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.
Single Kalmar Wall Light bubbleGlass chrome, Vienna Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
1970s Austrian Kalmar sconce, Chrome frame with three individual glass diffusers the glass looks white but is actually infused with tiny air bubbles.
Metal
1 of 2 Murano Smoked Glass Chandelier Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber colored stripe in it. It needs 1 x E27 st...
Murano Glass
Very large Mid Century modern Kalmar Tulipan wall lamp Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Nienstädt, DE
Very large Kalmar Tulipan wall lamp Austria 1960s Height 54cm Width 22cm Depth 22cm 6 x E12 / E14 sockets with adapters 32 Kalmar Tulipan glass elements Very good condition
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
Kalmar Tulipan Semi Flush Mount Light, Blown Glass & Metal, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar semi flush mount Vienna Austria 1960, 24 blown glass elements which are highly saturated with tiny air bubbles that gives the glass a white look, each element is resting on a ...
Metal
$1,290 / item
Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Vienna Austria, 1975
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, five thick clear heavy pieces of highest quality press crystal mounted on a gilt frame, Thr...
Crystal, Chrome
Dome Shaped Flush Mount Light by J.T. Kalmar, Art Glass & Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Dome shaped glass with waffle texture on a brass mount glass is lid up by four Edison ceramic sockets.
Brass
Pair of Large Kalmar Wall Lights Ice Glass, 1970s, Vienna, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair of 1970s Austrian Kalmar sconces, gold painted metal frame with five "ice glass" panels in thick and heavy quality flat and smooth on the inside, the outside is organically shap...
Metal
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
J.T Kalmar Square Brass & Textured Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Introducing a charming Mid-Century flush mount or ceiling lamp. Crafted with a square lampshade from textured melting glass, reminiscent of ice, and adorned with a brass knob in the ...
Metal, Brass
Kalmar Glass Lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Kalmar lantern Vienna, Austria, 1950, Clear glass lantern made from one piece of molded glass with an engraved pattern on a brass frame with one downward light, Austria, 1950s. Ele...
Brass
Large five-trier Kalmar 1950's Chandelier Clear Glass Cascading Shades and Brass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in London, GB
Large 5-tier chandelier by Kalmar 1950's consist of cascading clear shades blown into a mold with with rich texture of a vertical ripple effect. The lamps are fitted on to brass fitt...
Brass
Large Kalmar Textured Ice Glass Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial wall light by Kalmar, Austria, designed and manufactured in the 1960s. This impressive fixture exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century Austrian li...
Metal, Chrome
J.T. Kalmar Vienna Ice Glass Star Chandelier, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern, star-shaped chandelier / ceiling light fixture, designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. It features a white painted metal frame wit...
Metal, Nickel
Three Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 6 of Glass and Brass Light Fixtures Designed by J.T Kalmar, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 6 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 of wh...
Steel, Brass
One of Four Modern Brass Ice Glass Wall Lights by J. T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the four high-ended structured glass wall sconces by Kalmar, designed by J.T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken, Austria, manufactured in circa 1970, (late 1960s and early...
Brass
Kalmar Tambour Drum Chandelier, Brass, Textured Ice Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful midcentury brass drum chandelier from the 1960s, executed by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna/Austria. Consists of a metal frame with six solid te...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Small Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of gorgeous Murano glass pendant lights by Kalmar, 1960s. High quality smoked swirl ice glass, 6 clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe...
Brass
"Soho house" Kalmar Palazzo chandelier Gilt with glass elements, 1970, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Group of large Kalmar Palazzo gold crystal glass chandelier, 1970, Austria. Soho house had a collection of these as well as sconces. Gold gilded frame holding 42 individual pieces of...
Crystal, Metal
Mid-Century Metal and Ice Glass Model Bernstein Pendant Lamp from Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rarely glass candlestick from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. Imposant candlestick with heavy glass elements. In its straightforwardness, this design shows a rather factual design...
Metal
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
Large Gilt Brass, Crystal Glass Chandelier Palma, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful brass chandelier comprises crystal polished glass pieces on a brass frame. It’s made by Kalmar (Series: Palma), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Many structured gla...
Crystal, Brass
Large Rare Pagoda Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful rare chandelier with onion-shaped glasses. 25 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality o...
Metal
1 of the 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Wall Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant modern high-end large brass wall lights or sconces, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. Lovely design, executed to a very high standard. Each wall ligh...
Metal, Steel
Floor Lamp in Brass and Wood by Kalmar Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Floor Lamp in Brass and Wood by Kalmar, featuring a refined brass construction with a timeless mid-century modern design. The diameter given refers to the base of the lamp only. The ...
Brass
1 of the 4 Pairs Handmade Brass and Glass Wall Lights or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Large amount of wall lights by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The wall lights are handmade and high end. Each wall light has a half round wave textured gla...
Brass
1 of the 2 Pairs of Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2'
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 2 Kalmar 'Tulipan' Clear Glass Light Fixtures, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandeliers by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna. Manufactured in the midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Mura...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ice Glass Sconce from Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Ice Glass Sconce from Kalmar Franken KG, 1960s. Imposing mid-century wall lamp with ice glass elements. The lamp frame is elaborate and very functional. Lateral panes are attached, ...
