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 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 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
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
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
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Clear Murano Large Wall Sconce by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Austrian Mid-Century "Citrus" Murano Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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 Max Ingrand, J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Bakalowits & Söhne, Ernest Palme
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
Pair of Glass Brass Wall Lights by J. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Hillebrand
Located in Rijssen, NL
A pair of high-end structured ice glass wall sconces by J. Kalmar, produced by Hillebrand, manufactured circa 1960s in Austria, Europe. Each wall fixture is made from brass and it fe...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Mazzega, Orrefors, Kalmar Lighting
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
Large Mid-Century Kalmar Sconce Wall Lamp Icicle Murano Ice Glass 1970s, Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Andernach, DE
Magnificent wall lamp by 'Kalmar Kolarz KG', Austrias (Vienna) famous early 20th century up to today manufacturer of high-end design lighting. Made from 3 hand made, chunky Murano G...
Metal
Several Textured Ice Glass Brass Wall Lights by 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. Twelve thick, textured glass beams in an organic, wave-like shape. The clear glass has ...
Brass
1 of the 2 Two-tone Brass Glass Wall Light by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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
Pair of Wall Lights Model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna Austria
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
An exclusive pair of wall lights model "Florida" by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in mid century, circa 1970, (at the end of 1960s and beginning of 1970s). Handmade and...
Gold Plate
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
Pair of Amber Glass Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
pair of unique elegant 'Tulipan' amber glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blo...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Austrian Vintage Sculptural Murano Glass Wall Light Sconce by Kalmar 60s
By J.T. Kalmar, Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of organic clear blown Murano glass sconce by J.T. Kalmar. Austria, 1960s.
Metal
Kalmar Chandelier or Flush Mount Light Brass Curved Textured Glass, 1960, 1 of 2
By Barovier&Toso, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Venini, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A brass and glass basket light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960 (late 1950s or early 1960s). Two fixtures are available. The price is p...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Star Shaped Nickel and Glass Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights, 1970s
By Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of beautiful star-shaped light fixtures by Kalmar Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). They are made of frosted clear glass, a ...
Metal, Chrome, Nickel
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Four Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
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, Nickel, Chrome
Modern Iceglass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the two light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured circa 1960. The glass shows a beautiful wave texture, which gives a nice diffuse light effect and a nice p...
Steel
$1,120Sale Price|25% Off
Austrian Large Midcentury Murano "Florian" Wall Sconce by Kalmar Franken, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beauty and stunning Austrian Mid-Century "Kalmar" Large Wall Sconce, model "Florian" 4402.06.50. This Sconce was designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frank...
Metal, Brass
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
Kalmar Glass Sconces Wall Lights, Blue Amber Smoke Art Glass White Metal, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, 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
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
Pair Of 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 brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a t...
Brass
1 of 2 Pairs of Small J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass
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
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
$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
Set Kalmar Chandelier and Pair of Sconces Wall Lights 'Tulipan' Glass Brass 1970
By Mazzega, Orrefors, J.T. Kalmar, 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
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
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
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
One of Two Kalmar Chandeliers or Pendant Lights 'Florida', Glass and Brass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
$1,749Sale Price|50% Off
Mid Century Modern J. T. Kalmar Franken KG Atomic 7 Chrome Table Lamp
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare "Atomic 7" model table lamp by J.T. Kalmar of Austria. The unique design is inspired by the shape of an atomic molecule and features 7 individual sockets/bulbs. This is a fant...
Chrome
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
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
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
Medium Mid-Century J.T. Kalmar Murano Ice Glass Wall Sconce, 1970s, Vienna
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Andernach, DE
Magnificent wall lamp by 'Kalmar Kolarz KG', Austrias (Vienna) famous early 20th century up to today manufacturer of high-end design lighting. Made from 2 hand made, chunky Murano G...
Metal
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
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
Huge Kalmar Chandelier 'Finger', Textured Ice Glass and Nickel, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An extra large light fixture model 'FINGER' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). A white painted metal frame holds a lot of textured ...
Metal, Nickel
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
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
Pair of Extra Large J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
XL Smoked glass wall lamps from the 1960s. Spectaculair design and high quality workmanship. The light illuminates lovely due to the multicolored and structured glass, it creates ...
Metal
$4,980 / item
Large J.T. Kalmar Uplight Brass Dome Chandelier
By J.T. Kalmar, Florian Schulz
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
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
Extra Large Chandelier Pendant Light Kalmar 'Tulipan', Murano Glass Brass, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
$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
Several Textured Ice Glass and Chrome Wall Lights 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...
Chrome
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
Pair of Brass and Hand Blown Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end wall sconces made of blown glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a taste for exce...
Brass
Kalmar Chandelier "Tulipan" Chandelier, Austria, Murano Glass, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Aluminum Chandelier, Chrome Finish, 1968
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Pendant Light 'Dreistich' J.T. Kalmar, Brass Walnut Wood Parchment Shades, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Rupert Nikoll, Stilnovo, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
$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
1 of the 6 Square Glass and Brass Light Fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
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
Austrian Mid-Century Set of Eight Murano "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Eight Austrian Mid-Century smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austri...
Metal, Brass
Two Kalmar 'Blatt' Pendant Lights Chandeliers, Textured Glass Nickel, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two light Mid-Century Modern fixtures model 'Blatt' (Blatt is the German word for leaf) by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). 27 disc shaped...
Brass, Nickel