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 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 Huge Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass Nickel Silver Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar Atomium Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Light 'RS 14', Alu Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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 Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. Each fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, ...
Metal, Brass
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
Kalmar Matte Ice Glass Chandelier, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar chandelier from the 1960s, Austria. Metal frame holding 18 pieces of thick ice looking glass with a matte organically shape divided into two rows, there is seven original European light...
Metal
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Wonderful Mid century wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. Ea...
Murano Glass
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
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 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
Amazing Large Pendant Lamp by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Florian Schulz, Wiener Werkstätte, Kalmar Lighting, Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos
Located in München, DE
A very rare and large pendant lamp by Adolf Loos from the 1950s. The high-quality materials, such as the newly upholstered lampshade with wild silk, make this lamp a special design o...
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
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
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
$6,088Sale Price / set|25% Off
Unique Austrian Set of Six Murano Smoke "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Austrian "Palazzo" Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Gilt Brass and Glass, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Mid - Century glass and gilt brass "Palazzo" chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Vienna, circa 1960s. It is composed of seven-light gilt brass frame suspended with thick glass elements. Socke...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 frame. Wonderfu...
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
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 J.T. Kalmar Brass & Leather Mid-Century Table or Side Lamps, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A matching pair of elegant mid-century table or side lamps from the 1960s. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna / Austria. The lights are model „Essen“, model number 1268. They are handmade of brass and very solid. They have a stem / handle, which is covered with hand sewn dark-brown leather. Each light offers two light sources. The lamps are fully working and will come with refurbished lampshades, using the original frame to keep the original dimensions. The lampshades are covered with a beautiful high-quality Cretone fabric with an olive green and yellow-gold "Viennese braid...
Brass
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 of 2 J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear and Brown Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960s
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
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
$17,071Sale 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
$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
Kalmar Large "Palazzo" Ice Crystal Glass & Gilt Brass Chandelier Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made 'Palazzo' ice crystal glass chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring twenty-six hanging glass elements resembling melting ice crystals suspended from a 24-karat gold...
Gold Plate, 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
$2,128 / 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
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
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
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 sm...
Murano Glass
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
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
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
$4,647Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Exclusive Polished aluminum with 27 bubble glasses (mouth-blown) Stunning Sputnik pendant lamp designed by Kalmar Leuchten during the 1970s. Sockets: It needs 27x E14 small bulbs...
Chrome
$3,082Sale 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
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
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 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
Pair of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with three large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 ...
Murano Glass
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
1 of 3 Petite Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning petite flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 4 thickly textured ice glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Murano Glass
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
Stunning Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises 15 crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured circa 1970-1979. Tw...
Crystal, Brass
Large Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by J. T. Kalmar Lights, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall light with 2 glass elements Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist Hollywood regency glass wall light...
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 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
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
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
Petite Single Sconce Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Good quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to use. The...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Petite Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Glass, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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 Large Brass Kalmar Wall Lights Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic midcentury wall sconces with 3 large Murano glass pieces on a brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each sconce nee...
Chrome