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 3 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful 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...
Brass
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
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Venini, 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
Mid - Century Modern "Florida" Chandelier by Kalmar, Glass and Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A mid - century modern "Florida" chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, circa 1970s. This beautiful chandelier is made of gilt brass with 21 heavy thick clear ice glass blocks. Socket: ...
Brass
1 of 9 Petite Murano Glass Pendant lights - Granada, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 9 rare and striking petite pendant lights made by Kalmar, model Granada , produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features a structured Murano glass element that beautiful...
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
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
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
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
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 5 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount / Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of desig...
Brass
XXL frosted wall light by Kalmar, Murano glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and large frosted wall light designed and produced by kalmar in austria in the 1970s. Square frosted murano glass supported by a gilded brass structure. This wall light wil...
Murano Glass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Monumental Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extremly rare sputnik or atomic light fixtures "RS 16 HL" by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s...
Aluminum, Gold, Brass
Large Murano Glass Ceiling Wall Light by CARLO NASON for KALMAR Lights, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling, wall light Producer: Kalmar Lighting Origin: Austria Age: 1970s Description: Original 1970s modernist vintage light made of high quality Murano g...
Murano Glass
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
Extra Large Stunning Kalmar Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Mid-Century wall sconce with 16 large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires 16 x E14 small bulbs....
Metal
Star-Shaped Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Glass Chrome Nickel 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A star-shaped ceiling light by Kalmar manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamp is made of frosted ice glass pieces mounted on a white...
Metal, Brass, Chrome, Nickel
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair 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. Ill...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 18 organic and ribbon-shaped Mu...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Pair of Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Set of Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with a large glass piece on a metal frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Camillo High quality and in very g...
Chrome
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal sconce from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice from a glacier and sparkles when illuminated. It is constructed of two pieces laid at...
Metal
Kalmar Brass Floor Lamp 'Cavador' No. 2098, Height Adjustable, 1960, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
J.T. Kalmar Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Elegant J.T. Kalmar wall sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Manufactured by the company Kalmar in Austria, Europe around 1960. Minimalistic d...
Brass
1 of 4 Large Catena Ceiling Fixture Murano Glasses by Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Massive Kalmar model "Catena" pattern flush mount chandelier, the brass backplate supporting 18 large twisted and organically curved ribbon-form pieces of foam glass. Gorgeous and dr...
Brass
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chro...
Metal, Chrome
Square Molded Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Square textured and molded glass flush mount fixture by Kalmar with brass ball finial details.
Glass
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
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
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
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
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare Kalmar Dornstab table lamp. An early design classic that derives its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of t...
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
Large Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Sconce Wall Light 'PAN', Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A single grand scale vintage icicle glass wall lights model 'PAN' (no. 4519) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s...
Nickel
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s Original condition Original glass shades
Brass
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
Pair of Large 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
1 of 2 Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Missoni Home, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century modern table or side lamp, crafted in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The lamp features an elegant tripod brass base and is height-adjustable from ...
Brass
Murano Glass Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B), Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 41 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare ice glass candlestick from Kalmar. Imposing chandelier of Kalmar with nested glass elements. From a central socket part, metal webs of different length and height are radially ...
Metal
Mid Century Massive Textured Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lucija, SI
High quality Mid Century flush mount Lamp, with massive textured glass, was made by Kalmar Austria in '60s. The lamp can be used as a ceiling or as a wall lamp. Very special piece....
Aluminum
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of a chandelier model 'Tulipan' and a matching pair of wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tul...
Brass, Metal
XL frosted wall light by Kalmar, Murano glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and large frosted wall light designed and produced by kalmar in austria in the 1970s. Square frosted murano glass supported by a gilded brass structure. This wall light wil...
Murano Glass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 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
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Stunning Green Murano Table Light by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral Table light with 4 hand-made clear and Green and Clear Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s He...
Murano Glass
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
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 3 Extra Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Wonderful mid century wall sconce, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade, which makes each glass piece a unique piece. Th...
Murano Glass
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
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar 1 of 3 Large Vintage Midcentury 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Light Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of a set of three Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall light., lamp or sconce, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large h...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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