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Time is the master of us all. But the timekeeping elements of clocks are only part of their charm.
They have become works of art in their own right, adding interest and character to a room.
‘Information is beautiful. That’s a clock. It’s something moving, dynamic,” says Jo Le Gleud, co-founder of award-winning design studio Maddux Creative.
Traditional or modern: Grandfather clocks are finally back in fashion and can really stand out in the hallway, but there are also many more contemporary styles
And we’re getting more creative in choosing the timepieces to introduce into the home.
Jane Murray, homebuyer at Heal’s furniture store, says, “Customers are choosing more quirky, more colorful designs because people rely on their phones and smart devices for practical tasks like telling the time.”
Whatever your taste, there is a plethora of different styles and types of clocks to choose from.
On the wall
Large wall clocks are a brilliant way to fill space and draw attention. Newgate’s Mr Edwards Wall Clock (£125) in gray is a good starting point.
“With a minimalist white dial and matte gray metal case, this classic mid-century design is perfect for subdued environments, stunning on its own, over a fireplace or to break up a decorative gallery wall,” says Murray. .
Graham & Green’s large yellow wall clock (£79) injects a burst of sunshine that offsets the bold black dial markings and red numbers, while Ikea’s Pluttis red timekeeper is striking and a £5 haircut, ikea.com.
Bordering art with its sculptural form, Vitra’s George Nelson Sunburst Wall Clock (£369) is a faithful reissue of a popular 1950s collector’s piece designed by the eminent American architect.
It’s worth scouring antique stores and the Internet for antique pieces that would go well with modern interiors.
“We recently bought and installed a beautiful 1820s convex glass mahogany round wall clock in a kitchen,” says interior designer Anna Haines. “It anchors the room and is of course a ‘one off’, which is quite special.”
Stylish: Newgate’s Hollywood Hills Mantel Clock (£99) would make a stylish addition to any mantel or shelf
Shelf life
Chimney clocks can be seen as old fashioned, but there are some fantastic contemporary clocks.
Brown and Ginger’s Atomic Orange Flock Mantel Clock (£49) looks like something out of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. It is based on a French design from the 1750s, but is completely modern thanks to the vibrant color and flock finish.
Newgate’s Hollywood Hills mantel clock (£99), with its rectangular oak frame and multicolored hour markers, would make a stylish addition to any mantelpiece or shelf.
Turn and click
There’s a utilitarian coolness to Twemco’s Series 17 Flip Clock & Calendar in Black (£515).
This expanded version of the 1956 classic is instantly recognizable and adds design edge to a kitchen or living room.
The Font Clock G100 Small from Established & Sons (£504) is an undeniable vintage classic.
“The continuous 24-hour flip display on the Font Clock gives it a real nostalgic feel, while different graphic fonts give it a contemporary aesthetic, making it a timeless piece in any living space,” says Murray.
Those who want something very up-to-date will like QlockTwo’s Touch Black Ice Acrylic Clock (£555) – a square clock with a matrix of letters that illuminate the time in words.
Up-to-date: QlockTwo’s Touch Black Ice acrylic clock is a super modern option that tells the time in words
New cuckoos
It’s easy to think of cuckoo clocks as the gaudy traditional clocks that came from Germany and Switzerland in the mid-1800s, but some of the new ones are much less kitsch.
“Modern cuckoo clocks are a great way to add personality to your home, giving all the fun of a traditional cuckoo clock, with a contemporary, sleek design,” says Jane Nicholson, co-founder of online design showroom House of Dome.
‘Our collection winks at the classic Swiss chalet and Black Forest style, but is minimalist and sleek for the modern interior’
The Titti 2077 from Diamantini and Domeniconi (£228) comes in a yellow, white or pink lacquered finish and has a smart built-in light sensor so the cuckoo won’t keep you up at night.
king of bells
With their tall stature, elaborate faces and trademark Westminster four-bell chimes, grandfathers are the undisputed king of bells and add a touch of class to a hallway.
Antique grandfather clocks can cost tens of thousands but can be picked up for as little as £350. Dunelm’s Fulton Grandfather clock (£200) evolves this design classic to create a clock with one open shelf and drawers.
Tiuku’s longcase pendulum clock (£245) is a minimalist, modern and colorful take on this much-loved design.
Time is of the essence. So what are you waiting for?