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.
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 Chrome backplate supporting 18 large twisted and organically curved ribbon-form pieces of foam glass. Gorgeous and d...
Chrome
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Pair of Large Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar 'Fuente', 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. Serie: 'Fuente' High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
1 of 6 Chrome Pendant Fixture with Lucite Flower Clusters by Kalmar Austria 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Cylindrical chrome pendant fixture featuring Lucite flower clusters by Kalmar Austria. It is consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. The fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, up to 60 watts. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. A nice addition to any room, but look great as kitchen island lights...
Metal, Chrome
1 of 8 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
Pair of Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of midcentury wall sconces with five murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 small bulbs Lig...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Style Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glasses, Kalmar style, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Wonderful light effect. Each sconce needs one x E14 small bulbs. ...
Murano Glass
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
$1,412Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 2 Hollywood Regency Brass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1980s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall light, set of 2 Origin: Austria Producer: J. T. Kalmar Lights Material: Metal and brass Age: 1980s Description: This original vintage wall light set w...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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
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
Large 'Tulipan' Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar, Austria, 1960s-1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
1 of 4 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers structure gathering 28 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Murano Glass
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 Three tiers structure gathering 28 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ver...
Murano Glass
1 of the 2 Pairs of Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2'
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
$1,130Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Hanging Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Hanging light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass hanging light. Hig...
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 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
Pair of Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar, Mod Lipizza, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 4 Murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Serie: Lipizza Each fixture requires 3 x E14 sma...
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
1 of the 6 Large Kalmar Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Large Kalmar Square Flushmount Murano Organic Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large square flushmount ceiling light with brass backplate and hand blown Murano glass in ice melted shape by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. High quality o...
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
$2,589 / 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
$2,589 / 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
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
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 Pairs of Small J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass
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
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...
Brass
$749Sale 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
$654Sale 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
J.T. Kalmar Amber and Clear Glass Wall Lights, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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...
Metal
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Exceptional Set of 4 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixtures, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' set by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in 20th century, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan shaped blown bubble gla...
Metal, Brass
$706 / set
Two Kalmar Wall Lamps, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two Kalmar Wall Lamps, circa 1950s Brass original condition The shades are blackened
Metal, Brass
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 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
One of the Four Pairs Citrus Swirl Clear Glass Wall Lights from J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Murano Glass Ceiling Light from Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Red Austrian Midcentury Brass Zylinder Sconces 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
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
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...
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
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Crystal Glass & Gilt Brass Chandelier Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
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 Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
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
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