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.
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Mazzega, Orrefors, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic light fixture model Tulipan by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan derives from the tulip s...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Tronchi Murano Glass Flush mount light by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier designed by Venini for Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers gather many structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and...
Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Large Austrian Vintage White Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful white and clear murano glass sconce. Austria, 1960s.
Blown Glass
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
1 of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
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 1960-1969. Designed by Carlo Nason. Hig...
Murano Glass
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
1 of 3 Petite Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 stunning petite flush mount lights by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white fr...
Metal
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 2 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
1 of 5 Large Kalmar Murano Flush mount Lights, 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
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Glass Flush mount light by Carlo Nason, Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Large Murano glass Flush mount designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1970s. (Serie: CEO) The Chandelier is composed of 35 thick textured glass e...
Chrome
1 of 3 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount or wall light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. ...
Metal
Large Murano 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 15 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. Heavy q...
Metal
$3,073Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 4 Pairs of Midcentury Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of four pairs of Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare, organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalm...
Metal, Brass
$3,309Sale Price / set|20% Off
Midcentury Pair of Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare pair of organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a five thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white metal frame...
Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exceptional 'Tulipan' flush mount chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in the Mid Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With beautiful Murano Tulipan s...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Modernist wall sconces made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s. The light is made of polished brass and the lampshades are made of acrylic glass. The faceted acrylic glass provid...
Brass
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of square and extra large 'Granada' light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The lamps...
Brass
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
One of Five J.T. Kalmar Franken Brown and Clear Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 3 Extra Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. Forty-nine hand-blown glasses suspended on a white-colored metal frame. The Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier is a stunning and timeless li...
Murano Glass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 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). The name Tulipan...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
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 attached to a white metal frame. ...
Metal
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Ice Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
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. Heavy q...
Metal
Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Ceiling Light, J. T. Kalmar Lights, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ceiling light, flushmount Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1950s Original modernist Hollywood Regency glass ceiling light. High quali...
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 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, 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
Austrian "Palazzo" Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Gilt Brass and Glass, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Mid - Century glass and gilt brass "Palazzo" chandelier by J.T.Kalmar, Vienna, circa 1960s. It is composed of seven-light gilt brass frame suspended with thick glass elements. Socke...
Metal, 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
Five Light Square Ice Cube Glass and Chrome Flush Mount, Germany, 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
Large Austrian Vintage Textured Ice Glass Wall Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful square textured Murano glass flush mount for wall or ceiling by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: Four x E27 (US E26).
Metal
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Granada Brass Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 flush lights with Brutalist ice glass on a chrome frame, circa 1970s, by J.T. Kalmar. Cruciform design flush mount light with structured glass shade and a central brass sq...
Chrome
1 of 3 Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount light by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of five thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white metal frame. ...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
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
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
Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandelier Pendant Light, Brass Glass, 1970s, One of Four
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, 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
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Large Murano 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 21 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. Heav...
Metal
1 of 3 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount or Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses were suspended on a white painted metal frame and brass canopy. Best of d...
Brass
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
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
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Murano Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian Midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This Chandelier is composed by 8 uni...
Metal
J. T. Kalmar Ceiling Lamp, circa 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
A flush mount, ceiling lamp, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria, 1960s, with a handcrafted thick ice glass plate attached to the center. With backplate. Original condition Can...
Brass
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Barovier, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
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 circa 1970, (late 1960s and early 1970s). Multiple t...
Metal, Brass
$607Sale Price|24% Off
Austrian Midcentury Ice-Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Model "Sierra", 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Lovely Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Chandelier, model "Sierra". This fixture was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This chandelier is composed by 4 units of Ice-Glass block...
Metal
Large Murano Glass Flushmount Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano clear glass High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to use....
Brass
Carlo Nason Pair of Kalmar Mid-Century Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare vintage midcentury pair of polished steel, white and clear Murano glass wall lamps, lights or sconces by Murano glass Italian designer Carlo Nason for the famous Austrian lighti...
Metal
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
Eight Kalmar Flush Mount Lights 'Granada', Ice Glass and Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of eight square light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each fixture has eight sockets for small screw base bulbs ...
Chrome, Nickel
1 of 2 Petite Tulipan Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Petite wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass flush mount. Hand-blown glasses were suspended on a white painted metal frame and brass c...
Brass