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.
1960s/70s Tulip Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s/70s Tulip Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Austria Item: Chandelier Manufacturer: J.T. Kalmar Condition: Good Age: Circa 1960-1970 Dimensions: Diameter = 60 cm Height...
Metal
1 of 4 Murano Ice Glass Pendants by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass pendants by Kalmar, 1960s 5 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Murano Glass
$3,097Sale Price|51% Off
Huge Tiered Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Huge tiered glass chandelier by J.T. Kalmar. Original condition.
Nickel
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 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 Tulip...
Metal, Brass
$2,138 / item
1 of the 3 Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pendants, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 beautiful and elegant modern chandeliers, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, each chandelier has 6 sockets and two layers of extremely stylish tex...
Metal
unique Hollywood Regency MURANO Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1960s
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 Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s fabricat...
Metal
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Model 'Corina', Gold Gilt Brass and Clear Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar
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, Gold, Gold Plate, 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
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
$1,965Sale Price|25% Off
Large White Glass 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 cond...
Murano Glass
Exceptional Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixtures, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' pair by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in 20th century, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan shaped blown bubble g...
Metal, Brass
$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
Large Kalmar Ice Glass and Brass Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kalmar ice ripple glass panels in drum form and flower shaped plate below. The ice ripple glass panels are alternated by similar ripple gilt brass ...
Brass
Mid-Century Metal and Ice Glass Model Bernstein Pendant Lamp from Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rarely glass candlestick from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. Imposant candlestick with heavy glass elements. In its straightforwardness, this design shows a rather factual design...
Metal
1960s Large Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Wonderful and large ice glass sconce by Kalmar. It is made of five massive ice glass blocks and it holds five small base bulbs. Can be used with or without an integrated switch. A...
Metal
1 of 3 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers gather many structured Murano glasses, beautifully refracting the light with very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Brass
J.T.Kalmar Pair of Ice Glass Drum Chandeliers, ca. 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Stunning pair of two drum chandeliers by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, circa 1960s. The chandeliers are made of gilt bronze and ice Murano glass. Socket: each 9 x e14 for standard screw bul...
Metal, Bronze
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s Polished
Brass
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
Vintage Metal and Glass Ceiling Lamp from Kalmar, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Glass ceiling lights from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. A simple design with a postmodern touch. The lamp body is formed by a flat shell made of opal glass. This is located in a...
Metal
1 of 2 Stunning Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Floria, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great structure gathering many crystal cut glasses...
Crystal, Brass
XL 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 XL 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 mo...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
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
Big Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, Ice Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, BE
Large (50 cm / 19.68 inch diameter) and thick ice glass flush mount. Elegant with a filigree but stabile metal frame. Makes a wonderful indirect light. By Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
Modern mid century chandelier with brass and curved textured glass by J.T Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Modern mid century chandelier with brass and curved textured glass by J.T Kalmar Brass polished and stove enameled Original structure glass
Brass
1 of 2 Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully ref...
Crystal, Brass
Stunning Green Murano Table Light by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral Table light with 4 hand-made clear and Green and Clear Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s He...
Murano Glass
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
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
1 of the 2 Kalmar Flush Mounts, Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Beautiful brass and clear brilliant glass light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1970 (late 1960s and early 1970s). High end piece. Beautifu...
Crystal, Brass
Large Kalmar Flush Mount Light or Sconce, Brass Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of polished brass and cast glass. There are eight...
Brass
One of Four Huge Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four extremely rare Sputnik or atomic light fixture 'RS 16 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, Austria, circa 1970 (late 1960...
Aluminum, Brass
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp vienna around 1950s The shade is replaced ( new ) Metal withe painted Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
Brick Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in KUTNO, PL
The BRICK lamp by J. T. Kalmar is pure, brutalist poetry of light. Its shades of thick, foamed glass resemble irregular blocks of ice or glass bricks - hence the name, which perfectl...
Metal
1 of 3 Petite Tulipan Glass Pendant by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass Pendant light. Several hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of design from the 1960s by Ka...
Murano Glass
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
Murano Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (A) Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (A) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 61 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
Three Large Kalmar Sconces Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA' Glass Aluminum 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three six-arm wall lamps or flush mount light fixtures model 'RS 6 WA' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury in 1970s. Each light is made of polished aluminum an...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Wonderful Large Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Glass Table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s. Great glass body and wonderful light effect. Very good condition. The Lampshade is not in a perfect condition. Measures: Large tabl...
Glass
Adjustable Kalmar Floor Lamp with Swiveling Shade, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Adjustable Kalmar floor lamp, Vienna, around 1950s. Brass polished and stove enameled Original wicker shade in good condition Swiveling shade Adjustable height from 141cm - 176cm.
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pendants, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of very beautiful and elegant modern chandeliers, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, each chandelier has 6 sockets and two layers of extremely stylish...
Metal
Set of Four Large Austrian Vintage Murano Ice Glass Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four beautiful hand blown textured murano glass sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 3.
Metal
1970's Rectangular Ice Glass wall Light by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in New York, NY
1970's Ice glass wall light by Kalmar lighting Company. The Murano glass fits on to the chrome plate which has three Newly rewired candelabra sockets that can each take up to 40 Wat...
Chrome
J.T.Kalmar pendant with structure glass vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar pendant with structure glass vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled Original structure glass shade
Brass
Austrian Ice Glass Chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A mid -century modern Ice glass chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Made of and Murano glass and nickel frame.
Metal
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
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Brass partly blackened The shade is reolaced ( new )
Brass
$17,154Sale 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
J. T. Kalmar Three-Petal Icicle Flower, Melting Glass Table Lamp, 1960's
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Lisboa, PT
This table lamp was designed by J. T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken KG, in Austria, during the 1960's. It has three-petal icicle flower shape and is made of melting glass It ...
Brass
Large Murano Glass Brown Flower Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Midcentury brass chandelier in the shape of a flower by J.T. Kalmar, Austria around 1970. Illuminates beautifully. Designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in the 1970s. High-end hand...
Brass
Crystal Glass Chandelier from Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp needs 4x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb, is wired, in working condition and runs both on 110 / 230 volt. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to install this fixt...
Metal
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Brass 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 two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek bras...
Metal, Brass
Four Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome 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 four cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chr...
Metal, Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Petite Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Glass, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, petite Austrian Mid-Century brass chandelier from the 1950s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna. This elegant vintage chandelier features eight delicately curved, textu...
Brass
Kalmar Pendant Light, Ice Glass and Chrome, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pendant lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. It is made of frosted glasses and chrome (or nickel) plated brass. One medium screw base bulb per light. The total drop can be altered to a...
Brass, Chrome, Nickel
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Murano Glass "Faun" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian "Faun" Midcentury Wall Sconces. These Wall Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken. Model 4517.02.50 Faun. “Kalmar Fran...
Metal
Stunning Ice Glass Pattern Glass Flush Mount, Kalmar Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured clear glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten. It has a very heavy glass bowl on a metal frame. The Fixture requires three European E14 / 110 Volt Candelabra b...
Metal
Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Large Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers gather structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light, very heavy quality. High quality and in very good co...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Floor Lamp, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar floor lamp, circa 1950s Original condition Shade is replaced (new).
Brass
Two J.T. Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Two square J.T. Kalmar chandeliers, textured glass, Austria, 1950s. Original condition.
Brass