Wall Clocks

You can find many types of wall clocks to suite your purpose. You definitely don't need to have a very large one to tell the time, that's for sure. So, why have large wall clocks at all you might be wondering. Well, not you, but someone who isn't interested in buying one might be thinking that. They just don't get that you are looking to make a statement on your walls.

With the right wall clock in place, your statement will be bold. Now, just for reference sake, when we are talking about a 'large' wall clock, we are thinking in the range of 24 -48 inches in diameter. Yest, that's 2 to 4 feet! Imagine having something that large on your walls that isn't paint. This piece better be chosen wisely because you will definitely see it in there and so will each and every person that comes in your home.

You'll need to make sure that you have the space for such a clock. True, every wall has at least 4 feet of space, but I mean proportionate space. You'll need to make sure that your wall is able to accommodate such a large scale wall clock and not feel crowded or too overpowering. Walls where these type of large clocks work well is in rooms with cathedral or valted ceilings. The next thing to be sure of is the mounting hardware. You definitely want to make sure that this large piece of time-telling art is hung on a stud in your wall. You don't want to try to use drywall anchors (though they may be rated as okay for this). Go for the studs themselves and you will be able to enjoy your large wall clock for years to come.

The look and feel of a home with richness and depth usually has some type of wall clock. Have you ever noticed this? There might be a small one, maybe a larger one. There could be a family heirloom cuckoo clock or some other type of pendulum style clock that gongs on the hour. These are all very unique wall clocks in their own way. The common thread, however, is that each one of these homes has some type of wall clock decor.

To my mind, no other type of clock brings the same charm and elegance that wood wall clocks bring. They just have that warmth and handsomeness that only wood can provide. And, if you happen to have an antique wall clock, even better for that rich look. It isn't that antique wall clocks are necessarily better than the finely crafted newer ones, they just have a bit more charm to them. Usually, they had some type of key mechanism that would have been used - and still could be if it is functional AND you have the key - to wind up the springs for the clock to tell time. It usually lasted several days and then needed to be wound again. Ah, the conveniences of modern time telling.

Wood wall clocks come in a variety of styles. The classic older style consisted of having the clock in a wooden case that was hung on the wall. Glass doors and sides were typical of this type of construction. The face was usually made of ivory or some type of metal with either embossed, stamped, inlaid or painted numerals with metal hands. Then, it had that glass-opening hinge door to access the keyhole and hands. These older clocks were usually of a darker wood such as cherry or mahogany. Many of them are still prized by collectors today.

In this category of wall clocks place sits the opposite end of the spectrum from a traditional style.  It is the clock made of metal.  Actually, depending upon how you look at it, this style is one of the originals as well.  Metal, in the form of steel or wrought iron, was likely used as some of the first wall clocks.  In fact, those clocks that were literally built into the walls of stone mountain faces or the sides of buildings are almost always made of metal.  These clocks had to withstand the elements outdoors and metal was the obvious choice.

Metal wall clocks of today take a different path.  Some are still designed in order to pay tribute to those old marvels.  You can find these with a retro look to them or other type of classic characteristic styling.  Think of the old train stations or hotel lobbeys from times gone by.  Some cities still retain these large wall clocks.  Stations like Grand Central in New York City actually house a brand that is still in existence today.  In fact, their claim to fame is America's Oldest clock maker - Seth Thomas brand wall clocks. 

In a split from this older tradition, you will find the modern looking wall clock.  These contemporary clocks are made brushed nickel, aluminum or stainless steels.  They have a nice look to them, but it differs greatly from that old charm of iron or the old hotel lobby feel.  These clocks are definitely modern.  You would expect to see this in some type of installation where light woods and clean lines were present.  You can match these types of metal clocks with darker woods, but it is not as common.  There is no doubt about it though, metal clocks are making a chase for the most popular style of wall clock.