Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Austrian
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.
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Creator: Kalmar Lighting
Dealer: Collected by Agnes
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower.xa0
Dimensions:
Height 25.2 in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flowe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Modern Iceglass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a nice diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Category
1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Cut Steel
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 ...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Murano Glass Ceiling Light from Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This large ceiling lamp was designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, circa 1960. It takes 16 bulbs and features eight handmade solid glass elements made from Murano glass....
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Italy, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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...
Category
1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Gold
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...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Massive Extra Large Three-Tiered Kalmar Ice Glass Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high end elegant modern chandelier, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Lovely design, the chandelier has 18 sockets 40W and three...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Mid-Century Modern Antique Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Chrome
One of the Three Brass Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pedants, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three high-end and elegant modern chandeliers, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design and heavy quality. Each ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Set of Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning set of light fixtures designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s.
High-end and handmade design from the 20th century. The large squares o...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
One of Two J.T. Kalmar Drum Flush mount Gold-Plated and Ice Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gold-plated bronze drum chandelier with 16 patterned glass panels by Kalmar.
Best of design from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. This flush mount is executed to a very high standa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brass and Glass Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high quality brass flush mount with beautiful thick textured hand blown white and clear melting glass panels. Mounted on a polished solid brass flush mount...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Brass Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pedants, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end and elegant modern chandeliers, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design and heavy quality. Each chandeli...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Set of 7 Six-Light Fixtures Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A set of gorgeous hand blown Murano glass light fixtures by Kalmar, 1970s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colore...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Large Modern Brass Ice Glass Wall Lights by J. T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-ended structured ice glass wall sconces by Kalmar, designed by J.T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken Austria, manufactured in circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Huge Seven Tiers Ballroom Sculpture by J.T Kalmar, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 exceptional, huge, clean and modern six-tier ballroom flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten from the 1960s. The chandelier consists six layers with a 141 hand blo...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
One of Four Large Modern Brass Ice Glass Wall Lights by J. T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the four high-ended structured glass wall sconces by Kalmar, designed by J.T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken, Austria, manufactured in circa 1970, (late 1960s and early...
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Large Kalmar Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass Light Fixtures, Austria, 1969
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Set of high quality Murano glass light fixtures by Kalmar, 1960s. Clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. Illuminates beautifully.
Ka...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Drum Flushmount Gold-Plated and Frosted Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gold-plated bronze drum chandelier with 16 patterned glass panels by Kalmar.
Best of design from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. This flushmount is executed to a very high standa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
1 of the 10 J.T. Kalmar Drum Wall Sconces Gold-Plated and Ice Glass, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of 10 gold-plated half circular shaped drum sconces with five frosted glass panels on a gilt brass frame with Brutalist inspired pattern. From the 1960s ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
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,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Murano Glass Brown Flower Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Midcentury brass chandelier in the shape of a flower by J.T. Kalmar, Austria around 1970.
Illuminates beautifully.
Designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in the 1970s. High-end hand...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 gilt brass 24-karat gold-plated wall lights made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant ...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
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...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
1 of the 2 J. T. Kalmar Wall Lamps, Model Karlstein, Vienna, circa 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 wall lamps by J. T. Kalmar, model: Karlstein, Vienna, circa 1960. With 2 relief-like crystal glasses (dispersion glass). With a nickel plated back plate. Illuminates beaut...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Metal, Nickel
1 of the 2 Kalmar Flush Mounts, Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Beautiful brass and clear brilliant glass light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1970 (late 1960s and early 1970s). High end piece. Beautifu...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1 of the 2 Sische Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Sty
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular brass base and eight massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower.
Dimensions:
Height 15.75 (40c...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Amber and Clear Glass Wall Lights, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With white colored backplate.
This light is handmade and a high quality piece. Illuminate...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Handmade Brass and Glass Wall Lights or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Two wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. This pair is handmade and high end. Each wall light has a half round wave textured glass shade with a bra...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Hallogeen White Metal with Brass and Glass Wall Lights by J. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
These unique wall sconces are designed and manufactured by the iconic firm of Kalmar Lighting, Germany around 1970.
They have a spacial look, because of the white metal with brass de...
Category
1970s Austrian Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
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,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
One of Three Wave Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
1 of the 4 Kalmar Frosted Glass and Brass Leaf Wall Sconces, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Kalmar leaf wall sconces. Brass center with two panels of glass surrounding both sides.
Thick frosted glass in a leaf pattern.
Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
1 of the 2 Pairs Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a t...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kalmar Lighting Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kalmar Lighting furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Kalmar Lighting furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kalmar Lighting furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 820 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kalmar Lighting were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Rupert Nikoll, J.T. Kalmar, and Emil Stejnar. Prices for Kalmar Lighting furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $245 and can go as high as $39,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,281.