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.
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Murano Clear Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Clear Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. ...
Metal, Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a messing hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
1 of 4 Large Kalmar 'Tulipan' Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 4 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. Each sconce...
Murano Glass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and pretty Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconce, model "Citrus" 4663/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG. Excell...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and smoked Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy ...
Murano Glass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Three Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Three "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and White Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy q...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
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 3 Large Kalmar Wall Light Murano Glass by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 Exquisite midcentury wall sconce featuring a sophisticated design with five large Murano glass pieces elegantly mounted on a chrome frame. Crafted by Kalmar in Austria, these ...
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
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights Citrus, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 Wonderful of mid-century wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs 2 x E14 small bulb...
Murano Glass
Austrian Midcentury Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Set of Four Clear Murano Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken ...
Metal, Brass
Lovely Murano Glass and Chrome Wall Light Sconce by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Lovely organic hand blown glass and chrome sconce by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: 1
Chrome
Large White Glass Pendant light by Kalmar-Fazzoletto, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning glass Pendant light by Kalmar -Name of this Serie: Fazzoletto , made in the 1970s Nice structured glass, beautifully refracting the light. High quality and in very good co...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of gorgeous and ultra rare wall lights by Austrian lighting manufacturer J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970. Five multicolored (blue, smoke, amber, clear) gla...
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
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
Murano Glass
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, J.T. Kalmar, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two beautiful and handmade high quality pendant light fixtures model 'Florida' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The...
Crystal, Brass
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
Kalmar Atomic Floor or Table Lamp 'RS 6 TL', Aluminum Glass, 1970, One of Two
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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, Nickel, Chrome
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Ruba Rare sconces. High qu...
Metal
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Two Murano Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Kalmar" Double Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4664/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing original vintage Kalmar chandelier with thick textured glass pendants — each one resembles elongated icicles. Handmade glass, metal mount with natural patina. Austria, the 19...
Murano 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 6 Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Tronchi Wall Lights Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 stunning mid-century wall sconces featuring seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, crafted by Kalmar, Austria, and manufactured between 1970-1979. This is a very rare ...
Metal, Brass
Amazing Large Pendant Lamp by Adolf Loos for Kalmar
By Florian Schulz, Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos, Kalmar Lighting, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in München, DE
Very rare and large pendant lamp by Adolf Loos from the 1950s. The high-quality materials, such as the new seagrass lampshade, make this lamp a unique design object. It creates a ver...
Brass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kalmar , Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal fram...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty, stunning and unique Set of Four Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by...
Metal
1 of 8 Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 5 midcentury wall sconces with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and ready to u...
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
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of a chandelier model 'Tulipan' and a matching pair of wall lamps by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). The name Tul...
Brass, Metal
$3,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 of 3 Stunning Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 70s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning Large Murano glass Chandelier designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1970s. (Serie: CEO) The Chandelier is composed of 35 thick textured glass el...
Chrome
1 of 2 Pairs of Small J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end and handmade brass wall lights made by Kalmar in Austria. This model "Palazzo" was manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Large polished brilliant crystal glasses are mount...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and re...
Murano Glass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 5 Murano glass pieces on a gold color metal frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3...
Murano Glass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
1 of 3 Pairs of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with 5 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each fixture requires 3 x E14 Standard bulbs. Lig...
Murano Glass
1 of 2 Sets of Kalmar Gilded Sconces Murano Wall Lights Palazzo, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury gilded brass wall sconces with 3 Murano glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Each sconce takes two x E14 bulbs. Light b...
Brass
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Clear Murano Glass Wall Sconce model "Citrus" 4665/2. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalma...
Metal, Brass
1 of 6 Large Glass Wall Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce with a large of Murano glass piece, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs 1 x E27 standard ...
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 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
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
1 of 2 Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Soria', Ice Glass, Germany, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A Stunning large Chandelier with brilliant ice glasses made by Kalmar (Series: Soria), Germany, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Six tiers structure gathers many structured glasses, be...
Crystal
Pair of J.T. Kalmar of Murano Glass Brass Sconces, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of elegant J.T. Kalmar sconces featuring thick white and clear swirl glass on a gilded brass base. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. Ill...
Brass
1 of 2 J.T. Kalmar Franken Clear and Brown Glass Flush Mounts Wall Lights, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 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 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
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
Kalmar Chandelier "Tulipan" Chandelier, Austria, Murano Glass, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic and high-quality Chandelier featured in a metal frame white coated and brass elements with ten E14 bulbs and 41 hand-blown clear glass onion shaped globes. Made by J.T. Kalma...
Metal, 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
1 of 2 Pairs of Kalmar Brass & Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with Murano glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. The frame is gilt brass. High quality and in very good condition. Clean...
Brass
Large Rare Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 12 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in ve...
Murano Glass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
1 of 3 Mid Century Kalmar Murano Glass Sconce Wall Light, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 3 exceptional Mid-Century Modern wall sconces by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960s. Featuring beautifully textured Murano glass shades mounted on an elegant brass frame,...
Glass