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 Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Four Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Ten Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Ten "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were desifned and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Six Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Six Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken K...
Metal, Brass
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors
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
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 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
1 of 4 Mid Century Kalmar Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 exceptional Mid-Century Modern wall sconces by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960s. Featuring beautifully textured Murano glass shades mounted on an elegant brass frame,...
Glass
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
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
Pair of Amber Glass Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
pair of unique elegant 'Tulipan' amber glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blo...
Metal, Brass
1 of 6 Large Kalmar Murano Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with extra-large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each fix...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
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
Lovely Murano Glass and Chrome Wall Light Sconce by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Lovely organic hand blown glass and chrome sconce by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 1
Chrome
Amazing Large Pendant Lamp by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Adolf Loos, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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
$390Sale Price|40% Off
Midcentury Kalmar Frosted Ice Glass Panel Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful wall lamp, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, it has a square frosted ice glass panel (7x7 inch) dangling on it. In good condition with ni...
Metal
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 18 organic and ribbon-shaped Mu...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
XXL frosted wall light by Kalmar, Murano glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and large frosted wall light designed and produced by kalmar in austria in the 1970s. Square frosted murano glass supported by a gilded brass structure. This wall light wil...
Murano Glass
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
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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, Chrome, Nickel
A 'Dora' Moon Rock Lamp Designed by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and highly desirable “Dora” Moon Rock lamp by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, dating from the 1970s. This example stands out for its exceptional proportions, with a near-...
Polyester
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
1 of 3 Ice Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
1 of 5 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Two midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned and well-wired. Each sconce r...
Glass
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
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
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
Huge J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Gilt Brass & Glass Chandelier Flush Mount, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A very elegant and large four-tier 20-inch Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1970s, model “Palazzo,” manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This chandelier is entirely ha...
Gold Plate, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Vienna „Dorn“ Midcentury Ceiling Lamp Flush Mount Uplight, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalist yet elegant flush-mount light fixture (plafoniere / chandelier) from the 1950s. Model no. 5178, manufactured by J. T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. A generously sized piece...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Mazzega
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 3 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful 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...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 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 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 2 Petite Rare Pagoda Glass Flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 wonderful rare petite flush mounts with onion-shaped glasses. 12 hand-blown glasses suspended on a gold-painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century wall sconce with five Murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs three x E14 small bulbs, and they are co...
Murano Glass
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
Pair 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 re...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce or Flush mount light with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Designed by...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce Murano Wall Lights, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in München, BY
Large textured crystal ice glass sconce or wall light by Kalmar, Austria 1960s. The sconce has an enameled metal base with a on/off string-switch which easily can be activated and ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops ...
Chrome
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A flush mount light fixture model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip...
Brass, Metal
1 of 6 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount / Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of desig...
Brass
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extra large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two ligh...
Metal, Brass
1 of 4 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
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
1 of 9 Petite Murano Glass Pendant lights - Granada, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 9 rare and striking petite pendant lights made by Kalmar, model Granada , produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features a structured Murano glass element that beautiful...
Murano Glass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
Large Murano Glass Ceiling Wall Light by CARLO NASON for KALMAR Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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