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.
1 of 2 Sets of Large Kalmar Sconces Palmette Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of mid-century wall sconces with Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great geometrical shape. Series: Palmette ...
Metal
Large Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J. T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. High quality and in very good c...
Chrome
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
Star-Shaped Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Glass Chrome Nickel 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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 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
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
1 of 4 Large Catena Ceiling Fixture Murano Glasses by Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Massive Kalmar model "Catena" pattern flush mount chandelier, the brass backplate supporting 18 large twisted and organically curved ribbon-form pieces of foam glass. Gorgeous and dr...
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By J.T. Kalmar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 5 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
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
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chro...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
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
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
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two extendable table lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Extendable in the hight from 50cm up to 54cm Brass parts are polished and stove enamelle...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Sconce Wall Light 'PAN', Glass Nickel, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A single grand scale vintage icicle glass wall lights model 'PAN' (no. 4519) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s...
Nickel
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
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
J.T. Kalmar Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Elegant J.T. Kalmar wall sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Manufactured by the company Kalmar in Austria, Europe around 1960. Minimalistic d...
Brass
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
Murano Glass Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B), Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 41 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, 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
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s Original condition Original glass shades
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, 1970s, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large 'Granada' light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available. The price is per light. ...
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
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
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Missoni Home
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
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Orrefors
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 the 3 J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
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
Stunning Green Murano Table Light by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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
Mid-Century Modern Brass Floor Lamp 'Flamingo' no. 2083 by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar
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
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
1 of 3 Extra Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Wonderful mid century wall sconce, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade, which makes each glass piece a unique piece. Th...
Murano Glass
Kalmar 1 of 3 Large Vintage Midcentury 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Light Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of a set of three Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall light., lamp or sconce, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large h...
Metal, Brass
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
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
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
1 'of 3' Pair of Kalmar Tulipan Wall Sconces Murano Glass, Austria, Vienna 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant pair of "Tulipan" Murano glass wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the 1960s. Hanging glass resembles tulips. Each tulip shaped glass is handmade and...
Brass, Metal
Four Modulare Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Brass Cast Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished brass and frosted cubic glasses. Each fixture has five sockets for small base Edison LEDs or bulbs up to 40W per bulb which are covered with textured ice glass cubes. It is possible to install this fixture in all countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Canada,) although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs (e.g. LED or filament) suitable to local electricity. It also can be used with a dimmer. The fixtures are professionally cleaned and ready to use. The lamps can be used as wall or ceiling lights. They also can be grouped and arranged individually to larger light sculptures (please see images). Additionally there are three larger lights...
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of ice glass Kalmar wall sconces. Each one is composed by two pieces of ice glass blocks placed on a metal base. This pair of sconces is in excellent condition and they have be...
Steel, Metal
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
1 of 2 Monumental Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two extremly rare sputnik or atomic light fixtures "RS 16 HL" by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s...
Aluminum, Gold, Brass
Large Glass Ball Kalmar Sconce
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Miami, FL
Large glass ball Kalmar sconce 2 lights, 40 watts max bulb.
Glass
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
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
Austrian Midcentury Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Four Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken ...
Metal, Brass
Atomic Pendant Light Chandelier by Kalmar, Polished Chrome, 1970s, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two 12-arm polished chrome atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'ATOMIC 12 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s...
Chrome
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