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.
1 of 5 Large Tulipan Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 73 hand blown glasses suspended on white painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria...
Murano Glass
One Pair of Glass Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Chrome metal base. High quality and...
Murano Glass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Barovier, Venini, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp Austria - 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 2 Kalmar Leuchten Leather Wrapped solid Brass floor lamp, Austria - 1960s. The measurements given apply to the lampbase. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in ac...
Brass
Large Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Sconce Wall Light 'PAN', Glass Nickel, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A single grand scale vintage icicle glass wall lights model 'PAN' (no. 4519) by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s...
Nickel
Large Tronchi Murano Glass chandelier by Venini for Kalmar, Austria, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
$3,033Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Midcentury Modern Kalmar Mazzega Murano Glass Wall Lights Sconces 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, AVMazzega
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern rare, organic brass, white and clear Murano glass double socketed wall lamps, lights or sconces by Austrian lighting manufacturer Kalmar, circa 197...
Metal, Brass
1 of 6 Large Tulipan Glass Flush Mount / Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier or flush mount. A large number of hand-blown glasses are suspended on a white-painted metal frame and brass center rod. Best of desig...
Brass
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Murano Sconce Wall Light, Florida, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with six Murano glass pieces on a gilt brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three E14 small...
Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Modell: SCHALMF High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
1 of 4 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
Huge J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Gilt Brass & Glass Chandelier Flush Mount, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A very elegant and large four-tier 20-inch Mid-Century Modern chandelier from the 1970s, model “Palazzo,” manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This chandelier is entirely ha...
Gold Plate, Brass
1 of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconce or Flush mount light with handcrafted Murano glass pieces on a chrome base, made by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Designed by...
Murano Glass
Pair of J.T. Kalmar 'Palazzo' Wall Light Fixtures Gilt Brass and Glass
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
Pair of Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with one large Murano glass piece in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. White color metal base. High quality...
Chrome
1 of 2 Petite Rare Pagoda Glass Flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 2 wonderful rare petite flush mounts with onion-shaped glasses. 12 hand-blown glasses suspended on a gold-painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. ...
Metal
Large Chrome Space Age Sputnik Atomium Chandelier by Cosack, Germany, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Sputnik chandelier designed by Cosack during the 1970s. Nice Space Age design. Sockets: It needs 18x E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs are not included. It is possible to in...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare Kalmar Dornstab table lamp. An early design classic that derives its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of t...
Metal
$2,924 / set
Pair of Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of mid century wall sconces with two large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Model: Prisma Each sconce requir...
Chrome
1 of 9 Petite Murano Glass Pendant lights - Granada, by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 9 rare and striking petite pendant lights made by Kalmar, model Granada , produced in the 1970s. This impressive light features a structured Murano glass element that beautiful...
Murano 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
Murano Glass Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B), Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Chandelier "Tulipan" by Kalmar (B) Austria 1960s High-quality vintage chandelier by Kalmar featuring 41 tulip-shaped glass elements that create a soft, atmospheric light. The textur...
Metal
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Big J.T.Kalmar ceiling lamp with structure glass shade vienna around 1950s Original condiction Fancy model Structure glass shade
Brass
1 of 3 Ice Glass Pendant Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful and elegant modern pendant lights, manufactured by Kalmar, Austria in the 1970s. High end simplistic design. Each light has brass sockets and one layer of extremely stylis...
Brass
$793Sale Price|47% Off
Kalmar Lighting Chandelier Glass Ice First Chrome Structure, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Chandelier Pendant Light, Blown Glass, 1970, One of Two
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two glass pendant chandeliers model 'Tulipan' by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1...
Metal
1 of the 8 of Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar 'H 21.2', 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 8 unique elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blown ...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 3 J.T. Kalmar Faceted Glass and Gilt Brass Sconces, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconce featuring wonderful faceted crystal clear glass "triete" prism-rods, with brass details and back plate. Made by J.T Kalmar, Vienna. Illuminates beautifully. High...
Gold
Floor Lamp with Fabric Shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Floor lamp with fabric shade around 1950s by J.T. Kalmar Polished and stove enamelled The fabric shade is replaced ( new ).
Brass
Missoni x Kalmar Vienna Adjustable Brass Tripod Table Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, Missoni Home, J.T. Kalmar
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
Set of Six Wall Lights Sconces by Kalmar, Brass Clear Milk Murano Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Venini, Fontana Arte
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of six large wall lights model 'Ango' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970. A polished brass backplate holds a clear, white or mother-of-pearl-colored an...
Brass
1 of 3 Large Kalmar Sconce Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconces with three thick Murano glasses, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Model: Pan High quality and in very good condition. Cleane...
Chrome
1 of 3 Large 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 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very g...
Murano Glass
Two 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 two cube-shaped ice glass lampshades mounted on a sleek chro...
Metal, Chrome
Large Murano Smoked Glass Chandelier Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber colored stripe in it. It needs 6 x E27 stand...
Murano Glass
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By Barovier, Venini, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo Flush Mount Chandelier Gold Brass Glass Lamp, Austria, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
J.T. Kalmar Palazzo flush mount chandelier gold brass glass lamp, Austria, 1960. Stunning four-tier 19" Austrian Kalmar chandelier in excellent condit...
Gold, Brass
Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
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 2 Sets of Large Kalmar Sconces Palmette Wall Lights, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic pair of mid-century wall sconces with Murano glass pieces in each lamp, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Great geometrical shape. Series: Palmette ...
Metal
Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
XL 1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern 1970s Italian Murano Glass floral pendant light. This pendant lamp was design by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Franken lighting Austria, and handmade by renowned Murano g...
Murano Glass
Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very goo...
Murano Glass
Huge Palmette Murano Flush Mount Light, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic Mid-Century flush mount ceiling light, made in Italy, circa 1970s. This striking piece features an elegant arrangement of clear Murano glass leaves, complemented by refined...
Metal
1 of 7 Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Ficus, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Smoked glass pieces on a brass base, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Designed by Carlo Nason Model: Ficus ...
Crystal, Brass
Large Murano Glass Flushmount Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large flush mount lights designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s Wonderful large organic Murano glass Clear with a light white tone. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well...
Brass
1 of 3 Huge Kalmar Ice Glass Flush Mount, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
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. Heavy q...
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
Mid Century Massive Textured Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lucija, SI
High quality Mid Century flush mount Lamp, with massive textured glass, was made by Kalmar Austria in '60s. The lamp can be used as a ceiling or as a wall lamp. Very special piece....
Aluminum
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
1 of 2 Large Kalmar Sconces Murano Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic mid-century wall sconce with five Murano ice glass pieces, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. The sconce needs three x E14 small bulbs, and they are co...
Murano Glass
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
1 of 2 Kalmar Sputnik Chandeliers Pendant Lights 'RS 12', Aluminum Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of Two rare and fantastic 12-arm atomic chandeliers / pendant lights model "RS 12 Kugel HL" by Kalmar, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (at the end of 1960s and beginning ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Pair of Large Murano Glass Sconces by Kalmar 'Fuente', 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. Serie: 'Fuente' High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned...
Murano Glass
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
$7,310 / item
'Dornstab' Floor Lamp by J.T. Kalmar
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Utrecht, NL
All new, contemporary edition of J.T. Kalmar's iconic 'Dornstab' design from 1947 in exclusive hardwood (Paul Ferro) or Wenge & bronzed brass base with silk fabric lamp shade. Made a...
Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Mazzega, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
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
1 of 5 Large Kalmar Murano Flush mount Lights, 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
Kalmar 'Hase TL' Table Lamp of Brass & Leather - 2 PCS IN STOCK
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