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.
$13,925Sale Price|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Soria', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Soria), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, be...
Crystal
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Finger', Textured Ice Glass and Nickel, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large light fixture model 'FINGER' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). A white painted metal frame holds a lot of textured ...
Metal, Nickel
Large organic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1970
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 large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1970s f...
Metal
Glass and Brass Chandelier Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 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
1 of 8 Large Glass Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires two E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs ...
Murano Glass
$4,932 / item
Brass & Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass and partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip for easy repositioning...
Brass
Mid-Century Pair of Kalmar 1960s Clear Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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
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
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
Huge Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, Austria, 1970s, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extremely rare Sputnik or atomic light fixture 'RS 16 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, Austria, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early...
Aluminum, Brass
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
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
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
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
1 of 3 Petite Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning petite flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 4 thickly textured ice glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Murano Glass
Citrus Wall Lamp from Kalmar Franken KG
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 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
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
$1,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Two J.T. Kalmar Vienna „Billy TL“ White Mid-Century Table Desk Lamps, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful vintage Modernist lamps from the 1950s, sold and priced individually. This is the "Billy TL" model, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. These wonderfu...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Kalmar Citrus Swirl Ice Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of Kalmar swirl sconces with clear glass panels with light goldfish amber colored stripe in it. Beautiful, thick textured glass is complimented by white metal hardware. Beautifu...
Metal
1 of the 2 Kalmar "Palazzo" Light Fixture or Flush Mount Gilt Brass and Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Stunning high quality and handmade gilt brass light fixture / flush mounts made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polishe...
Brass
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s Original condition 2 Bulbs
Brass
Mid-Century Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished chrome frame with 30 organic and...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Franken Amber and Clear Flush Mount, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare flushmount, gorgeous and stylish ceiling lamp, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s, with a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colo...
Metal, Brass
Small Kalmar pendant with structure glass around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Small Kalmar pendant with structure glass around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
$7,284 / item
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar Floor Lamp Glasschaft no. 2134, Patinated Brass Emerald Green Glass 1960s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic and rare floor lamp 'Glasschaft' (engl. 'glass rod'), no. 2134 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960. The stand is made of an emerald g...
Brass
Pair of Thick Textured Glass and Brass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful ice-like texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Brass
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
Large Round J. T. Kalmar Mid-Century Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist flush mount / ceiling lamp from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. A charming light fixture, it has a domed 18 in diameter lampshade, made of solid ...
Metal
Up of 3 Identical J.T. Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to three identical huge Austrian Mid-Century Atomium chandeliers, designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna in 1969. Vey impressive pieces, made of nickel-plated metal with nice...
Nickel
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan sh...
Metal, Brass
Large Kalmar Table Lamp 'Frankenberg', Illuminated Glass Stand Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large table lamp model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickeled base with a large hand ...
Brass
$1,030Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 Large Murano Ice Glass Flushmount 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 13 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. Won...
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
J.T. Kalmar Josef Frank 58" Zeppelin Crystal and Brass Chandelier, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
A breathtaking elongated oval floral sculptural Midcentury chandelier from the 1950s, in the style of Josef Frank and made by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. This extraordinary chand...
Crystal, Brass
J.T.Kalmar Wall Lamp, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar wall lamp, Vienna, circa 1950s Brass nickel-plated Frosted glass Original condition.
Nickel
1 of 3 Kalmar Large Vintage Mid-Century 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Lights Sconces
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
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
Large Kalmar Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready ...
Glass
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
1 of 2 Petite Tulipan Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Petite wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass flush mount. Hand-blown glasses were suspended on a white painted metal frame and brass c...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Giant Spider Brass Flush Mount Chandelier Refurbished, Austria 1950
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Spider Brass Flush Mount Lamp Chandelier Stella, Austria 1950 Rare 33" chandelier called Stella designed by J.T Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. ...
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
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Amber Crystal Murano Glass Tronchi Chandelier, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
The chandelier you see in the photo is a vintage chandelier, designed in 1980 by Kalmar. It is composed of 49 elements called pipe-trunks and inside we find 5 bulbs that create wonde...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square, large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 24 org...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
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
Pair of Luxury Textured Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Schröder & Co., circa 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Executed in brass and textured glass, each lamp needs 1 x E14 / E12 Edison screw fit bulb. Max. 40 Watt. The lights are complete, wired, in working condition and run both on 110 / 23...
Brass
Rarest Kalmar Bamboo Floor Lamp n°2081 - Austria 1960's
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern charming very rare vintage floor lamp is a real icon of Viennese design from 1960. The floor lamp no 2081 named Karla was designed by J. T. Kalmar and produced by ...
Brass, Iron
1 of 4 Pairs of Large Kalmar Wall Lights Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic midcentury wall sconces with 3 large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each sconce needs t...
Murano Glass
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 Murano Citrus GlassFlush mount light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass Flush mount light by Kalmar, 1970s Swirl glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels on a gold color frame Each Pendant light needs 1 x E27 standard bulbs. Light...
Murano Glass
One of the Four Pairs Citrus Swirl Clear Glass Wall Lights from J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Kalmar swirl sconces wall lights with clear citrus shaped glass, designed and manufactured in Austria, Europe by J.T. Kalmar/Kalmar Lighting in around 1969. Beautiful, thick textured...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century J.T. Kalmar Modernist Glass Tube Brass Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pendant lamp from the 1950s, produced by J.T. Kalmar Vienna. Brass hardware with a tube made of yellow/amber textured glass. In very g...
Brass