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.
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor light mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The lamp is made of polished aluminum and handblown b...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
2 hight adjustable J.T.Kalmar table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
2 hight adjustable J.T.Kalmar table lamps with fabric shades vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shades are replaced ( new )
Brass
A 'Dora' Moon Rock Lamp Designed by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and highly desirable “Dora” Moon Rock lamp by André Cazenave for Singleton, Italy, dating from the 1970s. This example stands out for its exceptional proportions, with a near-...
Polyester
Pair of Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamps 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of Mid-Century Modern or Space Age Atomium tower table or floor lights mod. RS6-TL 1972 designed by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in 1972. The They are made of polished aluminum and ha...
Aluminum, Chrome, Nickel
$2,887 / item
Kalmar 'Hase TL' Table Lamp of Brass & Leather
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
Pair of Kalmar Table Lamps with Tulip Base, Polished Nickel, Beige Shade, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of polished nickel table lights with tulip stands by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s or early 1970s). The light is document...
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Adjustable from 43cm up to 54cm Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Missoni Home
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century modern table or side lamp, crafted in the 1950s by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria. The lamp features an elegant tripod brass base and is height-adjustable from ...
Brass
Two J.T. Kalmar Vienna „Billy TL“ White Mid-Century Table Desk Lamps, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two beautiful vintage Modernist lamps from the 1950s, sold and priced individually. This is the "Billy TL" model, manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in Vienna, Austria. These wonderfu...
Metal, Brass
2 Big Table Lamps "Rebhuhn" by J.T. Kalmar around 1940s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
2 Big Table Lamps "Rebhuhn" by J.T. Kalmar around 1940s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shades are replaced ( new )
Brass
Pair of Kalmar Table Lamps with Tulip Base, Polished Nickel, Red Shades, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of polished nickel table lights with tulip stands by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Austria in midcentury, circa 1970, (late 1960s or early 1970s). The light is document...
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Two extendable table lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Extendable in the hight from 50cm up to 54cm Brass parts are polished and stove enamelle...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hamburg, DE
Very rare Dornstab table lamp by Kalmar. An early design classic that draws its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature is the arrangement of the lamp...
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Table Lamp, Vienna, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Swiveling J.T. Kalmar table lamp, Vienna, circa 1960s Restored Metal and aluminium painted Brass polished and stove enameled Completely stretched out is the lamp 84 cm.
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Dornstab table lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, 1947
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Zaandam, NL
Extremely rare table lamp generally attributed to A. Pöll in the late 1940s for Kalmar Werkstatten but we've also seen a couple attributed to JT Kalmar as the designer, Vienna. Hardw...
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
J. T. Kalmar Three-Petal Icicle Flower, Melting Glass Table Lamp, 1960's
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Lisboa, PT
This table lamp was designed by J. T. Kalmar and produced by Kalmar Franken KG, in Austria, during the 1960's. It has three-petal icicle flower shape and is made of melting glass It ...
Brass
Large Kalmar Table Lamp 'Frankenberg', Illuminated Glass Stand Beige Shade, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large table lamp model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickeled base with a large hand ...
Brass
Stunning Green Murano Table Light by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral Table light with 4 hand-made clear and Green and Clear Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s He...
Murano Glass
Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Table or Floor Lamp, Glass Nickel, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and large 'Tulipan' table or floor lamp by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A nickel-plated base with a large handblown bubble glass. The red lamp shade...
Aluminum, Nickel
J.T. Kalmar Yellow Table Desk Side Lamp, Brass & Iron, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist Midcentury desk, table, or side lamp from the 1950s. Designed by Julius Theodor Kalmar and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This lamp is a version o...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Wonderful Large Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Glass Table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s. Great glass body and wonderful light effect. Very good condition. The Lampshade is not in a perfect condition. Measures: Large tabl...
Glass
1 of 2 Large Murano Smoked Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl Murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. It needs 3 x E27 ...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Large Murano Smoked Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl Murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-col...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Large Murano Smoked Glass Table lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl Murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. It needs 3 x E27 sta...
Murano Glass
Pair J.T. Kalmar Brass & Leather Mid-Century Table or Side Lamps, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A matching pair of elegant mid-century table or side lamps from the 1960s. Manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna / Austria. The lights are model „Essen“, model number 1268. They are handmade of brass and very solid. They have a stem / handle, which is covered with hand sewn dark-brown leather. Each light offers two light sources. The lamps are fully working and will come with refurbished lampshades, using the original frame to keep the original dimensions. The lampshades are covered with a beautiful high-quality Cretone fabric with an olive green and yellow-gold "Viennese braid...
Brass
Viennese Kalmar Brass and Glass Table Lamps, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Viennese Kalmar brass and glass table lamps, 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
$3,007
H 12.6 in W 14.57 in D 16.54 in
Big Rock Lamp "Dora" by André Cazenave, Disderot Editeur, France, 1969
By Atelier A, Andre Cazenave
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Original big "Dora" rock lamp designed by Andre Cazenave (1928-2003) for Disderot Editeur in France, circa 1969. Naturally shaped rock ambiance lamp featuring a luminous oversized pe...
Marble
J. T. Kalmar Brass and Wood Table Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Montréal, QC
J. T. Kalmar brass and wood table lamp. 60 watts E-26 Edison medium base incandescent bulb recommended or higher if LED/CFL.
