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 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass piece on a frame in each wall lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs two x...
Murano Glass
1 of 8 Rare Murano Ice Glass Pendant lights - Ruba, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 8 rare and striking chandeliers by Kalmar, model Ruba, produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features twelve structured Murano glass elements that beautifully refract th...
Murano Glass
Pair of 1960s Donut Wall Lights or Flush Mounts Kalmar, Austria vintage
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of donut shape glass wall sconces with small air bubble in the glass. Each consisting of a stylish Mid-Century Modern style design. Each fixture requires an European ...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Pendant, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar pendant, circa 1960s Three lights. Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
$562Sale Price|20% Off
Ethereal Kalmar Glass Wall Light, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Very ethereal 1970s Kalmar wall light. It's got a white lacquered backplate and a large heavily textured and curved diffuser made of transparent glass w...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Kalmar 1960s Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of large Mid-Century Modern Austrian made ice crystal glass wall sconces, lights or lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1965. Featuring five hanging glass elements resembling melting ic...
Metal, Nickel
Exceptional Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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...
Brass, Metal
Vintage Metal and Glass Ceiling Lamp from Kalmar, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Glass ceiling lights from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. A simple design with a postmodern touch. The lamp body is formed by a flat shell made of opal glass. This is located in a...
Metal
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Pair of Large Crystal Glass Wall Lights / Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern pair of vintage Austrian made large pair of faceted crystal glass wall sconces, lights, lamps or luminaires by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1970-1990. Each light featuring ...
Gold Plate, 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 3 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers gather many structured Murano glasses, beautifully refracting the light with very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Brass
XL 1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern 1970s Italian Murano Glass floral pendant light. This pendant lamp was design by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Franken lighting Austria, and handmade by renowned Murano g...
Murano Glass
Stunning Kalmar chrome Chandelier, Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar , Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Two tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, beautifully refracting ...
Crystal, Chrome
Kalmar Atomic Ceiling Lamps Chandeliers, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar atomic ceiling lamps chandeliers, 1960s designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in 1969. Made of nickel-plated metal with nice ball lampsha...
Nickel
J.T. Kalmar Rectangular Textured Glass & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful Mid-Century chandelier / pendant light from the 1950s, crafted by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. The chandelier features brass and white-painted metal hardware, ...
Metal, Brass
$4,980 / item
Brass & Leather 'Hase BL' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Floor lamp 'Hase BL' originally designed in 1952 by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, executed in polished brass and partly wrapped in a tactile leather to serve as a grip for easy repositioning...
Brass
1 of 6 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
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a t...
Brass
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Murano Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (A) Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (A) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 61 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 3 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass metal ...
Brass
Large Kalmar Chandelier, Brass and Textured Glass, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An impressive handmade and large chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of polished brass in a w...
Brass, Metal
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo flush mount chandelier gold brass glass lamp, Austria, 1960. Stunning four-tier 19" Austrian Kalmar chandelier in excellent condit...
Gold, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
flush mounts /wall light, gorgeous and stylish, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s. With a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colored ba...
Metal, Brass
MidCentury Set of 4 Kalmar Ice Glass, Brass Wall Sconces, Fixtures Austria 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking set of four original vintage wall sconces by Kalmar Werkstätten, crafted in Austria in the 1970s, Mid-Century Modern Lighting. These iconic mid-century modern lights feat...
Brass
1 of 4 Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
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
$14,062Sale 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
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
2 Kalmar wall lamps with original glasses vienna around 1950s Original condition Original glass shades
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
J.T. Kalmar Cube Sconces or Flush Mount Lights, 1960s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair of beautiful modernist fixture lights manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in 1960s, Vienna. The lights can be used as wall or ceiling lamps. They are fe...
Stainless Steel
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
Colorful Ice Glass Wall Light by Kamlar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The wall lamp come with 1 x E14 / E15 Edison screw fit bulb holder, is wired and in working condition. It runs both on 110/230 Volt. Delivery without bulb. Our lamps are checked, cl...
Metal
Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Light Chandelier 'Rs 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970, 1 of 4
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of four large 27-arm atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'RS 27 Kugel HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
1 of 3 Petite Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning petite flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 4 thickly textured ice glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very g...
Murano Glass
Two J.T. Kalmar Chandeliers, Textured Glass, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two square J.T. Kalmar chandeliers, textured glass, Austria, 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very...
Murano Glass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Amber and Clear Flush Mount, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A rare flushmount, gorgeous and stylish ceiling lamp, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s, with a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With brass colo...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Thick Textured Glass and Brass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of wall light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful ice-like texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Modell: SCHALMF High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
One of... Large Vintage Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces Ray by Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
One of... beautiful and large blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s.
Murano Glass
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Flexible Wall lamp kalmar vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
$1,113 / item
Large Murano Pendant Lights by Kalmar, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Large Murano pendant lights designed by Kalmar, circa 1960s Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to us...
Brass
Wall Lamp by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
Refined form and handcrafted craftsmanship — this is SIERRA 5 WA, an iconic wall lamp designed by the Austrian brand J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s. The model consists of five solid gl...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Josef Frank 58" Zeppelin Crystal and Brass Chandelier, Vienna, 1950s
By Josef Frank, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A breathtaking elongated oval floral sculptural Midcentury chandelier from the 1950s, in the style of Josef Frank and made by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. This extraordinary chand...
Crystal, Brass
1 of 8 Large Glass Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires two E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs ...
Murano Glass
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar Floor Lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Pair of Large J.T. Kalmar floor lamps 'Helios' Mod. 2035, Brass 1960s Polished and stove enameled The shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
Huge Kalmar Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, Austria, 1970s, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extremely rare Sputnik or atomic light fixture 'RS 16 HL' by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, Austria, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early...
Aluminum, Brass
Oak & Brass 'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic and high end made 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in solid oak with polished brass base and a silk fabric lamp shade. All new. Made at original manufacturer Kalmar Werkstätten...
Brass
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Finger', Textured Ice Glass and Nickel, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large light fixture model 'FINGER' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). A white painted metal frame holds a lot of textured ...
Metal, Nickel
Pair of Wall Lights Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored angle...
Brass
Mid-Century Pair of Kalmar 1960s Clear Glass Ice Crystal Wall Lights or Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of midcentury modern Austrian made ice glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1965. Featuring three hanging glass elements resembling melting ice crystals suspended from a nic...
Metal, Nickel
1 of 3 Huge Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a nine thick textured Murano glass elements a...
Metal
Pair of Large Ice Glass Cube Brass Flush Mount Light Fixture by Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning pair of Ice Glass Cube Flush Mounts by Kalmar Austria. Each consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. Each fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, ...
Metal, Brass
Large organic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1970s f...
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
Mid-Century Metal and Glass Model Bernstein Chandelier from Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare glass chandelier from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. Imposing chandelier with nested glass elements. In its straightness, this design shows a rather functional language of f...
Metal
1 of the 12 Handmade Brass and Glass Wall Lights or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 12 wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. This pair is handmade and high end. Each wall light has a half round wave textured glass shade wi...
Brass
Murano Glass Kalmar Tulipan Flush Mount Chandelier 1970s, with 14 light sources
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This exceptional Kalmar Tulipan flush mount chandelier from the 1970s represents high-quality Mid-Century lighting design. It features 146 glass elements in a distinctive tulip shape...
Steel, Chrome
Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass