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 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, Julius 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 Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor 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 Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
Pair of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Five Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Five Austrian Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar ...
Metal, Brass
Large Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kalmar , Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal fram...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Four Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Ten Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Ten "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were desifned and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
1 of 4 Mid Century Kalmar Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 exceptional Mid-Century Modern wall sconces by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960s. Featuring beautifully textured Murano glass shades mounted on an elegant brass frame,...
Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconce model "Citrus" 4665/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalma...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. White color metal base. High quality...
Chrome
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Mid Century wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. Each sconce...
Murano Glass
Lovely Murano Glass and Chrome Wall Light Sconce by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Lovely organic hand blown glass and chrome sconce by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 1
Chrome
1 of 6 Large Kalmar Murano Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with extra-large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each fix...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Kalmar" Double Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4664/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, 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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Six Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Six Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken K...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Petite Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured Murano glasses, beautifully refracting the light with very heavy quality. High quality and in very...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier "Tulipan" Chandelier, Austria, Murano Glass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic and high-quality Chandelier featured in a metal frame white coated and brass elements with ten E14 bulbs and 41 hand-blown clear glass onion shaped globes. Made by J.T. Kalma...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of gorgeous and ultra rare wall lights by Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Five multicolored (blue, smoke, amber, clear) gla...
Metal
$390Sale Price|40% Off
Midcentury Kalmar Frosted Ice Glass Panel Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wall lamp, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, it has a square frosted ice glass panel (7x7 inch) dangling on it. In good condition with ni...
Metal
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights Citrus, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Wonderful of mid-century wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 small bulb...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Wall Light Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Exquisite midcentury wall sconce featuring a sophisticated design with five large Murano glass pieces elegantly mounted on a chrome frame. Crafted by Kalmar in Austria, these ...
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor light mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The lamp is made of polished aluminum and handblown b...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
1 of 4 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Germany, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
Metal
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of mid century wall sconces with two large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Prisma Each sconce requir...
Chrome
set of 2 CUBIC Ice Glass Ceiling Light, by J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount set of 2 aslo useable as wall lights Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1970s set of 2 Original modernist Ho...
Metal
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Ruba Rare sconces. High qu...
Metal
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two extendable table lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Extendable in the hight from 50cm up to 54cm Brass parts are polished and stove enamelle...
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 5 Large Kalmar Murano Flush mount Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass / bi-colored clear and amber/smoked. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
Sconce by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in KUTNO, PL
The sculptural Kalmar wall sconce, manufactured in Austria in the 1970s, is a perfect example of luxurious modernist lighting, where functionality blends with the artistic expression...
Metal
Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier 'Citrus', Brass Amber Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous penant light model 'Citrus' by Austrian light maker J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The ligh...
Brass, Metal
A 'Dora' Moon Rock Lamp Designed by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and highly desirable “Dora” Moon Rock lamp by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, dating from the 1970s. This example stands out for its exceptional proportions, with a near-...
Polyester
Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce Murano Wall Lights, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, BY
Large textured crystal ice glass sconce or wall light by Kalmar, Austria 1960s. The sconce has an enameled metal base with a on/off string-switch which easily can be activated and ...
Metal
Large White Glass Pendant light by Kalmar-Fazzoletto, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning glass Pendant light by Kalmar -Name of this Serie: Fazzoletto , made in the 1970s Nice structured glass, beautifully refracting the light. High quality and in very good co...
Murano Glass
Large Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good c...
Chrome
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Ice-Glass "Puck" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" wall sconces, model "Puck". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. Each wall sconce is composed by ...
Metal
1 of 2 Petite Rare Pagoda Glass Flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 wonderful rare petite flush mounts with onion-shaped glasses. 12 hand-blown glasses suspended on a gold-painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
1 of 5 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Two midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned and well-wired. Each sconce r...
Glass
Pair of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and re...
Murano Glass
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s Polished and stove enameled Original texture glass shades we can change the hight to fit your room hight. e14 bulbs ( sma...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very g...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 5 Murano glass pieces on a gold color metal frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3...
Murano Glass
One Pair of Glass Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Chrome metal base. High quality and...
Murano Glass
1 of 6 Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Tronchi Wall Lights Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 stunning mid-century wall sconces featuring seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, crafted by Kalmar, Austria, and manufactured between 1970-1979. This is a very rare ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Eght Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal, Brass
Set of Four Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored a...
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
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Big chandelier by J.T. Kalmar with structure glass around 1950s Original condition Only the wire is changed ( new )
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Four Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken ...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Barovier
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
$414Sale Price|40% Off
One Kalmar Midcentury Brass & Textured Glass Scone Wall Light, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A single beautiful brass wall light with a lampshade made of solid textured melting ice glass with nice knobs. Manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. In very good conditio...
Brass
1 of 3 Extra Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. Forty-nine hand-blown glasses suspended on a white-colored metal frame. The Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier is a stunning and timeless li...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Sets of Large Kalmar Sconces Palmette Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of mid-century wall sconces with Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great geometrical shape. Series: Palmette ...
Metal
1 of 2 Sets of Kalmar Gilded Sconces Murano Wall Lights Palazzo, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury gilded brass wall sconces with 3 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce takes two x E14 bulbs. Light b...
Brass
1 of 4 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and...
Glass