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.
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, 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
Pair of Midcentury Modern Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare, organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa 197...
Metal, Brass
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Mazzega
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
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 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
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pair of Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Set of Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with a large glass piece on a metal frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Camillo High quality and in very g...
Chrome
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
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ice glass Kalmar chandelier. Attributed to J.T. Kalmar and Kalmar Lighting, Austria, 1960s. It holds four pieces of textured ice glass blocks hanging from a chain and topped by a metal canopy...
Metal, Steel
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
$2,249Sale 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
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Square Molded Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Square textured and molded glass flush mount fixture by Kalmar with brass ball finial details.
Glass
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
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Star-Shaped Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Glass Chrome Nickel 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A star-shaped ceiling light by Kalmar manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamp is made of frosted ice glass pieces mounted on a white...
Metal, Brass, Chrome, Nickel
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Austrian made rare large 'Granada' model with brass hardware and ice crystal glass flush mount chandelier by Kalmar, circa 1970. Featuring eight hanging glass elements resembling ice crystals suspended from a polished brass flushmount. Perfect for any midcentury or Hollywood Regency style home and perfect as an opulent powder room light, over a dining room table or for romantic bedroom lighting...
Brass, Metal
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the lampbase. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in ac...
Brass
1970's Kalmar Ice Crystal Glass Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Schoorl, NL
This is a stunning Kalmar ice glass crystal sconce from the 1970s. The glass looks like pure ice from a glacier and sparkles when illuminated. It is constructed of two pieces laid at...
Metal
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Missoni Home, J.T. Kalmar, 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 Brass Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A beautiful brass floor lamp model 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, in 1950s or 1960s. The lights is documented in the Kalmar catalogues 1960. The bras...
Brass
Stunning Green Murano Table Light by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral Table light with 4 hand-made clear and Green and Clear Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s He...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
1 of 2 J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear and Brown Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Huge J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Gilt Brass & Glass Chandelier Flush Mount, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 Amber and Clear Glass Wall Lights, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
$796Sale Price|47% Off
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional JT Kalmar chandelier with large ice frost glass with chrome structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the bes...
Glass
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 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 the 3 J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Italy, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconce featuring wonderful faceted crystal clear glass "triete" prism-rods, with brass details and back plate. Made by J.T Kalmar, Vienna. Illuminates beautifully. High...
Gold
Sconce by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken KG, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
The sculptural Kalmar wall sconce, manufactured in Austria in the 1970s, is a perfect example of luxurious modernist lighting, where functionality blends with the artistic expression...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare ice glass candlestick from Kalmar. Imposing chandelier of Kalmar with nested glass elements. From a central socket part, metal webs of different length and height are radially ...
Metal
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Barovier, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, 1970s, One of Four
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The lamps can be used as pend...
Brass
Austrian Vintage Blown Glass Ceiling Light Pendant or Flush Mount, 1960s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful midcentury handblown textured Murano glass pendant or flush mount by JT Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: One E27 (US E26). Height (Body): 9.85 in.
Metal
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
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
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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Eght Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Yellow Table Desk Side Lamp, Brass & Iron, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist Midcentury desk, table, or side lamp from the 1950s. Designed by Julius Theodor Kalmar and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This lamp is a version o...
Metal, Brass, Iron
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 smoked Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy ...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Brass Floor Lamp 'Cavador' No. 2098, Height Adjustable, 1960, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from...
Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
1 of 2 Petite Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light, very heavy quality. High quality and in very good con...
Murano Glass
$7,324 / item
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
All new, contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in exclusive hardwood (Paul Ferro) or Wenge & bronzed brass base with silk fabric lamp shade. Made a...
Brass
Mid Century Massive Textured Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lucija, SI
High quality Mid Century flush mount Lamp, with massive textured glass, was made by Kalmar Austria in '60s. The lamp can be used as a ceiling or as a wall lamp. Very special piece....
Aluminum
Pair of Large 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
Large Glass Ball Kalmar Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Miami, FL
Large glass ball Kalmar sconce 2 lights, 40 watts max bulb.
Glass
1 of 2 Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of Two rare and fantastic 12-arm atomic chandeliers / pendant lights model "RS 12 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning ...
Aluminum, Chrome
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
high quality murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. Kalmar was the mo...
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
Huge Palmette Murano Flush Mount Light, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic Mid-Century flush mount ceiling light, made in Italy, circa 1970s. This striking piece features an elegant arrangement of clear Murano glass leaves, complemented by refined...
Metal
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Venini, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are ...
Metal