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.
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
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
Four Modulare Kalmar Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, Brass 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 of polished brass and frosted cubic glasses. Each fixture has five sockets for small base Edison LEDs or bulbs up to 40W per bulb which are covered with textured ice glass cubes. It is possible to install this fixture in all countries (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Canada,) although it may be necessary to purchase different light bulbs (e.g. LED or filament) suitable to local electricity. It also can be used with a dimmer. The fixtures are professionally cleaned and ready to use. The lamps can be used as wall or ceiling lights. They also can be grouped and arranged individually to larger light sculptures (please see images). Additionally there are three larger lights...
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 brass metal frame. Won...
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
One of Two Kalmar Flush Mount Lights, Ice Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two nice ice glass flush mount light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each light takes one medium screw base bulb. The price is per lamp. They aresold individually or as pair. Matching sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers...
Metal
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar ceiling lamp with texture glass vienna around 1950s Original condition 2 Bulbs
Brass
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
1 of 3 Kalmar Large Vintage Mid-Century 1970s Mazzega Glass Wall Lights Sconces
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, 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
Large Round J. T. Kalmar Mid-Century Textured Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist flush mount / ceiling lamp from the 1960s by J.T. Kalmar, Austria. A charming light fixture, it has a domed 18 in diameter lampshade, made of solid ...
Metal
1 of 2 Petite Murano Citrus GlassFlush mount light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass Flush mount light by Kalmar, 1970s Swirl glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels on a gold color frame Each Pendant light needs 1 x E27 standard bulbs. Light...
Murano Glass
Stunning Brass Tear Drop Glasses Light Fixture Tropfen, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises many crystal teardrop glass pieces on a brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Tropfen), Austr...
Crystal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Giant Spider Brass Flush Mount Chandelier Refurbished, Austria 1950
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Spider Brass Flush Mount Lamp Chandelier Stella, Austria 1950 Rare 33" chandelier called Stella designed by J.T Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. ...
Brass
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Chrome Murano Glass, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A square, large and fantastic Mid-Century modern light fixture model 'Catena' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufatured in 1970s-1980s. It consists of a polished chrome plate with 24 org...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
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 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
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
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
1 of the 2 Kalmar "Palazzo" Light Fixture or Flush Mount Gilt Brass and Glass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 Stunning high quality and handmade gilt brass light fixture / flush mounts made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polishe...
Brass
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
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
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 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
Kalmar Large 1970s 'Citrus' Mazzega Textured Glass Wall Light / Sconce
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
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
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
J.T. Kalmar Drum Flushmount Gold-Plated and Frosted Ice Glass, Austria, 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 flushmount is executed to a very high standa...
Brass
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
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. Won...
Brass
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
Large Murano Ice Glass Flush Mount 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 a 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a brass metal frame. Wo...
Brass
1 of the 8 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Light Fixture, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 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
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
One of Six Modulare Square Kalmar 'Cubus' Flush Mount Lights or Sconces, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of six modulare and square light fixtures model 'Cubus' (German 'Würfel') by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of polished stainless chromium steel and frosted cubic glasses...
Chrome
1 of 2 Petite Murano Ice Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 5 thick textured ice glass elements attached to a chrome metal frame. Wonderful l...
Chrome
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
One Kalmar Chandeliers Palazzo Gilt Brass and Glass Austria, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
One very exquisit 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brillant glass light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s and early 1970...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Kalmar Sunburst Brass Vintage Flush Mount, 1950s, Vienna
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage flush mount from curved polished brass and with 12-arms sockets E 14. A wonderful flush mount with an elegant sunburst like shape. Designed and executed by...
Brass
Dome Shaped Flush Mount Light by J.T. Kalmar, Art Glass & Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Bronx, NY
Dome shaped glass with waffle texture on a brass mount glass is lid up by four Edison ceramic sockets.
Brass
$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
Three Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega
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
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
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
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
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
Large Square Kalmar Flush Mount Light Fixture or Sconce 'Cubus', 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
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
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
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
J. T. Kalmar Ceiling Lamp, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
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
Set of Four Large Austrian Vintage Murano Ice Glass Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four beautiful hand blown textured murano glass sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 3.
Metal
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
Stunning Ice Glass Pattern Glass Flush Mount, Kalmar Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A stunning large textured clear glass flush mount by Kalmar Leuchten. It has a very heavy glass bowl on a metal frame. The Fixture requires three European E14 / 110 Volt Candelabra b...
Metal
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal 1970s
By Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte
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