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.
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 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. Each sconce...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and smoked Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy ...
Murano Glass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Murano Clear Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and White Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy q...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Mazzega, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic light fixture model Tulipan by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip s...
Metal, Brass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Wall Light Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Exquisite midcentury wall sconce featuring a sophisticated design with five large Murano glass pieces elegantly mounted on a chrome frame. Crafted by Kalmar in Austria, these ...
Brass
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights Citrus, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Wonderful of mid-century wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 small bulb...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier designed by Venini for Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Kalmar" Double Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4664/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of gorgeous and ultra rare wall lights by Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Five multicolored (blue, smoke, amber, clear) gla...
Metal
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brass wall light by by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a brass glass texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pattern on ceil...
Steel
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
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 co...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, 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. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconce model "Citrus" 4665/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalma...
Metal, Brass
Large Austrian Vintage White Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful white and clear murano glass sconce. Austria, 1960s.
Blown Glass
Stunning Kalmar Chandelier 'Fuente', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Fuente), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Two tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, beautif...
Crystal
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor light mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The lamp is made of polished aluminum and handblown b...
Aluminum, Nickel, Chrome
Amazing Large Pendant Lamp by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Josef Hoffmann, Kalmar Lighting, Adolf Loos, Wiener Werkstätte, Florian Schulz
Located in München, DE
Very rare and large pendant lamp by Adolf Loos from the 1950s. The high-quality materials, such as the new seagrass lampshade, make this lamp a unique design object. It creates a ver...
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Ruba Rare sconces. High qu...
Metal
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two beautiful and handmade high quality pendant light fixtures model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Crystal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Modernist wall sconces made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s. The light is made of polished brass and the lampshades are made of acrylic glass. The faceted acrylic glass provid...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. White color metal base. High quality...
Chrome
1 of 6 Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Tronchi Wall Lights Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 stunning mid-century wall sconces featuring seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, crafted by Kalmar, Austria, and manufactured between 1970-1979. This is a very rare ...
Metal, Brass
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing original vintage Kalmar chandelier with thick textured glass pendants — each one resembles elongated icicles. Handmade glass, metal mount with natural patina. Austria, the 19...
Murano Glass
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Orrefors, Mazzega, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of a chandelier model 'Tulipan' and a matching pair of wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tul...
Brass, Metal
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
1 of 8 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 5 midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to u...
Glass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
$3,919Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 of 3 Stunning Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 70s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Large Murano glass Chandelier designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1970s. (Serie: CEO) The Chandelier is composed of 35 thick textured glass el...
Chrome
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 unique elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blown ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 pairs unique large and elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or-early 1970s). Tulip shap...
Glass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant J.T. Kalmar sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. Ill...
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning midcentury height-adjustable pendant light from the 1950s, the Kalmar Model 2520, featuring a counterweight, a beautifully leather-covered handle, and a cylindrical pastel green lampshade...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of mid century wall sconces with two large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Prisma Each sconce requir...
Chrome
1 of 2 Sets of Kalmar Gilded Sconces Murano Wall Lights Palazzo, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury gilded brass wall sconces with 3 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce takes two x E14 bulbs. Light b...
Brass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kalmar , Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal fram...
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 5 Murano glass pieces on a gold color metal frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Extra Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. Forty-nine hand-blown glasses suspended on a white-colored metal frame. The Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier is a stunning and timeless li...
Murano Glass
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 5 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3 x E14 Standard bulbs. Lig...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Ice Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern pendant lights, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. High end simplistic design. Each light has brass sockets and one layer of extremely stylis...
Brass
1 of 6 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs 1 x E27 standard ...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Petite Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 stunning petite flush mount lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white fr...
Metal
Large Murano Glass Ceiling Wall Light by CARLO NASON for KALMAR Lights, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling, wall light Producer: Kalmar Lighting Origin: Austria Age: 1970s Description: Original 1970s modernist vintage light made of high quality Murano g...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 Huge Kalmar Ice Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 stunning huge flush mounts by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. Each flush mount is composed of nine-thick textured glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Metal
$13,998Sale Price|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Soria', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Soria), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, be...
Crystal
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Brass & Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The frame is gilt brass. High quality and in very good condition. Clean...
Brass
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Missoni Home, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century modern table or side lamp, crafted in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The lamp features an elegant tripod brass base and is height-adjustable from ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare Kalmar Dornstab table lamp. An early design classic that derives its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of t...
Metal
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
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. Each square wall light has a square brass back plate with a square milkglass on top. The...
Brass
One Pair of Glass Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Chrome metal base. High quality and...
Murano Glass
$2,239Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Murano Sconce Wall Light, Florida, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with six Murano glass pieces on a gilt brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three E14 small...
Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
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 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