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.
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
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
$674Sale Price|40% Off
Austrian Midcentury Brass Wall Lamp with white laquered shade by J. T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Pure and elegant Austrian Midcentury brass wall light with white lacquered zylindrical metal shade, which can be adjusted into different p...
Brass, Metal
1 of the 6 Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning pair 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 square of whit...
Brass, Steel
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
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 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
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
J. T. Kalmar Ceiling Lamp, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
A flush mount, ceiling lamp, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s, with a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With backplate. Original condition Can...
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
Crystal Glass Chandelier from Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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 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
Large Murano Glass Brown Flower Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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
$660Sale Price / item|40% Off
Up to 4 Kalmar Vienna Frosted Ice Glass Panel Sconces Modernist Wall Lamps 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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
$2,103 / 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
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
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
1 of the 3 Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte, 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 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
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Murano Glass "Faun" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
J.T.Kalmar pendant with structure glass vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
J.T.Kalmar pendant with structure glass vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled Original structure glass shade
Brass
Atomic Age Chandelier by Kalmar Franken KG, Model RS 14 HL, Austria 1970's
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Cork, IE
Produced in the early 1970's by Kalmar Franken KG in Austria, this 14-armed chandelier is a retro-futuristic homage to the space age of the 50's with a touch of disco glamour! Unli...
Aluminum
$3,046Sale 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 3 Stunning Brass Murano Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austr...
Crystal, 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
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
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
XL Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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
Pair of Kalmar Citrus Swirl Sconces, Brass and Glass, Vienna, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of Kalmar Citrus swirl sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, A white frame with brass finials holding Three individual pieces of clear glass with amber swirl in the center of each glas...
Crystal, Chrome
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
Large 10-Arm Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Brass and Textured Pressed Glass, 1960s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Rupert Nikoll, 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
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
One of Four Huge Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pair of Kalmar Table Lamps with Tulip Base, Polished Nickel, Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
J.T.Kalmar Ceiling Lamps Vienna Late 1960s '10 Pieces' 'Marked'
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 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
J.T. Kalmar Chrome Chandelier with Elongated Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Chrome frame with brass fittings on a brass stem holding numerous elongated glass pieces that has a pattern and matte finish that gives the impression of the surface of ice with one ...
Brass, Chrome
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
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