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 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 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
Mid-Century Kalmar 'Flower' Petal Mazzega Toned Glass Pendant Light, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large vintage midcentury Austrian made dark brown / topaz / smoked glass hanging pendant lamp or light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, circa late 1970s. Featuring four large flower or pe...
Metal
Clear Wave Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Steel
Sconces by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken Kg, 1970s Set of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
A rare set of wall lamps from the “PAN 3 WA” series, designed by J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s, is a unique combination of applied art and sculptural elegance. Each lamp consists of three...
Metal
Large 'Tulipan' Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar, Austria, 1960s-1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This large 'Tulipan' chandelier was designed by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. The lamp is made of 1970 (more rare) clear blown glass onion shaped balls, hanging down on nickel-plated chains attached to a white metal ceiling tile...
Metal
1 of the 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
One of the Three Brass Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pedants, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 ...
Metal, Brass
Set of Two Midcentury Ice Glass Wall Lamps or Sconces by Kalmar Franken, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, BY
Set of two elegant Mid-Century Modern ice glass wall lamps or sconces. Designed and manufactured by Kalmar Franken, 1960s, Germany. Each lamp is executed in 17 square ice-glass elem...
Metal
Mid-Century Kalmar Leuchten - "Catena" Chandelier by Carlo Nason, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage chandelier from the 1960s/70s designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria. This stunning piece features 33 handcrafted Murano glass elements and a brass frame with five E27 s...
Brass
1 of the 8 J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 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 brillia...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
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 of the 2 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Clear Glass Light Fixtures, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna. Manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Mura...
Metal, Brass
Large Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. Won...
Brass
Pair of Textured Glass and Brass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 high-end wall sconces made of textured clear glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a tas...
Brass
Ice Glass Pendant Light/Chandelier from J. T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. High-end and handmade design from the 20th century. The pendant/chandelier ...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Josef Frank 58" Zeppelin Crystal and Brass Chandelier, Vienna, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, 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
$702 / set
Two Kalmar Wall Lamps, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two Kalmar Wall Lamps, circa 1950s Brass original condition The shades are blackened
Metal, Brass
1 of 6 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
Large Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. H...
Brass
$2,575 / item
1 of the 2 Glass Kalmar Fazzoletto Pendants, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two beautiful high quality Mid century glass pendants with beautiful lines. Designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in the 1970s. Made of hand blown melting clear and white...
Brass
Large Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount 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 a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. Wo...
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
$651Sale Price|20% Off
Ice glass "Herrenberg" wall lamp by Kalmar, Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in ECHT, NL
Dispersion glass wall lamp. Made by Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. This is model "Herrenberg" mentioned in the 1972 catalogue. It has three E14 plugs. Suitable for both European and US...
Metal
$745Sale Price / set|35% Off
Black Austrian Midcentury Zylinder Sconce or Wall Light by J. T. Kalmar Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
This minimalistic and pure Austrian Midcentury zylindrical pair of wall lights with was designed and manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in the 1960s in Vienna Austria. They feature zylind...
Metal, Stainless Steel
1 of the 6 Large Kalmar Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 6 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 l...
Metal, Brass, Steel
Kalmar Palazzo Chandelier Gilt with glass elements, 1970, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar Palazzo gold crystal glass chandelier, 1970, Austria. Gold gilded frame holding 26 individual pieces of thick press crystal glass, Seven candela...
Crystal, Metal
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass Zylinder Sconces by J. T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 the 2 Sische Glass and Brass Chandeliers, 1960s Modernist Design
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular brass base and six massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower. Please notice the price is for ...
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....
Steel, Chrome
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the eight small 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 milk glass on t...
Brass
One of Two 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 2 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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the Mid Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan s...
Metal, Brass
Pair of glass and brass art deco style sconces, Kalmar Austria 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of glass sconces Art deco style , glass shades are resting on the frame with brass fasteners. Holds one candelabra bulb each.
Brass
High-End J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixture, Gilt Brass and Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high-end and handmade gilt brass 24-karat gold-plated pendant light made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant crys...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Midcentury Kalmar 'Flower' Petal Mazzega White Murano Glass Pendant Light, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large (61.5cm in diameter) vintage midcentury clear and. white bubble glass hanging pendant lamp or light fixture by Austrian lighting manufacture...
