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 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
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
Pair of Midcentury Wall Lamps Kalmar, Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Praha, CZ
- perfect original condition - US compatible - one bulb jr
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
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
One Kalmar Chandeliers Palazzo Gilt Brass and Glass Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Kalmar Palazzo Chandelier Gilt with glass elements, 1970, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 2 Murano Smoked Glass Chandelier Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber colored stripe in it. It needs 1 x E27 st...
Murano Glass
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
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
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
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 Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Pair of Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1975
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Chandelier Gold-Plated with Crystals, 1970, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1970s J.T. Kalmar Glass Sconces with Chrome Frame from Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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
Large Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good c...
Chrome
$1,290 / item
Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1975
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, five thick clear heavy pieces of highest quality press crystal mounted on a gilt frame, Thr...
Crystal, Chrome
Large five-trier Kalmar 1950's Chandelier Clear Glass Cascading Shades and Brass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Tulipan Semi Flush Mount Light, Blown Glass & Metal, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar semi flush mount Vienna Austria 1960, 24 blown glass elements which are highly saturated with tiny air bubbles that gives the glass a white look, each element is resting on a ...
Metal
Dome Shaped Flush Mount Light by J.T. Kalmar, Art Glass & Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Dome shaped glass with waffle texture on a brass mount glass is lid up by four Edison ceramic sockets.
Brass
Pair of Large Kalmar Wall Lights Ice Glass, 1970s, Vienna, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of 1970s Austrian Kalmar sconces, gold painted metal frame with five "ice glass" panels in thick and heavy quality flat and smooth on the inside, the outside is organically shap...
Metal
Large Kalmar Textured Ice Glass Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial wall light by Kalmar, Austria, designed and manufactured in the 1960s. This impressive fixture exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century Austrian li...
Metal, Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Vienna Ice Glass Star Chandelier, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern, star-shaped chandelier / ceiling light fixture, designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. It features a white painted metal frame wit...
Metal, Nickel
Kalmar Glass Lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950, Clear glass lantern made from one piece of molded glass with an engraved pattern on a brass frame with one downward light, Austria, 1950s. Ele...
Brass
Three Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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 Small Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 the 6 of Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 6 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 large squares of wh...
Steel, Brass
Large Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Chandelier Palma, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful brass chandelier comprises crystal polished glass pieces on a brass frame. It’s made by Kalmar (Series: Palma), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Many structured gla...
Crystal, Brass
"Soho house" Kalmar Palazzo chandelier Gilt with glass elements, 1970, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Group of large Kalmar Palazzo gold crystal glass chandelier, 1970, Austria. Soho house had a collection of these as well as sconces. Gold gilded frame holding 42 individual pieces of...
Crystal, Metal
Floor Lamp in Brass and Wood by Kalmar Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor Lamp in Brass and Wood by Kalmar, featuring a refined brass construction with a timeless mid-century modern design. The diameter given refers to the base of the lamp only. The ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ice Glass Sconce from Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Ice Glass Sconce from Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s. Imposing mid-century wall lamp with ice glass elements. The lamp frame is elaborate and very functional. Lateral panes are attached, ...
Metal
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s Polished
Brass
Large Kalmar Textured Ice Glass Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial wall light by Kalmar, Austria, designed and manufactured in the 1960s. This impressive fixture exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century Austrian li...
Metal, Chrome
Three Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features three cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek ch...
Metal, Chrome
Textured Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Textured Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, vienna around 1950s 10 Bulbs Original condition
Brass
Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Gilt Frame, Rewired, Vienna, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, four thick clear elongated heavy pieces of highest quality press crystal mounted on a g...
Crystal, Chrome
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Brass Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek bras...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Model 'Corina', Gold Gilt Brass and Clear Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and very exclusive Hollywood regency Mid-Century Modern flush mount light fixture model 'Corina' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late ...
Crystal, Brass, Gold Plate, Gold
$16,952Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with 24-carat gold-plated brass frame and clear, brilliant glass made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, c...
Crystal, Brass
$6,046Sale Price / set|25% Off
Unique Austrian Set of Six Murano Smoke "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Six Austrian MidcCentury smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663. These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Aus...
Metal, Brass
unique Hollywood Regency MURANO 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 Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s fabricat...
Metal
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
J.T Kalmar Square Brass & Textured Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Introducing a charming Mid-Century flush mount or ceiling lamp. Crafted with a square lampshade from textured melting glass, reminiscent of ice, and adorned with a brass knob in the ...
Metal, Brass
1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Large 1970s Italian Mid-Century Organic Modern floral pendant light. Three large and very thick hand blown clear and smoked Murano glass petals are supported by a metal frame. The pe...
Murano Glass
Five Light Square Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features five cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chr...
Metal, Chrome
Set of Four Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored a...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Four tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully refra...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Kalmar Austrian Mid-Century Brass and Glass Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Plainview, NY
A large pair of 14" Austrian Mid-Century sconces by Kalmar comprised of handblown square ribbed glass panels with rectangular concave brass sheets extending from each side from ...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Round Textured Glass Ring & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Large Square Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture or Sconce 'Cubus', 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of a polished stainless chromium steel (similar to chrome) backplate and frosted cubic cast glass lamp...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
Kalmar Vienna Two Tambour Drum Brass & Glass Midcentury Chandeliers, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two identical and stunning round three-tiered modernist chandeliers, handcrafted by Kalmar Vienna in Austria in the 1960s. Each chandelier features 37 solid textured crystal me...
Crystal, Brass
Set of 4 Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four beautiful hand blown white textured murano glass sconces, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 2x E27 (US E26).
Metal
Beautiful Tulipan Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken, Germany 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful onion-shaped "Tulipan" ceiling light with hand-blown glass on a white lacquered metal frame. A prime design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Franken KG. High-quality materials. Be...
Metal
Large Kalmar Flushmount Lights, Undine, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass / bi-colored clear and amber/smoked. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass