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.
Kalmar Sputnik Chandelier or Pendant Light 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two fantastic 12-arm atomic chandeliers / pendant lights model "RS 12 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Large Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass frame. Wonderfu...
Brass
Kalmar Floor Lamp, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar floor lamp, circa 1950s Original condition Shade is replaced (new).
Brass
Large Kalmar Glass and Brass Pendant Light, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and exceptional pendant light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s-1970s. A large textured glass shade with drop shaped engravings is hanging on a brass mount...
Brass
Carlo Nason for Kalmar Petals Chandelier in Crystal Purple Murano Glass, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Carlo Nason for Kalmar Petals Chandelier in Crystal Purple Murano Glass, 1960s Wonderful pendant light, crafted with four petals hanging from a chromed s...
Crystal
Pair of Large Brass Kalmar Wall Lights Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic midcentury wall sconces with 3 large Murano glass pieces on a brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each sconce nee...
Chrome
Large Murano Citrus Clear Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s Swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels on a gold color frame with a brass chain and canopy. Measures: diameter 19.7" i...
Murano Glass
Six Modulare Square Kalmar 'Cubus' Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of six modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished stainless chromium steel and frosted cubic glasses...
Chrome
Pair of Kalmar Citrus Swirl Sconces, Brass and Glass, Vienna, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Kalmar Citrus swirl sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, A white frame with brass finials holding Three individual pieces of clear glass with amber swirl in the center of each glas...
Crystal, Chrome
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 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
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises 15 crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured circa 1970-1979. Tw...
Crystal, Brass
$4,587Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Exclusive Polished aluminum with 27 bubble glasses (mouth-blown) Stunning Sputnik pendant lamp designed by Kalmar Leuchten during the 1970s. Sockets: It needs 27x E14 small bulbs...
Chrome
1 of 3 Gilt Brass, Murano Glass Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass chandelier comprises crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. It’s made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. 4 tiers...
Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Small J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end and handmade brass wall lights made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant crystal glasses are mount...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
One of Two Modulare Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Brass Ice Glass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). They are made of polished brass and frosted cubic glass...
Brass
One of Ten Kalmar Sputnik Sconces Wall Lights 'RS 3 WA', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Ten (five pairs) large and rare J.T. Kalmar wall lights manufactured in Austria in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). They are made of polished aluminum a...
Aluminum, Chrome
Large Lucite Mirror by Kalmar Franken
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Made in the 1960s. Main frame steel plated with lucite elements, electric controled.
Brass, Steel
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Ceiling Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass ceiling light. High quali...
Metal
Hanging lamp in Frosted Ice Glass by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Delft, NL
Hanging lamp in frosted ice glass by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s.
Metal
Petite Single Sconce Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Good quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to use. The...
Metal
Large Textured Rock Wave Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pat...
Steel
J. T. Kalmar Three-Petal Icicle Flower, Melting Glass Table Lamp, 1960's
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lisboa, PT
This table lamp was designed by J. T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken KG, in Austria, during the 1960's. It has three-petal icicle flower shape and is made of melting glass It ...
Brass
Large Kalmar Ice Glass Flushmount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful round ice glass flushmount, by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Thickly textured Ice glass fixture on a white metal base. High quality and in perfect condition. Cleaned, we...
Murano Glass
Wonderful Large Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Glass Table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s. Great glass body and wonderful light effect. Very good condition. The Lampshade is not in a perfect condition. Measures: Large tabl...
Glass
1 of the 2 Brass and Glass Flush Mounts by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 high quality brass flush mounts with 7 beautiful thick textured hand blown textured clear melting glass panels. Mounted on a polished solid brass flush mount...
Brass
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 three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 ...
Murano Glass
J.T. Kalmar Chrome Chandelier with Elongated Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Chrome frame with brass fittings on a brass stem holding numerous elongated glass pieces that has a pattern and matte finish that gives the impression of the surface of ice with one ...
Brass, Chrome
Large Pair of Vintage Kalmar "Ice Block" Glass Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Houston, TX
Large pair of vintage Kalmar "Ice Block" glass sconces. Stunning large Mid-Century Modern pair of Kalmar "ice block" glass sconces. This gorgeous and substantial pair of J.T. Kalmar ...
