Brass and Glass Flushmount by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Fantastic brass and glass flushmount light fixture by Kalmar with 2 layers of thick hand blown glass loop elements (clear and tranclucent). ...
Brass
Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, 1970s, One of Four
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamps can be used as pend...
Brass
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.
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
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
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
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s Original condition 2 Bulbs
Brass
J.T Kalmar Square Brass & Textured Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Introducing a charming Mid-Century flush mount or ceiling lamp. Crafted with a square lampshade from textured melting glass, reminiscent of ice, and adorned with a brass knob in the ...
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
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Granada', Opal Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, One of Eight
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of eight square light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each fixture has eight sockets for small screw base bulbs ...
Chrome, Nickel
Gigantic Sputnik Chandelier or Ceiling Light SUN by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Munich, DE
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
Pair of Kalmar Murano Smoke 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
One of Three Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Brass Cast Ice Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). They are made of ...
Brass
Large Kalmar Ice Glass Flushmount
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
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano 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 designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This Chandelier is composed by 8 uni...
Metal
Pair Kalmar Sconces or Flush Mount Lights, Brass Cast Ice Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of identical, large and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo flush mount chandelier gold brass glass lamp, Austria, 1960. Stunning four-tier 19" Austrian Kalmar chandelier in excellent condit...
Gold, Brass
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ice glass Kalmar chandelier. Attributed to J.T. Kalmar and Kalmar Lighting, Austria, 1960s. It holds four pieces of textured ice glass blocks hanging from a chain and topped by a metal canopy...
Metal, Steel
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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 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
Textured Glass And Brass Ceiling Lamp Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Very nice textured glass and brass ceiling light by J. T. Kalmar, Vienna, from the 1950s. Five sockets for E26 / E27 (standard) bulbs with 40W max. each.
Brass
$624Sale Price|24% Off
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
$2,990 / item
J. T. Kalmar Flush Mount "Tulipan" Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame white painted with ten E14 bulbs and 41 hand blow glass elements made by J.T. Kalmar. Very good condition with minimal signs of age. 3 pieces available, price per lamp
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.
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Round Mid-Century Brass Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning modernist flush mount lamp / ceiling light from the 1950s by Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This charming light features solid textured glass on a white metal base with a round b...
Brass, Metal
1 of the 2 Exceptional Huge Glass Flush Mount /Chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 exceptional, huge, clean and modern ballroom flush mount by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten from the 1960s. The chandelier consists layers with several hand blown textured glass shad...
Brass
Large Elegant Glass and Brass Flush Mount Fixture / Sconce by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1960's Glass and Brass flush mount fixture / sconce by JT Kalmar. The large dome shaped glass has a wonderful water ripple effect texture to both sides of the glass and is ...
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 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
$1,700 / item
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, RAAK, Palwa
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
Square Chrome Ice Glass Flush Mount, Kalmar 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Kalmar flush mount light, chrome, cast ice glass, ca. 1970 There are 13 small base Edison bulbs up to 40W per bulb which are covered with textured ice glass cubes. Illuminates lovely...
Metal, Chrome
Large Round J. T. Kalmar Mid-Century Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist flush mount / ceiling lamp from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. A charming light fixture, it has a domed 18 in diameter lampshade, made of solid ...
Metal
Set of Four Large Austrian Vintage Murano Ice Glass Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four beautiful hand blown textured murano glass sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 3.
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
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Huge Mid-Century Modern Brass Sputnik Spider Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Stilnovo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive and extra large 16-arm Mid-Century Modern brass spider flush mount fixture or chandelier by Kalmar, manufactured circa 1960 (late 1950...
Brass