Clocks are one of the oldest time measurement inventions dating as far back as 1300. Though times are changing, wall clocks have remained important accessories that serve more than a single purpose.
With modern trends reshaping how we experience time telling, the size of your wall clock might turn out to be as crucial as its aesthetic appeal.
Judging from Big Ben to the old school grandfather clock back to my house, I’ve often wondered what the ideal size of a clock should be.
Is it a question of how small or how big should a wall clock be?
A regular wall clock should be between 8 to twenty-four inches, and the larger sizes can measure up to 32 inches. Wall clocks come in three basic sizes; small, medium, and large. Also, the size of your wall clock should be proportional to the available wall space to avoid clustering if the space is small or insignificant for larger wall spaces.
I’ve examined the factors you should consider when shopping or choosing the right wall clock size.
You’ll learn how to pick the tight spot for your wall clock and why size is necessary.
Why Clock Size is Important
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Depending on how open or small your space is, the size of your wall clock is something you should note before heading to the store to buy one. The size of a clock has the capability to influence your décor positively or negatively.
There are no generally acceptable sizes for wall clocks to refer to when choosing a basic clock to tell time. However, if your goal is to add to the aesthetics of your home, then you have much to consider.
Before you make a choice to buy a wall clock, you might want to take some measurements of the room. You can use this to determine the size range that you need to get. Unless you’re intending to follow a particular theme in the room, hanging a big clock as the centerpiece of a smaller room is not the best idea.
Small rooms usually look best with smaller clocks, whereas larger rooms look better with larger clocks. If the clock is to be viewed from a distance, such as in an open-plan home, then it may need a bigger face. Because the clock is seen from a distance, in this case, it must still be readable from far away, despite being a small room.
Wall clocks can be made of different materials ranging from wood, metals, plastic, and precious metals (silver or gold). Some clocks might come with features like calendars and a system to read the weather. With such versatility, it would be a shame to ruin the appeal of a good clock by picking the wrong size for your space.
Types of Wall Clocks
Knowing the different types of wall clocks is probably where you should start. There are different types of clocks to choose from based on the mode of operation.
The mechanical clock: This is mostly made of iron and was designed to replace the water clock. It has to be wound from time to time to set and read the time accurately and is a fine choice for people who prefer traditional or antique designs.
Pendulum clocks: This is also referred to as the Grandfather clock, makes use of swinging weight to read time and is affected by any motion. Over time, this clock has evolved, and there are modern versions of the pendulum wall clocks you can get for your home for an antique look.
Quartz clocks: These clocks are controlled by an electronic oscillator and quartz crystals that create signals and regulate timekeeping. It does not require maintenance or winding like the mechanical clock; it is precise as well.
Atomic clocks: operate using transitioning atoms and their vibrations. This type of clock adjusts itself via the daylight saving system.
How to Choose the Right Wall Clock?
Your convenience should be your first concern and if you prefer the quiet, then try to avoid clocks that tick loudly and go for the soundless ones. Battery-operated wall clocks are also more convenient as you do not have to set them continually except the battery dies.
Go for a clock with an easy-to-read face, whether numbers, roman numerals, or Arabic.
Check out the durability of the wall clock based on the materials used to make it. Clocks made with metal, silver, and aluminum will last longer than its counterpart made from plastic.
Whatever choice you make should reflect your creative style and blend with another décor. You can go for bold, wild, minimalist, industrial, vintage, traditional, or contemporary designs and shapes that will match with other materials in your personal space.
Things to Consider Before Putting up Your Wall Clock?
The available space is an important factor that should be considered when getting a wall clock. Considering the available wall space helps to choose the right size as large clocks in small spaces can feel overwhelming.
Oversized clocks can make the room look clustered and disarranged, just like small clocks will be unnoticeable in large spaces. If there are other pieces of decorations like trophies, calendars, and paintings or sculptures on the wall, then you should consider getting a smaller clock.
The focal point should not be left out while choosing wall clocks for your personal or office use. When shopping for clocks, choose shapes that stand out and match the position you want to place them. Also, place wall clocks at eye level and vantage points where it is easily noticeable.
Putting up wall clocks near or in between windows should be avoided as much as possible. Such a position is terrible because the rays of light deviate attention from the clock.
The space where the clock will be hung is important as well. For children’s rooms, medium-sized wall clocks with colorful designs should be chosen. Kids love something to hold their attention, especially during their formative years when they are learning how to tell time.
When choosing a wall clock for the living room, office, or gym, it is advisable to go for larger timepieces that draw attention and will be noticed at a glance; meanwhile, large timepieces will look out of place in the kitchen.
Your wall clock should also match the other furniture or décor in the room where it is in relation to style and color to avoid a tacky look. Contrast light and dark colors to make it stand out. Putting tiny clocks on black walls is not advisable and will likely not be noticed, so pay attention to style, design, and color schemes before buying your wall clock.
Final Thoughts
Like every other décor in your home, wall clocks should match your taste and style. You can achieve this by reading about color, shapes, and style in design. These three elements can greatly influence interior decoration.
If you would rather tell the time from your cellphone or other digital screens, then you can opt for digital wall clocks. These may be a more recent style of clocks, but they can serve the purpose of time telling and add aesthetic value to your home.
