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.
Gold Vertical Glass Messing Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three wave glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Simple yet beautiful design. Each pendant has one wave textured glass...
Metal, Brass
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
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 Kalmar Table Lamp 'Frankenberg', Illuminated Glass Stand Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large table lamp model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickeled base with a large hand ...
Brass
$660Sale Price / item|40% Off
Up to 4 Kalmar Vienna Frosted Ice Glass Panel Sconces Modernist Wall Lamps 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to four identical wall lamps, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1960s, which where sold and priced per piece. Chrome-plated bases, each lamp has three square frosted ice glass...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Huge Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass Nickel Silver Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of extra large light fixtures model 'SORIA' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). These...
Nickel, Metal
Modern mid century chandelier with brass and curved textured glass by J.T Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar Atomium Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Light 'RS 14', Alu Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic and rare 14-arm chandelier / pendant light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s - early 1970s). It is made of polished aluminum and ha...
Chrome, Nickel
One of the Six Modern Handmade Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, for Katie
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the six-light fixtures. T by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1959 this set is handmade and high end. The glass has beautiful wave texture in it, what give...
Steel
Large Kalmar Flush Mount Light or Sconce, Brass Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Petite Murano Glass Flush Mount Light Design Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass Flush mount light designed by Venini for Kalmar, 1960s Brass plate gathers 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High ...
Brass
J.T.Kalmar Wall Lamp, Vienna, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar wall lamp, Vienna, circa 1950s Brass nickel-plated Frosted glass Original condition.
Nickel
$2,081 / 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
Floor Lamp in Brass and Rosewood by Kalmar Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor Lamp in Brass by Kalmar, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the base of the lamp. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in accordance to local requir...
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
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Four 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 four cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chr...
Metal, Chrome
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
$3,015Sale Price|51% Off
Huge Tiered Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Huge tiered glass chandelier by J.T. Kalmar. Original condition.
Nickel
1 of the 3 Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
of high quality and handmade gilt brass light fixtures made by Kalmar in Austria. This model Palazzo was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant crystal glasses are m...
Crystal, Gold Plate, 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
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
Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Chandelier Corina, Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture made by Kalmar (Series: Corina), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Three tiers structure gathering many structured polished crystal glass p...
Crystal, Brass
Midcentury 1950s Pendant Lamp Kalmar Franken Ice Glass Textured Glass Brass
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Mannheim, DE
Very beautiful and elegant 1950s hanging lamp produced by Kalmar Franken. The shade is a long tube made of thick textured glass. Fixed on a brass chain. For 1 E27 bulb (bulb is not i...
Brass
$3,246 / set
1950s Gilt Brass and Frosted Sconces by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
Kalmars Classic signature (water) ripple glass panels around the side. The water ripple glass is divided by similar ripple gilt brass panels. Stunning piece of art. Please not we ha...
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
Large 10-Arm Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Brass and Textured Pressed Glass, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful and large 10-armed light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1960 (late 1950s to early 1960s). It consists of a frame made of solid, poli...
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
Pair of Kalmar Textured Glass Sconces Wall Lights, circa 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition. Fully functional. Each with an E14 socket. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is suitable for all countries.
Brass
Large Ice Glass Chendelier "Tulipan" by J.T. Kamlar Franken KG, 1960s Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The lamp need 11x 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 fix...
Metal
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
1 of 4 Murano Ice Glass Pendants by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Stunning Murano glass pendants by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 12 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. Heavy quality and in...
Murano Glass
Adjustable Kalmar Floor Lamp with Swiveling Shade, Vienna, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 Table Lamps with Tulip Base, Polished Nickel, Beige Shade, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of polished nickel table lights with tulip stands by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s or early 1970s). The light is document...
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Kalmar Wall Lamp Vienna Around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Wall Lamp Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Three Large Kalmar Sconces Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA' Glass Aluminum 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Brass partly blackened The shade is reolaced ( new )
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
J.T.Kalmar Ceiling Lamps Vienna Late 1960s '10 Pieces' 'Marked'
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
J.T. Kalmar ceiling lamps, Vienna, late 1960s (10 Pieces) Original glasses Price and sell per piece.
Aluminum
One of Two Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixtures Swirl 'Citrus', 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very 'Citrus' flush mount lights / ceiling lamps by Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. They are made of a golden lacquered metal base which holds four swirled and frosted glasses. E...
Metal
Pair of Kalmar Sputnik Sconces Wall Lights 'RS 3 WA', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and rare J.T. Kalmar wall lights manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970 (end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). There are five pairs available. Excellent c...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
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
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
Pair of Kalmar Sconces Flush Mount Lights 'RS 6 WA', Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large six-arm wall lamps or flush mount light fixtures model 'RS 6 WA' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury in 1970s. The fixtures are made of polished bras...
Aluminum
Brick Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Lovely Heavy Vintage Ice Glass Flush Mount from Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
This large flush mount was produced in Austria by Kalmar in the 1960s. It is composed of 12 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a white frame and uses four E27 bulbs.
Glass
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
Exceptional Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixtures, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier, Chrome and Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A Mid-Century chandelier / pendant light by Kalmar, manufactured in the 1970s. A chrome frame holds four frosted glasses in the form of leaves. It takes four medium screw base bulbs ...
Chrome
Kalmar Sputnik Chandelier or Pendant Light 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two fantastic 12-arm atomic chandeliers / pendant lights model "RS 12 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
Kalmar Floor Lamp, circa 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar floor lamp, circa 1950s Original condition Shade is replaced (new).
Brass
1 of 2 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 13 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. Wonder...
Brass
$1,298Sale Price|20% Off
Large Cubic Hollywood Regency Ice 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 large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s f...
Metal
Large Kalmar Glass and Brass Pendant Light, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and exceptional pendant light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s-1970s. A large textured glass shade with drop shaped engravings is hanging on a brass mount...
Brass
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
1 of 3 Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of five thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Metal