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 Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
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 Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
Carlo Nason Pair of Kalmar Mid-Century Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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
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
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Brass wall light by by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in circa 1960. The glass shows a brass glass texture, which gives a diffuse light effect and a nice pattern on ceil...
Steel
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Venini, Barovier, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
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
Large Murano Glass Ceiling Wall Light by CARLO NASON for KALMAR Lights, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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
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
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
Pair of Midcentury Modern Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, AVMazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare, organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa 197...
Metal, Brass
Huge Palmette Murano Flush Mount Light, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic Mid-Century flush mount ceiling light, made in Italy, circa 1970s. This striking piece features an elegant arrangement of clear Murano glass leaves, complemented by refined...
Metal
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 '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
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 glass Clear with a light white tone. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Brass
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By Fontana Arte, Venini, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 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 Tulip...
Metal, Brass
1 of 3 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
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini, 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
Large Tronchi Murano Glass chandelier 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
Kalmar 1 of 3 Large Vintage Midcentury 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Light Sconce
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
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
Murano Glass Pendant Light Designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano Clear/ colored glass Pendant light is attached to a metal chrome frame. designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1970s. High quality and in very goo...
Chrome
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
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
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
Pair of Huge Kalmar 'Granada' Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Brass Glass, 1970s
By Mazzega, Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
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
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
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of five huge and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan HL 155 by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Pair of Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By Mazzega, AVMazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
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 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
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
Kalmar Large "Granada" Ice Crystal Glass & Brass Flushmount Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, 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
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
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
1 of 3 Kalmar Large Vintage Mid-Century 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Lights Sconces
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
One of three Kalmar large & elegant vintage Mid-Century Modern Austrian made Murano glass wall lights., lamps or sconces, made circa 1970. The light / sconce features a large han...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the eight small 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 milk glass on t...
Brass
Large Square Glass Flush Mount J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Barovier
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
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
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
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Granada Chrome Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 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
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Granada', Opal Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, One of Eight
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Fontana Arte
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
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
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
1 of 2 Large 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
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
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano white clear glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
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
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
One of Two Huge Chandeliers Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte
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
Large Kalmar Flush Mount Light or Sconce, Brass Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and square light fixture by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). It is made of polished brass and cast glass. There are eight...
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
Huge Square Flush Mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Nickel and Glass, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large mid - cenutry modern fifteen-light pyramidal flush mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, circa 1970s. The light fixture is made of ni...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Kalmar Ice Glass Pendant Chandelier, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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