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 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
$2,926 / item
1 of the 3 Kalmar Modern Ice Glass Pendants, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 of very beautiful and elegant modern chandeliers, manufactured by Kalmar Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, each chandelier has sockets and one layer of extremely styli...
Blown Glass
1 of 6 Stunning Large Kalmar Murano Sconce Wall Lights, Florida, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with six Murano glass pieces on a brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1970-1979. Each sconce needs three E14 small bulbs...
Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Midcentury Kalmar Wall Sconces with Murano Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of 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 ...
Glass
$1,404 / set
Two Wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Two wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s. Original condition only the shade are painted new. On-off switch on the shades. Wide is from 20-90 cm. we only have exactly the same ones ...
Brass, Aluminum
1 of 4 Pairs of Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each tulip-shaped glass is handmade which makes each glass piece a unique piece. E...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Large 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 condi...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 Murano Ice Glass Pendants by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass pendants by Kalmar, 1960s 5 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Murano Glass
Monumental Kalmar Textured Murano Glass Tronchi Tube Chandelier Mid-Century
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Striking and sophisticated, this large-scale vintage Kalmar Tronchi tube chandelier commands attention with its sculptural presence and exquisite crafts...
Metal
$2,621Sale Price|20% Off
Chandelier with Glass in the Form of Ice Kalmar Design
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Chandelier with glass in the form of ice Kalmar design.
Metal
J.T Kalmar Large Kiriglas Glass Pendant Lamp Ceiling Light, Austria circa 1965
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T Kalmar Large Kiriglas Glass Pendant Lamp Ceiling Light, Austria circa 1965. Large 26" glass pendant "Kiriglass" by J.T Kalmar. Elegant glass shade blending white and clear glass....
Metal, Chrome
Murano & Brass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, AVMazzega
Located in Brussel, BE
Beautiful set of two wall lamps, sconces, made of a plied piece of clear Murano glass with dark cloud (which was probably made by Mazzega’s masters), suspended to a mirror-polished b...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970, 2 Pairs
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The name Tulipa...
Brass, Metal
1 of 3 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass Flush mount light. Twenty-four hand-blown glasses suspended on a white colored metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. Hi...
Murano Glass
Large Cubic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1960s
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 1960s f...
Metal
Double "Pagode" Pendant Chandelier by Kalmar, Vienna, c. 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Double "Pagode" pendant chandelier by Kalmar, Vienna, c. 1960 A large double "Pagode" crystal and chromed steel chandelier by Kalmar. The lamp features Kalmar's unique crystal glass...
Metal
1 of 4 Kalmar Sputnik Pendant Lights Chandeliers 'RS 27', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five rare and large 27-arm atomic chandeliers or pendant lights model 'RS 27 Kugel HL' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 19...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
1 of 2 Monumental Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Chandelier by Cosack, Germany, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Sputnik chandelier designed by Cosack during the 1970s. Nice Space Age design. Sockets: It needs 18x E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to in...
Chrome
1 of 6 Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Wall Sconce, Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Wonderful 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 read...
Chrome
Four Modulare Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Chrome 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 ...
Chrome
One of the Two Exceptional Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixtures, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
one of the two exceptional 'Tulipan" by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in 20th century, circa 1970, (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan shaped blown b...
Metal, Brass
1 of 3 Large Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers structure gathering 22 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ver...
Murano Glass
1 of 8 Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier Prisma, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 8 rare and striking chandeliers by Kalmar, model Prisma, produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features a multi-tiered structure with eighteen structured Murano glass el...
Murano Glass
Exceptional Huge Seven Tiers Ballroom Sculpture by J.T Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 exceptional, huge, clean and modern six-tier ballroom flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar Leuchten from the 1960s. The chandelier consists six layers with a 141 hand blo...
Brass
1 of 3 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 re...
Metal
1 of 2 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of midcentury wall sconces with four murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 small bulbs Light bulb...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Large Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Three tiers structure gathering many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in v...
Murano Glass
Large Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. H...
Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 13 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a chrome metal frame. Wond...
Chrome
Pair of Large Kalmar, Four-Petal Flower, Melting Glass Chandeliers, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Two beautiful high quality midcentury brass chandeliers with four melting glass panels in the shape of a flower. Designed and executed by Kalmar Vienna in the 1970s. Made of hand blo...
Brass
1 of the 2 J. T. Kalmar Wall Lamps, Model Karlstein, Vienna, circa 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 wall lamps by J. T. Kalmar, model: Karlstein, Vienna, circa 1960. With 2 relief-like crystal glasses (dispersion glass). With a nickel plated back plate. Illuminates beaut...
Metal, Nickel
Kalmar 'Hase TL' Table Lamp of Brass & Leather - 2 PCS IN STOCK
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
Table lamp model 'Hase TL' by Austrian Kalmar Lighting. The freestanding lamp 'Hase' from 1954 is another exemplar of the Wiener Werkbund. Using simple metal t...