Metal
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Crystal Glass & Gilt Brass Chandelier Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern, vintage, Austrian made 'Palazzo' ice crystal glass chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring twenty-six hanging glass elements resemb...
Gold Plate, Brass
1 of the 4 of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 elegant modern wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. Each wall light as solid ice glas...
Chrome
One of Six Modulare Square Kalmar 'Cubus' Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of six modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished stainless chromium steel and frosted cubic glasses...
Chrome
Pink Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar Franken, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A Kalmar Franken ice glass chandelier, crafted in Austria during the 1960s, is truly captivating with its unique glass shapes. This four-tiered chandelier features hexagonal pink ice...
Metal
Eight Kalmar Flush Mount Lights 'Granada', Ice Glass and Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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...
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconce by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of elegant modern wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. The wall light solid ice glass sheets dangling on it. Clean lines to complement all decors. The high quality large ice crystal plates beautifully reflecting the light. Heavy quality, cleaned and re-wired, in full working order and ready to use. The frame and the ice glass shades...
Chrome
1 of 2 Petite Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a chrome metal frame. Wonderful l...
Chrome
Pair of Midcentury Wall Lamps Kalmar, Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Praha, CZ
- perfect original condition - US compatible - one bulb jr
Glass
Tulipan 56 HL Chandelier by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1970's
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Cork, IE
With 56 (!) handblown crystal-glass "tulip-bulbs", this chandelier is a delight to look at, lit and unlit! Using the Italian "pulegoso" technique in the manufacturing process, the ...
Blown Glass
Single Kalmar Crystal Sconce, Vienna Austria 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Single Kalmar sconce 1970s Vienna Austria, Large clear organically shaped pattern on a metal frame that is Lid up by 3 candelabra bulbs
Crystal, Chrome
One Kalmar Chandeliers Palazzo Gilt Brass and Glass Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
One very exquisit 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brillant glass light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s and early 1970...
Brass
Large five-trier Kalmar 1950's Chandelier Clear Glass Cascading Shades and Brass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in London, GB
Large 5-tier chandelier by Kalmar 1950's consist of cascading clear shades blown into a mold with with rich texture of a vertical ripple effect. The lamps are fitted on to brass fitt...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Kalmar Sunburst Brass Vintage Flush Mount, 1950s, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage flush mount from curved polished brass and with 12-arms sockets E 14. A wonderful flush mount with an elegant sunburst like shape. Designed and executed by...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Murano Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Modell: Peru High quality and in very good con...
Murano Glass
Large Rare Pagoda Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful rare chandelier with onion shaped glasses. Many hand blown glasses suspended on metal frame Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of the materials...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian Midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This Chandelier is composed by 8 uni...
Metal
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 ...
Brass
Large Mid-century modern chandelier ice glass from J.T. Kalmar 18 lights Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Timeless & stunning! This 18 light J.T. Kalmar design chandelier, crafted in 1960 in Austria by Kalmar. This exquisite piece features a sleek chrome frame adorned with 21 large mesme...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Mid century design wall lamp , 1970s Germany Venini for Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Delft, NL
Triedri Murano glass wall lamp by Venini , Italy , 1970s
Murano Glass
Brass and Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by Kalmar - US Plug
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, partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip fo...
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1975
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, five thick clear heavy pieces of highest quality press crystal mounted on a gilt gold frame...
Crystal, Chrome
1970s J.T. Kalmar Glass Sconces with Chrome Frame from Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Kalmar glass sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, Chrome frame with chrome finials holding One thick piece of clear glass . One candelabra light socket. Backplate 5.3"H and 2"W R...
Crystal, Chrome
Kalmar Chandelier Gold-Plated with Crystals, 1970, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar gold crystal glass chandelier, 1970, Austria. Patinated gold gilded frame holding numerous pieces of thick press crystal glass, there is seven original European light sources...
Crystal, Metal
Single Kalmar Wall Light bubbleGlass chrome, Vienna Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
1970s Austrian Kalmar sconce, Chrome frame with three individual glass diffusers the glass looks white but is actually infused with tiny air bubbles.
Metal