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 (J.T.) 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, J.T. 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 State Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, J.T. 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 J.T. Kalmar lighting that includes chandeliers, wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
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
Set of 2 Austrian Ice Glass Wall Lamps by J.T. Kalmar
By Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Max Ingrand, Ernest Palme, J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful frosted glass wall lamps from the 1960s. The frosted glass creates a very pleasant lighting effect, spreading an elegant, sparkling play of light throughout the room. Wonde...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By Venini, Mazzega, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 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
Textured Iced Glass Square Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Rich texured square iced glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria 1960. The flush mount has four thick textured glass panels which form a square together. Cleaned and well-wired, in ful...
Glass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, AT
Kalmar 'Tulipan' ceiling lamp around, 1960s Brass polished and stove enameled Original glasses
Brass
Pair of Small Palmette Gold Brass Structured Wall Lights, 1960s, Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful wall lights were designed in the style of Kalmar, featuring a brass base and a rectangular glass cover in opal and clear glass. The glass cover consists of one layer of bea...
Brass
J.T Kalmar Mid Century Brass Lucite Ceiling Light Flush Mounts (2), Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Fontana Arte
Located in Vienna, AT
Perfectly preserved vintage, labelled J.T Kalmar flush mounts, Austria, circa 1970- Two lights available, priced per piece. Dimensions are 26" x 26" x 11.4" Rare minimalistic flush ...
Brass
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
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, 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
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
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Fontana Arte, Kalmar Lighting
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
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Interlocking Murano Chandelier Flush Mount Glass & Brass Carlo Nason Kalmar 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant cascading ceiling light with 48 clear, pink and blue interlocking Murano glasses suspended individually on a golden brass frame. Multicolored glasses can be arranged individu...
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
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Venini, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting
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
$600Sale Price|50% Off
Kalmar 1960s Glass Floral Wall Light
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in New York, NY
1960s German wall lights composed of a heavy thick glass floral element and a polished brass frame by Kalmar. One light source. Newly Rewired.
Brass
$3,200Sale Price|33% Off
J.T Kalmar Art Deco Style Semi Flush Mount Brass Glass, Austria 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Perfectly preserved vintage J.T Kalmar semi-flush mount or chandelier, Austria, circa 1970 Reminiscent of classic Art Deco flush mounts, this piece is consisting of a single brass di...
Brass
Beautiful large mid-century brass crow's foot table lamp by Kalmar Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in München, DE
Beautiful large Mid-Century Modern brass table lamp with a crow's foot. Manufactured by Kalmar. Made in Austria. Very attractive, typical, striking Mid-Century design with a brass ba...
Brass
Square Kalmar Textured Glass Flush Mount Light Sconce 'Hippolyt', 1960
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A textured glass flushmount light fixtures model 'Hippolyt 42', model no. 5256 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. The lamps can be used as ceiling or wall lights....
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Floor Lamp, Mod. Pelikan 'N. 2097', Metal and Brass, Austria, '50s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Argelato, BO
Pelikan floor lamp, mod. 2097, by the Austrian designer J.T. Kalmar. This elegant vintage floor lamp stands out for its iconic, mid-century modern and refined design. The structure...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar, Wall Lights, Glass, Brass, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white opaline glass and brass wall lights produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.25"H x 4.0"W x 3.25"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): ...
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
1 of the 2 Pairs of Brass and Brown Glass Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high end wall sconces made of hand blown clear and opal and brown (smoked) Murano glass on a messing hardware designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Mini...
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 "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663/2. These Sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Franken KG....
Metal, Brass
One of the Four Pairs Citrus Swirl Clear Glass Wall Lights from J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Kalmar swirl sconces wall lights with clear citrus shaped glass, designed and manufactured in Austria, Europe by J.T. Kalmar/Kalmar Lighting in around 1969. Beautiful, thick textured...
Metal, Brass
A Pair Of J.T. Kalmar Tulipan Glass Wall Lamps, Sconces
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Kalmar tulipan sconces from about 1950s, brass frame with four tulipan shaped glasses, fitted with two E14 socket. Fully working. Price per set of two
Brass
One of Three Wave Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three wave glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Simple yet beautiful design. Each pendant has one wave textured glass...
Brass
Pendant Light 'Dreistich' J.T. Kalmar, Brass Walnut Wood Parchment Shades, 1960s
By Rupert Nikoll, Josef Frank, Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A fantastic pendant light model 'Dreistich' no. 3759 made of brass and walnut wood with parchment lamp shades by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, ca. 1960 (l...
Brass
Kalmar Flush Mount Light 'Catena', Brass Murano Glass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous flush mount light model 'Catena' by Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or 1970s). 18 large 'ribbons' in clear (12 pieces) and whit...
Brass
Jelly Fish Smoked Clear Wall Light/sconce, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Truly amazing rare Kalmar "Jelly Fisch"sconce produced in 1960s Austria. Wonderful large organic Murano glass lamp shade is held by a chrome bracket on a chrome back plate. In very ...