Brass
Kalmar Mid-Century Modern Green Triedri Murano Chandelier Sputnik, 1982
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Murano, Venezia
Designed in 1982 by Kalmar, this chandelier has 41 green glass elements called “Triedri”. Perfect for a modern space, the chandelier reach the diameter of 90 cm and is lighted by 9 Bubs E14 that create a comfortable atmosphere lighting...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Several Blown Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the nine light fixtures. T by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass has beautiful wave texture in it, what gives a nice diffuse light effect and ...
Steel
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano white glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal ...
Murano Glass
Extra Large Square Glass Flush Mount by J.T. Kalmar, Europe, Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Clean lines to complement all decors. Amazing large scale square glass flush mount by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970s). Multipl...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Leather Green Kalmar Table Lamp, 1950s, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage table lamp or desk lamp from brass, leather and nickel plated metal Mod. 1191 Arnold which was designed and manufactured by Kalmar in Vienna 1950s. This r...
Metal, Brass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Brass and Glass, 1970s
By 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
Large 35cm cubic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1950s f...
Metal
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Exclusive polished aluminum with 12 bubble glasses (mouth-blown) Stunning Sputnik pendant lamp designed by Kalmar Leuchten during the 1970s. Sockets: It needs 12x E14 small bulbs...
Chrome
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end wall sconces made of blown glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for exce...
Brass
1 of the 4 Kalmar Citrus Swirl Ice Glass Wall Lights, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 4 Kalmar swirl sconces with clear glass panels with light goldfish amber colored stripe in it. Beautiful, thick textured glass is complimented by white metal hardware. Beaut...
Metal
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 Chrome backplate supporting 18 large twisted and organically curved ribbon-form pieces of foam glass. Gorgeous and d...
Chrome
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Wall Lights Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic midcentury wall sconces with 3 large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Great geometrical shape. Each sconce needs t...
Chrome
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 Three tiers structure gathering 28 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ver...
Murano Glass
1 of 6 Chrome Pendant Fixture with Lucite Flower Clusters by Kalmar Austria 1960
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Cylindrical chrome pendant fixture featuring Lucite flower clusters by Kalmar Austria. It is consisting of a Mid-Century Modern style design. The fixture requires an European E27 / 110 Volt Edison bulb, up to 60 watts. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria. A nice addition to any room, but look great as kitchen island lights...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A stunning pair of light fixtures designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. High-end and handmade design from the 20th century. The large squares ...
Brass, Steel
Sische Glass and Chrome Chandelier, 1960s Modernist Design, Kalmar Style
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
This ceiling light was designed by Simon and Schelle, featuring a rectangular chrome base and four massive glasses in the shape of a four lobed flower.xa0 Dimensions: Height 25.2 in...
Chrome
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 gilt brass 24-karat gold-plated wall lights made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Kalmar Large 1970s 'Citrus' Mazzega Textured Glass Wall Light / Sconce
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made melting ice glass wall light., lamp or sconce, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features three large textured glass...
Metal, Brass
PAIR of Carlo Nason LS 134 Medusa Pulegoso Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Rare opportunity to purchase a matching pair of LS 134 Medusa or "Polpo" pendant lamps in stunning Pulegoso (bubbled) Murano glass by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1969, Italy. The LS 13...
Murano Glass
1 of 8 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 Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of midcentury wall sconces with five murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three x E14 small bulbs Lig...
Murano Glass
One of Six Ice Glass Sconces of Wall Lights by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful glass sconces or wall lights from the 1960s produced by the high end glass manufacturer Kalmar. The thick textured glass creates a wonderful light effect. The sconces are i...
Glass
$1,404Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 2 Hollywood Regency Brass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: wall light, set of 2 Origin: Austria Producer: J. T. Kalmar Lights Material: Metal and brass Age: 1980s Description: This original vintage wall light set w...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 2 Massive Textured Glass Flush mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A high quality modern thick textured ice glass flushmount light by Kalmar, circa 1965. The flushmount is featuring a huge quare brown marbled blown ice glass dish. The handmade dish ...
Brass
1960s Lamp Light Wall Lamp Kalmar Franken Carlo Nason Ice Glas Design
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s lamp light wall lamp Kalmar Franken Carlo Nason Ice Glas Design Object: wall lamp Manufacturer: Kalmar Franken KG Condition: good Age: around 1960-1970 Dimension...
Metal
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 stunning large flush mounts by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. Each flush mount is composed of 21 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. ...
Metal
Sconces by J. T. Kalmar for Kalmar Franken Kg, 1970s Set of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in KUTNO, PL
A rare set of wall lamps from the “PAN 3 WA” series, designed by J.T. Kalmar in the 1970s, is a unique combination of applied art and sculptural elegance. Each lamp consists of three...
Metal