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.
Pair Of 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 brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a t...
Brass
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar Floor Lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar floor lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s Polished and stove enameled The shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Eight Austrian Mid-Century smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austri...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Round Textured Glass Ring & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern glass and brass chandelier / pendant light from the 1950s, crafted by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. This charming fixture features brass and ...
Metal, Brass
Murano Glass Kalmar Tulipan Flush Mount Chandelier 1970s, with 14 light sources
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This exceptional Kalmar Tulipan flush mount chandelier from the 1970s represents high-quality Mid-Century lighting design. It features 146 glass elements in a distinctive tulip shape...
Steel, Chrome
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
Murano & Brass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, AVMazzega
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful set of two wall lamps, sconces, made of a plied piece of clear Murano glass with dark cloud (which was probably made by Mazzega’s masters), suspended to a mirror-polished b...
Metal, Brass
Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive handmade and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a w...
Brass, Metal
Glass and Brass Chandelier Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning chandelier 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 of white, op...
Brass, Steel
1 of the 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant modern high-end large brass wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. Each wall ligh...
Metal, Steel
1 of 3 Kalmar Large Vintage Mid-Century 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Lights Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of three Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall lights., lamps or sconces, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large han...
Metal, Brass
Set of Three Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights Palazzo, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
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
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Clean lines to complement all decors. Amazing large scale square glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970s). Multiple t...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Petite Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured Murano glasses, beautifully refracting the light with very heavy quality. High quality and in very...
Brass
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
Kalmar Blatt Chandelier, Textured Glass Nickel, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large light fixtures model 'Blatt' (Blatt is the German word for leaf) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). 44 disc shaped ...
Nickel, Metal
Stunning Green Murano Pendant Light in style of Carlo Nason by Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with two hand-made clear and Green and Clear Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, in style of Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano white glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal ...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Pendant Light Designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano Clear/ colored glass Pendant light is attached to a metal chrome frame. designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1970s. High quality and in very goo...
Chrome
One of Two Kalmar Flush Mount Lights, Ice Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two nice ice glass flush mount light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each light takes one medium screw base bulb. The price is per lamp. They aresold individually or as pair. Matching sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers...
Metal
Oak & Brass 'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic and high end made 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in solid oak with polished brass base and a silk fabric lamp shade. All new. Made at original manufacturer Kalmar Werkstätten...
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...
Brass
Large organic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1970s f...
Metal
Kalmar Tambour Drum Chandelier, Brass, Textured Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful midcentury brass drum chandelier from the 1960s, executed by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna/Austria. Consists of a metal frame with six solid te...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Pair of Large Crystal Glass Wall Lights / Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern pair of vintage Austrian made large pair of faceted crystal glass wall sconces, lights, lamps or luminaires by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1970-1990. Each light featuring ...
Gold Plate, Brass
1 of 4 Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamps can be used as pend...
Brass
1 of 2 Huge Murano Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a nine thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white metal frame...
Metal
Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
Atomic Pendant Light Chandelier by Kalmar, Polished Chrome, 1970s, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two 12-arm polished chrome atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'ATOMIC 12 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s...
Chrome
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Five Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Five Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal, Brass
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
Kalmar Chandelier Brass and Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Beautiful chandelier made of brass and textured foamglass by Kalmar. Twelve small base bulbs (six upwards and six downwards directed). Works well with different kind of bulbs (clear,...
Brass
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass Zylinder Sconce by J. T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This minimalistic and pure Austrian Midcentury zylindrical Set of three wall lights or sconces were designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s in Vienna Austria, Mod. No ...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Germany, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar , Germay manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements at...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Lights Chandeliers 'Rs 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large 27-arm atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'RS 27 Kugel HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Mid-Century Brass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, 1950s Austrian Design
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Five brass tubular candelabra sockets radiate outward from a central brass armature, framed by ten layered panels of slumped, textured ice glass arranged vertically in a compact lant...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 stunning large flush mounts by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. Each flush mount is composed of 21 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. ...
Metal
Pair of Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. Each fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, ...
Metal, Brass
Citrus Wall Lamp from Kalmar Franken KG
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
The Citrus wall lamp is a design by the Austrian manufacturer Kalmar Franken KG, one of Europe’s most renowned producers of modernist lighting. Since the 1950s, Kalmar has been fam...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Cube Sconces or Flush Mount Lights, 1960s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair of beautiful modernist fixture lights manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in 1960s, Vienna. The lights can be used as wall or ceiling lamps. They are fe...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end wall sconces made of blown glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for exce...
Brass
1 of 4 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights 'Palazzo', Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with five Murano glass pieces placed on a 24-carat gold-plated frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality a...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Granada', Opal Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, One of Eight
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of eight square light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each fixture has eight sockets for small screw base bulbs ...
Chrome, Nickel
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
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Beautiful Klamar chandelier with textured glass, circa 1950s Polished and stove enameled Original texture glass shades we can change the hight to fit your room hight. e14 bulbs ( sma...
Brass
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
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
Pair of Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 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 (late 196...
Crystal, Brass
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 2 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
1 of the 2 Pairs of Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2'
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
MidCentury Set of 4 Kalmar Ice Glass, Brass Wall Sconces, Fixtures Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking set of four original vintage wall sconces by Kalmar Werkstätten, crafted in Austria in the 1970s, Mid-Century Modern Lighting. These iconic mid-century modern lights feat...
Brass
cubic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1970s f...
Metal
1 of the 4 Pairs Handmade Brass and Glass Wall Lights or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Large amount of wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The wall lights are handmade and high end. Each wall light has a half round wave textured gla...
Brass
$1,956Sale Price|25% Off
Large White Glass Pendant Light by Kalmar-Fazzoletto, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning glass Pendant light by Kalmar -Name of this Serie: Fazzoletto , made in the 1970s Nice structured glass, beautifully refracting the light. High quality and in very good cond...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Sconces Wall Lights Kalmar 'Corina', Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of very exclusive Hollywood regency ice glass wall lamps model 'Corina' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). High quality items which are made of a 24-carat gilded polished brass frames with leaf-shaped clear glass pieces. Each fixture takes three small screw base Edison bulbs (type E14) up to max. 40W per bulb and it is compatible with US/UK/ etc. standards. It is possible to install this fixture in all countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Canada,) although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs suitable to local electricity. It also can be used with a dimmer. A matching flush mount...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Rectangular Textured Glass & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful Mid-Century chandelier / pendant light from the 1950s, crafted by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. The chandelier features brass and white-painted metal hardware, ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 6 Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning pair 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 square of whit...
Brass, Steel
1 of 3 Petite Murano Glass Pendant Light by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Petite Stunning Pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s Brass frame with 4 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very good c...
Brass
One of Five Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five large 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives fr...
Brass, Metal