Metal
Large Kalmar Textured Ice Glass Sconce, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial wall light by Kalmar, Austria, designed and manufactured in the 1960s. This impressive fixture exemplifies the refined elegance of mid-century Austrian li...
Metal, Chrome
Three Light Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features three cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek ch...
Metal, Chrome
Kalmar Palazzo Crystal Sconces, Gilt Frame, Rewired, Vienna, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Bronx, NY
Pair Kalmar palazzo crystal sconces 1970s Vienna Austria, four thick clear elongated heavy pieces of highest quality press crystal mounted on a g...
Crystal, Chrome
Two Light Ice Cube Glass and Brass Flush Mount by Kalmar Leuchten, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 bras...
Metal, Brass
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Murano swirl " citrus " pendant by j.t.kalmar around 1960s Polished
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Petite Curved Basket Chandelier, Brass & Glass, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, petite Austrian Mid-Century brass chandelier from the 1950s, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna. This elegant vintage chandelier features eight delicately curved, textu...
Brass
Textured Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Textured Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, vienna around 1950s 10 Bulbs Original condition
Brass
Kalmar Flush Mount Light Model 'Corina', Gold Gilt Brass and Clear Glass, 1970s
By Venini, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and very exclusive Hollywood regency Mid-Century Modern flush mount light fixture model 'Corina' by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late ...
Crystal, Brass, Gold Plate, Gold
Five Light Square Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten, Germany/Austria. This sculptural ceiling fixture features five cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chr...
Metal, Chrome
Set of Four Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four 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 a...
Brass
$16,874Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass Glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with 24-carat gold-plated brass frame and clear, brilliant glass made by Kalmar (Series: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, c...
Crystal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Eight Austrian Mid-Century smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austri...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Round Textured Glass Ring & Brass Chandelier, Pendant Lamp, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern glass and brass chandelier / pendant light from the 1950s, crafted by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. This charming fixture features brass and ...
Metal, Brass
unique Hollywood Regency MURANO 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 Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1960s fabricat...
Metal
Beautiful Tulipan Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar Franken, Germany 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful onion-shaped "Tulipan" ceiling light with hand-blown glass on a white lacquered metal frame. A prime design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Franken KG. High-quality materials. Be...
Metal
Set of 4 Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four beautiful hand blown white textured murano glass sconces, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 2x E27 (US E26).
Metal
Large Kalmar Flushmount Lights, Undine, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass / bi-colored clear and amber/smoked. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Vienna Two Tambour Drum Brass & Glass Midcentury Chandeliers, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two identical and stunning round three-tiered modernist chandeliers, handcrafted by Kalmar Vienna in Austria in the 1960s. Each chandelier features 37 solid textured crystal me...
Crystal, Brass
Large Square Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture or Sconce 'Cubus', 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of a polished stainless chromium steel (similar to chrome) backplate and frosted cubic cast glass lamp...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
Midcentury Kalmar Discus Textured Glass & Nickel Chandelier, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalistic midcentury Discus chandelier from the 1950s. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. This beautiful chandelier consists of two large textured melting ice glass d...
Brass, Nickel
Austrian Ice Glass Chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A mid -century modern Ice glass chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Made of and Murano glass and nickel frame.
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
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 Wonderful 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. Ea...
Murano Glass
Pair of Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'Palazzo', Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of very exquisite 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brilliant glass pendant light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 196...
Crystal, Brass
Cube Glass and Brass Flush Mount Light by Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s, Germany
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Wonderful cube glass and brass flush mount light by Kalmar Leuchten, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with 4xE14 light bulbs. Wired...
Brass
1960s Large Kalmar Ice Glass Sconce, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Wonderful and large ice glass sconce by Kalmar. It is made of five massive ice glass blocks and it holds five small base bulbs. Can be used with or without an integrated switch. A...
Metal
Large Kalmar Ice Glass and Brass Chandelier
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Kalmar ice ripple glass panels in drum form and flower shaped plate below. The ice ripple glass panels are alternated by similar ripple gilt brass ...
Brass
1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Large 1970s Italian Mid-Century Organic Modern floral pendant light. Three large and very thick hand blown clear and smoked Murano glass petals are supported by a metal frame. The pe...
Murano Glass
J.T. Kalmar Kiriglass Glass Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Large and rare glass pendant "Kiriglass" by J.T Kalmar/Austria. Elegant glass shade blending white and clear glass. It's in excellent condition with a single Bulb (100W max.) It has ...
Brass
One of Two J.T. Kalmar Drum Flush mount Gold-Plated and Ice Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gold-plated bronze drum chandelier with 16 patterned glass panels by Kalmar. Best of design from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. This flush mount is executed to a very high standa...
Brass
Gold Vertical Glass Messing Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three wave glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Simple yet beautiful design. Each pendant has one wave textured glass...
Metal, Brass