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.
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Brass & Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The frame is gilt brass. High quality and in very good condition. Clean...
Brass
1 of 3 Ice Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern pendant lights, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. High end simplistic design. Each light has brass sockets and one layer of extremely stylis...
Brass
1 of 4 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
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
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
$2,284Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Murano Sconce Wall Light, Florida, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with six Murano glass pieces on a gilt brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three E14 small...
Brass
Large Murano Glass Flushmount Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass Clear with a light white tone. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Midcentury Kalmar Wall Sconces with Murano Glass, 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
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 4 Pairs of Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. E...
Murano Glass
One of... Large Vintage Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces Ray by Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
One of... beautiful and large blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s.
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
$3,806Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Onion Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Art Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury modern beautiful, onion shaped ‘Tulipan’ chandelier designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950’s. Made in Vienna, Austria. The chandelier features a metal frame ...
Art Glass
Large Rare 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 12 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Murano Glass
1 of 5 Large Tulipan Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 73 hand blown glasses suspended on white painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce or Flush mount light with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Designed by...
Murano Glass
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s
By Venini, Mazzega, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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). The name Tulipan derive...
Metal, Brass
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
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Wall Lamp with Original Fabric Shade, Around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar wall lamp with original fabric shade around 1950s The shade hight is adjustable and it is swiveling Hight adjustable from 50cm - 81cm Original condition Original fabric ...
Brass
Huge J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Gilt Brass & Glass Chandelier Flush Mount, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A very elegant and large four-tier 20-inch Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1970s, model “Palazzo,” manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This chandelier is entirely ha...
Gold Plate, Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Barovier, 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
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the lampbase. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in ac...
Brass
1 of 6 Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Wall Sconce, Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful 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 read...
Chrome
$1,848Sale Price / item|20% Off
XL 1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern 1970s Italian Murano Glass floral pendant light. This pendant lamp was design by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Franken lighting Austria, and handmade by renowned Murano g...
Murano Glass
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
$22,841Sale Price / set|20% Off
PAIR of Carlo Nason LS 134 Medusa Pulegoso Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Mazzega
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Rare opportunity to purchase a matching pair of LS 134 Medusa or "Polpo" pendant lamps in stunning Pulegoso (bubbled) Murano glass by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1969, Italy. The LS 13...
Murano Glass
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 the 3 J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconce featuring wonderful faceted crystal clear glass "triete" prism-rods, with brass details and back plate. Made by J.T Kalmar, Vienna. Illuminates beautifully. High...
Gold
Large Murano Smoked Glass Chandelier Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber colored stripe in it. It needs 6 x E27 stand...
Murano Glass
Exceptional Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' pair by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in 20th century, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan shaped blown bubble g...
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 J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Venini, Barovier
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
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 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
1 of 3 Large Glass Wall Lights Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass pieces, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 1 x E27 ...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Sconce Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with three thick Murano glasses, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Pan High quality and in very good condition. Cleane...
Chrome
Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
Refined form and handcrafted craftsmanship — this is SIERRA 5 WA, an iconic wall lamp designed by the Austrian brand J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. The model consists of five solid gl...
Metal
Stunning Kalmar Chandelier 'Fuente', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Fuente), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Two tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, beautif...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier 'Soria' by Kalmar, Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, 1 of 3
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three extra large light fixtures model 'SORIA' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Th...
Metal, Chrome, Nickel
Kalmar 'Hase TL' Table Lamp of Brass & Leather - 2 PCS IN STOCK
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Table lamp model 'Hase TL' by Austrian Kalmar Lighting. The freestanding lamp 'Hase' from 1954 is another exemplar of the Wiener Werkbund. Using simple metal t...
Brass
3-Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Crystal Glass, 1 Chandelier and 2 Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
We offer a amazing set of Kalmar light fixtures. The set is executed to a very high standard. By J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Kalmar was the most important pr...
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful brass floor lamp model 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, in 1950s or 1960s. The lights is documented in the Kalmar catalogues 1960. The bras...
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 2 Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of Two rare and fantastic 12-arm atomic chandeliers / pendant lights model "RS 12 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning ...
Aluminum, Chrome
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, 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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
$7,435 / item
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
All new, contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in exclusive hardwood (Paul Ferro) or Wenge & bronzed brass base with silk fabric lamp shade. Made a...
Brass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Brass and Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
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
$2,974 / 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
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Modell: SCHALMF High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
Set of Three Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights Palazzo, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three very exquisite 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brilliant glass pendant light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (lat...
Crystal, Brass
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
1 of 5 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...
Murano Glass
One of Two Height Adjustable Kalmar Brass Floor Lamps 'Cavador' No. 2098, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
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 1960. ...
Brass
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