Pair of 1960s Austrian Kalmar Textured Iced Glass Wall Lights

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  • Regular price £795.00
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1960s Austrian wall sconces or wall lights by J.T. Kalmar for Kalmar Lighting are a striking example of mid-century sculptural lighting design. Formed from thick, hand-cast textured glass, each sconce has a bold, architectural almost crystalline surface that catches and refracts the light beautifully. The glass appears silvered and slightly irregular, giving it a molten, organic quality that is characteristic of Kalmar’s high-quality post-war production. When illuminated, the sconces emit a soft, atmospheric glow, with light diffusing through the deeply textured glass to create subtle highlights and shadows. Even when unlit, they function as sculptural wall objects, reflecting ambient light and adding depth to the space. Designed and manufactured in Austria during the 1960s, these pieces reflect Kalmar Lighting’s reputation for combining craftsmanship, material innovation, and modernist design, making them highly desirable for both mid-century and contemporary interiors.

Kalmar Lighting was one of Austria’s most respected lighting manufacturers in the post-war period, renowned for its innovative use of materials and its close collaboration with leading designers, most notably J.T. Kalmar. Founded in Vienna, the company became internationally known during the 1950s and 1960s for producing lighting that bridged modernist design with a strong sense of craftsmanship. Kalmar Lighting was particularly celebrated for its experimentation with hand-cast and textured glass, often working with Murano-influenced techniques as well as heavy, sculptural forms that transformed light fittings into architectural features. Their designs were widely exported and specified for both private homes and public interiors, and today they are highly sought after for their quality, originality, and timeless appeal.

These wall sconces are especially versatile within the home. In a living room, they work beautifully as ambient lighting, flanking a sofa or fireplace and adding warmth and visual interest without overwhelming the space. In a hallway or entrance, their sculptural presence makes an immediate statement, offering a welcoming, softly diffused light that enhances architectural details. They are also well suited to bedrooms, where they can be used as elegant bedside lighting, creating a calm and atmospheric glow. In dining rooms or studies, the sconces add depth and character, complementing both mid-century interiors and more contemporary settings. Thanks to their substantial glass construction and refined design, they function as both lighting and decorative objects, bringing a sense of Austrian modernist heritage into a wide range of interior spaces.

The glass is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks.  One of the lightbulb holders was missing on one of the metal frames when I bought them which I've had to have remade as close to the original design as possible.  It is slightly longer but this is unnoticeable when the glass is in place.  Please refer to the images.

Rewired and in full working order.  2 x Edison E14 screw in lightbulbs are required in each wall light.  The lightbulbs are not supplied.

Dimensions: Width: 21.5cm Depth: 11cm Height: 19cm

A matching chandelier is also available on the Retro Living website.

https://retroliving.co.uk/collections/chandeliers/products/1960s-jt-kalmar-two-tier-iced-glass-chandelier

 




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