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.
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 unique elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blown ...
Metal, Brass
1 of 6 Large Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights Citrus, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful of midcentury 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 bulbs...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with two large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Prisma Each sconce require...
Chrome
Set of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Set of two stunning midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Murano glass pieces, made by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Fantastic design and very hi...
Brass
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 pairs unique large and elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or-early 1970s). Tulip shap...
Glass
Large Austrian Vintage White Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful white and clear murano glass sconce. Austria, 1960s.
Blown Glass
Pair Large Kalmar Table Lamps 'Frankenberg', Glass Nickel Fabric Shades, 1970s
By Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of rare and large table lamps model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The stand and base is mad...
Brass, Metal, Nickel
1 of 3 Pairs of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of mid-century wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece is a unique piece...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Pendant Light Chandelier 'Florida', Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous high quality pendant light fixture model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamp is made of polishe...
Crystal, Brass
$823Sale Price|47% Off
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional JT Kalmar chandelier with large ice frost glass with chrome structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the bes...
Glass
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...
Brass, Metal
Amazing Large Pendant Lamp by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Josef Hoffmann, Kalmar Lighting, Adolf Loos, Florian Schulz, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
Very rare and large pendant lamp by Adolf Loos from the 1950s. The high-quality materials, such as the new seagrass lampshade, make this lamp a unique design object. It creates a ver...
Brass
1 of 8 Rare Murano Ice Glass Pendant lights - Ruba, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 8 rare and striking chandeliers by Kalmar, model Ruba, produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features twelve structured Murano glass elements that beautifully refract th...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Murano Glass Ceiling Chandelier by Carlo Nason for Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Gino Vistosi
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and large Murano glass chandelier from the 1960s. High-quality workmanship and fantastic design. The structure of the 32 glasses creates a very sparkling light. Manuf...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Brass & Murano Glass Petal Sconce Wall Light, Vienna, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, high-quality Mid-Century Modern wall lamp from the 1970s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The base is made of brass with a folded and curved petal shaped s...
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
2 hight adjustable J.T.Kalmar table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
2 hight adjustable J.T.Kalmar table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shades are replaced ( new )
Brass
$3,026 / set
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of ice glass Kalmar wall sconces. Each one is composed by two pieces of ice glass blocks placed on a metal base. This pair of sconces is in excellent condition and they have be...
Steel, Metal
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two beautiful and handmade high quality pendant light fixtures model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Cast Glass Brass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful ice glass pendant light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each lamp is made of 12 cast ice glass bl...
Metal, Chrome, Brass, Nickel
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
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s Original condition Original glass shades
Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Adjustable Pendant Lamp with Counterweight by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Florian Schulz, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Wiener Werkstätte, Adolf Loos, Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, DE
Very rare height-adjustable pendant lamp from the 1950s. Very elegant design and high-quality workmanship. It creates a very cozy light. Design: Adolf Loos Manufacturer: Kalmar Vien...
Brass
One of Three Wave Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three wave glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Simple yet beautiful design. Each pendant has one wave textured glass...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning midcentury height-adjustable pendant light from the 1950s, the Kalmar Model 2520, featuring a counterweight, a beautifully leather-covered handle, and a cylindrical pastel green lampshade...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Barovier, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 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 angle...
Brass
Murano Glass Ceiling Chandelier by Carlo Nason for Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar, Gino Vistosi, Mazzega
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and large Murano glass ceiling lamp from the 1960s. High quality workmanship and fantastic design. The structure of the 32 glasses creates a very sparkling light. Man...
Metal
Kalmar Pendant Light, Ice Glass and Chrome, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pendant lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. It is made of frosted glasses and chrome (or nickel) plated brass. One medium screw base bulb per light. The total drop can be altered to a...
Brass, Nickel, Chrome
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 4 Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and smoked Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy ...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall light with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to use. Each s...
Brass
Kalmar Brass Floor Lamp 'Cavador' No. 2098, Height Adjustable, 1960, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from...
Brass
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
1 of 4 Huge Kalmar Ice Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 stunning huge flush mounts by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. Each flush mount is composed of nine-thick textured glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Metal
1 of 5 Pairs of Large Kalmar Citrus Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 sm...
Murano Glass
1 of 8 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 5 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 ready to u...
Glass
Pair of Large Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights Citrus, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Wonderful pairs of midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 smal...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Glass Flush mount light by Carlo Nason, Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Large Murano glass Flush mount designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1970s. (Serie: CEO) The Chandelier is composed of 35 thick textured glass e...
Chrome
Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
$16,953Sale Price|20% Off
1 of 2 Extra Large Tulipan Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 155 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of t...
Murano Glass
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of two rare 'Tulipan' glass pendant chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Metal
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Extra Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade, which makes each glass piece a unique piece. The sconce...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount or wall light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. ...
Metal
1 of 6 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs 1 x E27 standard ...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Chrome Sputnik Ceiling Fixture
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops ...
Chrome
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century wall sconce with five Murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs three x E14 small bulbs, and they are co...
Murano Glass
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
1 of 4 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier designed by Venini for Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and...
Brass
$14,531Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Soria', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Soria), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, be...
Crystal
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 15 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs 1 x E27 standard bulb...
Murano Glass