Chrome
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
Floor Lamp Height Adjustable 'Fliegenbein' J.T. Kalmar, Black Metal Leather 1960
By Stilnovo, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare height adjustable floor lamp model no. 2116 'Fliegenbein' (engl. 'flys leg') by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, ca. 1960. This gorgeous piece is made of a bl...
Metal, Wire
$2,990 / set
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of ice glass Kalmar wall sconces. Each one is composed by two pieces of ice glass blocks placed on a metal base. This pair of sconces is in excellent condition and they have be...
Steel, Metal
Large Fazzoletto Pendant Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare stunning glass Pendant lamp by Kalmar Fazzoletto, Designed in the 1970s in Austria by J.T. Kalmar Excellent quality and in very good condition. New electric with one E27 socket ...
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
$578Sale Price / item|51% Off
Multiple Large Clear Glass White Pendant Lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960, Restored
By J.T. Kalmar, Vistosi
Located in Vienna, AT
Multiple large clear glass white pendant lamps J.T. Kalmar, 1960 restored. Sold and priced individually Set of 13 large identical tubular c...
Brass
$4,980 / item
Large J.T. Kalmar Uplight Brass Dome Chandelier
By Florian Schulz, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass dome lamp by J.T. Kalmar from the 1970s. Fitted with six E27 polcelain sockets and up to 100watts each. Excelent condition, repolished. up to 5 p...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kalmar Atomic Aluminum Chandelier. Round lightbulbs make the fixture anything you want it to be! white, clear or even round balls with 1/2 chrome tops ...
Chrome
Austrian Brass and Walnut Midcentury Chandelier by Oswald Haerdtl for Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Vienna, AT
Walnut star with brass arms with cone shaped shades and fitted with five E27 sockets. Designed in the early 1950s by Oswald Haerdtl for J.T. Kalmar. New shades.
Brass
Counterweight Silk Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar Designed by Adolf Loos
By Adolf Loos, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A height adjustable rare brass counter balance pendant lamp by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s and designed by Adolf Loos. Fitted with three E27 sockets. The lamp is ...
Brass
Textured Ice Glass and Brass Wall Light Kalmar, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern wall lights in the style of Kalmar in the 1970s. A lovely design. Nine thick, textured glass beams in an organic, wave-like shape. The clear glass has an...
Brass
Patinated Brass Uplight Bowl Chandelier Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, 1960
By J.T. Kalmar, Florian Schulz, Stilnovo
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large polished brass bowl up light chandelier / pendant light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). The fixture is made of so...
Brass, Metal
$3,200 / item
Original Kalmar Ice Glass Chandelier from 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Kalmar chandelier brass construction from about 1950s fully working piece of Mid-Century. Measure: Height 60 cm. Diameter: 58 cm.
Gold Plate, Brass
$3,828Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Onion Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, Art Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury modern beautiful, onion shaped ‘Tulipan’ chandelier designed and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar in the 1950’s. Made in Vienna, Austria. The chandelier features a metal frame ...
Art Glass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
$813Sale Price|47% Off
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional JT Kalmar chandelier with large ice frost glass with chrome structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the bes...
Glass
Austrian Mid-Century Pair of "Citrus" Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Floor lamp by J.T. Calmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Floor lamp chrome base and acrylic tubes .Three way switch . Lamp can be also a table lamp
Chrome
Mid-Century Ice Glass & Brass Chandelier By J.T. Kalmar, Austria c.1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in London, GB
A fabulously elegant Mid-Century Modernist Austrian ice-glass & brass chandelier by J.T. Kalmar, dating from circa 1970. The chandelier, which was part of the 'Sierra' series, i...
Brass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Light Chandelier, Glass Brass White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Beautiful Large Chandelier with Textured Glass by Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass construction with nine arms and textured glass shades, fitted with E14 socktes. Made in Austria in the 1950s J. T. Kalmar Vienna.
Brass
Palazzo Ice Glass Chandelier by J.T. Kalmar
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, J.T. Kalmar, Ernest Palme, Palwa, Bakalowits & Söhne
Located in München, DE
Wonderful ice glass chandelier from the 1960s. The beautifully shaped Murano glass elements create an impressive sparkling play of light. Extraordinarily high-quality workmanship. Ve...
Metal
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
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
Counterweight Pendant Light by J.T. Kalmar, Josef Frank, Brass Wicker, 1950s
By Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Haus & Garten, Svenskt Tenn, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rare and fantastic height adjustable brass counter balance pendant lamp with a wicker lampshade model 'Kugel-Dreierzug' no. 2514 by J.T. Kalmar manufactured in midcentury in 1950s....
Brass
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Adjustable Counterweight Pendant Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning midcentury height-adjustable pendant light from the 1950s, the Kalmar Model 2520, featuring a counterweight, a beautifully leather-covered handle, and a cylindrical pastel green lampshade...
Metal, Brass