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 Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Venini
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
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
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chro...
Metal, Chrome
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
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
Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glamorous glass ice cube flushmount by Kalmar from the 1970s. Stunning large flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flushmo...
Brass
Pair of Star Shaped Nickel and Glass Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful star-shaped light fixtures by Kalmar Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of frosted clear glass, a ...
Metal, Chrome, Nickel
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
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
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
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
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
J.T. Kalmar 18" Cubist Flush Mount Chandelier Brass & Ice Glass, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant flush mount ceiling light with 13 ice glass cubes on a golden brass frame. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Measures: width total 18.1” in. (46 cm), dep...
Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Venini
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
1 of the 2 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
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier
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
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
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Granada', Opal Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, One of Eight
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pair of Kalmar Murano Opal Clear 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
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
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
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
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, AVMazzega, Max Ingrand, Carlo Nason, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
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
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
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
J.T. Kalmar Giant Spider Brass Flush Mount Chandelier Refurbished, Austria 1950
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Spider Brass Flush Mount Lamp Chandelier Stella, Austria 1950 Rare 33" chandelier called Stella designed by J.T Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. ...
Brass
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte
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
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
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
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, 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
Cascading 25" Amber Murano Chandelier Interlocking Glass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant cascading ceiling light with 30 clear and 24 smoked amber interlocking Murano glasses on a chromed frame. Heavy duty. Has 7 sockets. In very good condition. Gives beautiful l...
Brass
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar
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
1970s Modernist Space Age Bubble Glass Flush Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, J.T. Kalmar, Temde Leuchten, Gaetano Sciolari, Max Bill
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 Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
One Kalmar Chandeliers Palazzo Gilt Brass and Glass Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
One very exquisit 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brillant glass light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s and early 1970...
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
Huge Kalmar 24.5" Square Modernist Glass Flush Mount Heidelberg, Austria 1974
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant huge square mid-century ceiling lamp 'Heidelberg 62' executed 1974 by Kalmar, Vienna in Austria. To use as a ceiling light but also as a wall sconce. Made of solid textured c...
Crystal, Nickel, Brass
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Gino Vistosi, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, 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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Kalmar 1960s Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of large Mid-Century Modern Austrian made ice crystal glass wall sconces, lights or lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1965. Featuring five hanging glass elements resembling melting ic...
Metal, Nickel
Large Square Iced Textured Glass Flush Mount, Wall Light by Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Flush Mount iced textured square glass by Kalmar, Austria 1960. Model Heidelberg. The flush mount has six iced textured glass panels at top and four panels beside all fixed to ...
Metal, Chrome
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
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, AVMazzega, Carlo Nason, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
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