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 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, 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. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
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
Stunning Brass Tear Drop Glasses Light Fixture Tropfen, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises many crystal teardrop glass pieces on a brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Tropfen), Austr...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 2 Large 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 condi...
Murano Glass
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
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Green Triedri Murano Chandelier Sputnik, 1982
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
Designed in 1982 by Kalmar, this chandelier has 41 green glass elements called “Triedri”. Perfect for a modern space, the chandelier reach the diameter of 90 cm and is lighted by 9 Bubs E14 that create a comfortable atmosphere lighting...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
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...
Crystal, Gold Plate, 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 Three tiers structure gathering 28 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ver...
Murano Glass
Large Textured Rock Wave Glass 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 in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pat...
Steel
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
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
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Exclusive polished aluminum with 12 bubble glasses (mouth-blown) Stunning Sputnik pendant lamp designed by Kalmar Leuchten during the 1970s. Sockets: It needs 12x E14 small bulbs...
Chrome
1 of 3 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount or Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses were suspended on a white painted metal frame and brass canopy. Best of d...
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...
Brass
Large Rare Pagoda Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful rare chandelier with onion-shaped glasses. 25 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality o...
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
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
Midcentury Ice Glass Pendant by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Midcentury ice glass pendant by Kalmar. Perfect vintage condition. Measurements: Height 33.5 in. (85 cm) Diameter 6.3 (16cm). Note: Nice li...
Brass
1 of 5 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 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
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
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
One of the Two Exceptional Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixtures, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
one of the two exceptional 'Tulipan" by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in 20th century, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan shaped blown b...
Metal, Brass
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Ceiling Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass ceiling light. High quali...
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
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
1 of 3 Huge Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a nine thick textured Murano glass elements a...
Metal
1 of 2 Large Rare 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 many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in v...
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. Won...
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
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
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
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 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
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
1 of the 2 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Clear Glass Light Fixtures, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
$662Sale Price|20% Off
Ice glass "Herrenberg" wall lamp by Kalmar, Austria 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
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
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
1 of the 2 Sische Glass and Brass Chandeliers, 1960s Modernist Design
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 six massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower. Please notice the price is for ...
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
1 of the 2 Massive Textured Glass Flush mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high quality modern thick textured ice glass flushmount light by Kalmar, circa 1965. The flushmount is featuring a huge quare brown marbled blown ice glass dish. The handmade dish ...
Brass
1960s Lamp Light Wall Lamp Kalmar Franken Carlo Nason Ice Glas Design
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s lamp light wall lamp Kalmar Franken Carlo Nason Ice Glas Design Object: wall lamp Manufacturer: Kalmar Franken KG Condition: good Age: around 1960-1970 Dimension...
Metal
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...
Brass
$2,334Sale Price|30% Off
Austrian Midcentury Blown Glass Tulipan Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
This Fantastic Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Tulipan chandelier or Pendant Lamp has been designed by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Vienna in the 1960s and consists of numerous blown tu...
Brass
$1,143Sale Price|20% Off
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Hanging Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
$758Sale 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
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
Pair of Small Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of gorgeous Murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, 6 clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe...
Brass
1 'of 3' Pair of Kalmar Tulipan Wall Sconces Murano Glass, Austria, Vienna 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant pair of "Tulipan" Murano glass wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the 1960s. Hanging glass resembles tulips. Each tulip shaped glass is handmade and...
Brass, 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...
Brass
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
Midcentury Kalmar 'Flower' Petal Mazzega White Murano Glass Pendant Light, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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
Three Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name ...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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