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, Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 '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 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 Venini, J.T. Kalmar, 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
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
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
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
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
J.T. Kalmar Flush Mount Murano Ice Glass & Brass Ceiling Light, Austria 1960s
By Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, 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
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
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
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
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, 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
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
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
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Mazzega, 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). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Pair of Kalmar 1960s Clear Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of midcentury modern Austrian made ice glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1965. Featuring three hanging glass elements resembling melting ice crystals suspended from a nic...
Metal, Nickel
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Barovier, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Cascading 25" Amber Murano Chandelier Interlocking Glass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
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
Pair of Star Shaped Nickel and Glass Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Venini, Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
J.T. Kalmar, Flush Mounts, Metal, Glass, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white-lacquered metal and glass flush mounts designed and produced in Austria, c. 1970s. Minor chipping to top edge of glass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Di...
Metal
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
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
$4,975Sale Price|50% Off
Huge Kalmar Tronchi Three-Tier Murano Glass Flush Mount Venini by Zuccheri
By Toni Zuccheri, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, BE
Wonderful huge, signed three-tier Murano glass tronchi flush mount or chandelier by Kalmar. The chandelier is from the 1960s and 48 hand blown Murano glasses in two colors hanging on...
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 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 4 Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
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
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
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 of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, 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 Glass Chandelier Pendant Light Fixture, circa 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful star-shaped light fixture by Kalmar Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available. The price is per item. ...
Chrome, Nickel, Metal
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
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
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
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
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Mazzega
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
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
Large Ice Cube Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Carlo Nason, AVMazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Max Ingrand, 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
Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in San Francisco, CA
White lacquered metal frame ceiling light with six large Murano ice glass facets by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG. Single socket. Original wiring.
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
Donut Wall or Ceiling Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Doria Leuchten Germany, J.T. Kalmar, Palwa, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 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 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini
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
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the eight small 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 milk glass on t...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier Semi Flush Mounts Pair Lipizza Glass Lamps, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
1 of 2 Kalmar Lipizza semi flush mounts or chandelier with 12 bulbs and 13.7" in diameter, Austria 1960- sold individually Beautiful glass and enameled brass lamp...
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
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
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 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
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
Large Austrian Granada Flush Light by J.T. Kalmar
By Gino Vistosi, J.T. Kalmar, Palwa, Gaetano Sciolari, 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
Four Handblown Glass and Nickel Chrome Table, Wall or Ceiling Lights by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Four table, wall or ceiling lights made of glass and nickel (chrome) by J.T. Kalmar from the late 1960s. These lamps are absolutely timeless because of the simple and modern design. ...
Chrome, Nickel