Brass
Big Table Lamp Murano Italy 1970s Mazzega, Design Carlo Nason
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Rome, IT
Big table lamp in Murano glass featuring two simultaneous lights. Made in Italy by the Italian designer Mazzega, design by Carlo Nason, circa 1970.
Metal
$3,344
H 21.26 in W 18.9 in D 10.63 in
Large Glass Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, Italy, 1970s
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Milan, IT
Table lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega. Two large Murano glass waves, creating a light cloud.
Chrome
1 of 2 Large Murano Smoked Glass Table lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass table lamp by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl Murano glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. It needs 3 x E27 sta...
Murano Glass
1950s Austrian Brass 'Lily' Table Lamp Attributed to J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-20th century table lamp composed of a pale-yellow, oversized shade (resembling a lily petal) with an interior black metal socket and tubular brass base / brass hardware. Simple, ...
Brass, Metal
Two Extendable Table Lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Two extendable table lamps by J.T. Kalmar, circa 1950s Extendable in the hight from 50cm up to 54cm Brass parts are polished and stove enamelle...
Brass
$1,804
H 33.08 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Space Age Italian Geometric Chrome Floor or Table Lamp by Stilux, Milano, 1970s
By Stilux
Located in Rome, IT
Splendid floor or table lamp in chrome, featuring seven light bulbs placed at the end of chrome intersecting pipes giving life to a unique optical effect, which reminds a skyscraper....
Metal, Chrome
$1,684Sale Price|20% Off
H 21.26 in Dm 19.69 in
Space age table lamp of Italian design in murano glass 1970s
By Carlo Nason
Located in Milano, MI
Large opalescent murano glass table lamp in the style of Nason / Mazzega in milky white glass. The Lamp is presented in excellent condition. No precise attribution of designer or man...
Metal
$2,200
H 23 in W 10 in D 5 in
J.T. Kalmar Model "Style" Midcentury Cone Table Clamp Lamp, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare and beautiful vintage Austrian modernist table or desk lamp, model name „Style". Designed and produced by Kalmar Vienna/Austria in the 1950s. The cone lamp shade has still its...
Metal, Brass
$5,293 / set
H 13 in W 13.78 in D 16.93 in
Set of 3 “Dora” Lamps by André Cazenave for Atelier A - France - 1960s
By Atelier A, Andre Cazenave
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A remarkable ensemble of three “Dora” lamps designed by André Cazenave for the renowned Atelier A, featuring one exceptionally large piece. Each lamp boasts a stunning original patin...
Fiberglass
Sold
H 38.19 in Dm 15.75 in
Pair Large Kalmar Table Lamps 'Frankenberg', Glass Nickel Fabric Shades, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting, Venini, Barovier
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of rare and large table lamps model 'Frankenberg', no. 1359 by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The stand and base is mad...
Nickel, Brass, Metal
Wonderful Large Glass Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano Table Lamp by J.T. Kalmar from the 1980s Beautiful vintage Murano glass table lamp designed by J.T. Kalmar in the 1980s. The lamp features a mushroom shape with hand-blown gla...
Glass
Sold
H 16.54 in W 9.45 in D 11.03 in
midcentury modern brass and rattan Table Light by J.T KALMAR, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: table light Origin: Austria Design and Producer: J. T. KALMAR Age: 1950s This original vintage table light was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. by...
Brass
2 Big Table Lamps "Rebhuhn" by J.T. Kalmar around 1940s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
2 Big Table Lamps "Rebhuhn" by J.T. Kalmar around 1940s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade are replaced ( new )
Brass
Solid Table Lamp by J.T.Kalmar vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Solid Table lamp by J.T.Kalmar vienna around 1950s Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Kalmar Table Lamp Model 'Dom', Murano Glass Shade Patinated Brass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A brass and Murano glass table light model 'Dom' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). A large hand blown lampshade made of tex...
Brass
Pair of Table Lamps Rebhuhn by J.T. Kalmar around 1940s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Pair of Table Lamps Rebhuhn by J.T. Kalmar Brass polished and stove enameled The fabric shades are replaced ( new )
Brass
Rare Small Table Lamp by Kalmar, Austria, "Kraehenfuss", 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, BE
A very rare and beautiful table lamp with teak and brass elements and crow's foot. By Kalmar, Austria Makes a wonderful light when on! New professionally made lampshade in very har...
Brass
Brutalist Kalmar Cast Glass and Brass Table Lamp by Richard Essig
By Kalmar Lighting, Richard Essig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maison Charles inspired crystal and chrome lamp by Richard Essig for Kalmar. Shown with newer linen shade, sold separately. In original condition with visible wear consistent with it...
Brass
Early 'Billy TL' Table Lamp by J.T. Kalmar Austria, 1950
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Utrecht, NL
Early, 1950s execution of the 'Billy TL' table lamp by Austrian Kalmar Werkstätten. White (matt) sharp cut cone shape steel shade on solid teak woo...
Brass, Steel
J.T. Kalmar Billy TL Table Lamps, 1980s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Pair beautiful table Billy TL lamps designed by J. T. Kalmar Werkstätten, manufactured in 1980s, Austria. Black glossy sharp cone shape steel shade on solid te...
Metal
Two Extandable J.T.Kalmar Table Lamps with Fabric Shades Around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, AT
Two extandable J.T.Kalmar table lamps with fabric shades around 1950s Brass and iron lacquered The shades are replaced.
Brass, Iron