J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

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.

Creator: J.T. Kalmar

J.T. Kalmar Vanity Mirror Wall Light, Brass & Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s

$720Sale Price|40% Off

J.T. Kalmar Vanity Mirror Wall Light, Brass & Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful brass and glass modernist sconce / wall light manufactured by Kalmar Vienna / Austria in the 1950s. Can be used in combination a mirror, for example in the bathroom. A ch...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria

$683

H 10 in W 10 in D 5 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Wall Lights, Textured Glass and Brass

$1,177Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 8.67 in W 6.3 in D 4.73 in

Pair of J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Wall Lights, Textured Glass and Brass

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, Austria

A pair of Kalmar mid century wall lights, that are made up of textured ice glass, that has been elegantly mounted to a brass base with two brass knobs. These lamps were produced in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$1,900

H 11.5 in W 4.75 in D 5.75 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A two-armed brass and opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass with minor tarnish. Pull string needs to be replaced. Wear consis...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Tulipan Glass Wall Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria

$1,260Sale Price|20% Off

H 13.39 in W 14.57 in D 7.09 in

Tulipan Glass Wall Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, AT

Kalmar of Austria wall lamp from the 1960's. dimensions will follow! delivery time about 2 weeks

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights, 1950s

$1,597 / set

H 7.09 in W 3.15 in D 7.88 in

Pair of J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights, 1950s

By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti, J.T. Kalmar

Located in Vienna, AT

Fine pair of J.T. Kalmar wall lights from the 1950s. Very nice original condition with patina on the brass and minimal wear to the original lacquer. One original brass E27 socket wit...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Wall Lamp with Textured Glass by Kalmar, circa 1950s

$251Sale Price|51% Off

H 3.94 in W 9.45 in D 3.55 in

Wall Lamp with Textured Glass by Kalmar, circa 1950s

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Wien, Au

Wall lamp with textured glass by Kalmar, circa 1950s Sides are nickel-plated Two bulbs Original condition.

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Nickel

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$1,900

H 9.5 in W 7.875 in D 3.625 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and off-white opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Oxidation and ta...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' Wall Light, Frosted Glass, Austria 1970s

$1,654

H 7.88 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in

J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' Wall Light, Frosted Glass, Austria 1970s

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Iconic J.T. Kalmar 'Ice Cube' wall light, Austria 1970s. Featuring chunky frosted glass cubes with textured, icy surfaces mounted on minimalist chromed frame, diffusing a soft, cryst...

Category

1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Two J.T. Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s

$2,510 / set

H 26.78 in Dm 14.97 in

Two J.T. Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s

By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar

Located in Wien, Au

Two square J.T. Kalmar chandeliers, textured glass, Austria, 1950s. Original condition.

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Two Wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s

$1,369 / set

H 3.94 in W 7.88 in D 20.48 in

Two Wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s

By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting

Located in Wien, Au

Two wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s. Original condition only the shade are painted new. On-off switch on the shades. Wide is from 20-90 cm. we only have exactly the same ones ...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$2,500

H 15 in W 7.55 in D 5.15 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and white opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. Patina brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 15.0"H x 7.55"W ...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Two J.T Kalmar Sconces with Textured Glass and Nickel Parts, circa 1950s

$684 / set

H 9.06 in W 5.91 in D 3.55 in

Two J.T Kalmar Sconces with Textured Glass and Nickel Parts, circa 1950s

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Wien, Au

Two J.T Kalmar sconces with textured glass and nickel parts, circa 1950s Original condition Pair price.

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Nickel

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$2,400

H 9.25 in W 7 in D 3.75 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and white opaline glass wall light likely designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$1,900

H 8.25 in W 8 in D 4.4 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and etched glass wall light designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8.25” H x 8” W x 4.4“ D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 5.75” H x 1.75“...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

$1,900

H 8.75 in W 4.5 in D 5.7 in

Austrian Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Austria, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and etched cream-white glass wall light designed and produced in Austria, c. 1950s. The brass backplate presents with very light discoloration. Overall Dimensions (Inches):...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage J.T. Kalmar Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

J.t. Kalmar case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

J.T. Kalmar case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of J.T. Kalmar case pieces and storage cabinets, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by J.T. Kalmar were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Walter Bosse, Herta Baller, and Werkstätte Carl Auböck. Prices for J.T. Kalmar case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,600 and can go as high as $1,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,600.