Nickel
1 of 2 J.T. Kalmar "Palazzo" Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two the stunning high quality and handmade gilt brass light fixtures made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished bril...
Brass
Set of 4 Kalmar Ice Glass Light Fixtures, 2 Wall Scones and 2 Chandeliers
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Unique and elegant modern high-end brass colored set of light fixtures, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to ...
Brass
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Square Flushmount Murano Organic Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large square flushmount ceiling light with brass backplate and hand blown Murano glass in ice melted shape by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. High quality of materials. Sockets: Six x E27 s...
Brass
Large Hollywood Regency 2-Ice Glass Wall Light by Kalmar Lights, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s fabricat...
Metal
Pair of Large Kalmar Crystal Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of gilt brass wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great structure gathering 5 crystal cut glasses, beautifully refracting the light....
Crystal, Brass
Large Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by J. T. Kalmar Lights, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall light with 2 glass elements Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist Hollywood regency glass wall light...
Metal
Mid-Century Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful Mid-Century chandelier, pendant lamp made of a brass base with two glass-molded lampshades. Designed in Vienna by Austrian designer-entrepreneur Julius Theodor Kalmar and e...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
$1,778Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 3 Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light set of 3 Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist Hollywood regency glass wall light set...
Metal
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully r...
Crystal, Brass
One of Two J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare pair of 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 ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of of elegant J.T. Kalmar sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. ...
Brass
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Pendant
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal pendant from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice from a glacier and sparkles when illuminated.
Glass
$2,750 / set
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Glass Sconces
By RAAK, Kalmar Lighting, J.L Lobmeyr, J.T. Kalmar, J. & L. Lobmeyr Company
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Kalmar glass sconces. Great pair of midcentury Kalmar or Murano glass sconces with nickel-plated steel structures. This vintage pair of Murano glass sconc...
Glass
Stunning Brass Murano Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning gilt brass light fixture comprises crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. It’s made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Wond...
Crystal, Brass
$1,123Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Hanging Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Hanging light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass hanging light. Hig...
Metal
1960's Chrome & Frosted Ice Glass Panels Pendant by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
Stunning design, wall light has 2 large squares of white, opaque textured glass that provide a nicely diffuse light. Manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s.
Chrome
1960s/70s Tulip Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s/70s Tulip Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Austria Item: Chandelier Manufacturer: J.T. Kalmar Condition: Good Age: Circa 1960-1970 Dimensions: Diameter = 60 cm Height...
Metal
Kalmar Large "Palazzo" Ice Crystal Glass & Gilt Brass Chandelier Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made 'Palazzo' ice crystal glass chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring twenty-six hanging glass elements resembling melting ice crystals suspended from a 24-karat gold...
Gold Plate, Brass
Ice Glass Chandelier, 1960, Kalmar Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Ice glass chandelier, 1960, Kalmar, Austria Metal frame holding 18 pieces of thick ice looking glass with a matte organically shape spread out on two rows, the inside of the glass is clear and flat, there is seven original European light...
Metal
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Ice Crystal Glass Pendant Light Chandelier 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One single vintage midcentury modern Austrian made textured clear ice glass hanging ceiling pendant light / lamp or chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1974, Vienna, Austria. Featuring twelv...
Nickel
$12,068Sale Price|25% Off
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Corina', Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Exquisite 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brilliant glass made by Kalmar (Series: Corina), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Four tiers structure gathering many structure...
Crystal, Brass
Kalmar "Palazzo" Ice Crystal Glass Wall Light or Sconce 'Rare New Old Stock'
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Exceptionally rare, 'new old stock' vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made 'Palazzo' ice crystal glass wall sconce or lamp by Kalmar, circa 1960. Featuring three hanging glass elem...
Gold Plate, Brass
Pair of Atomic Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of midcentury wall sconces with 2 hand-blown glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each sconce ...
Metal
1of 2 Large Kalmar Flush Mount Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 large flushmount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass / bi-colored clear and amber/smoked. H...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Stunning Brass Murano Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austr...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Kalmar Mod. Catena, Austria, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with 6 thick Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Catena High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, ...
Brass
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
Large Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass frame. Wonderfu...
Brass
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Kalmar Mod. Catena, Austria, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid century wall sconces with 6 thick Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Catena High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, w...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar, Mod Lipizza, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 4 Murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Serie: Lipizza Each fixture requires 3 x E14 sma...
Brass