Designer Beth R. Martin agrees. “If you want your clock to feel contemporary and chic, then go bold with your selection and contrast the style in the rest of the room," she advises. “Add a pop of color or an interesting texture, and it will feel more like art than a timepiece.” To help you find the right timepiece for your space, we sifted through hundreds of products, scouring bestseller lists and reading reviews. Our favorite is the Master Edwards by Newgate—a transitional piece with big, easy-to-read numbers. From budget-friendly picks to classic designs, here are the best wall clocks on the market today. The whole thing is powered by one AA battery, so you won’t have to wire anything or dig around for an unusual type of battery. And there’s only a faint tick, so it’s not distracting—even if you have it in a quiet space like a home office or nursery. Price at time of publish: $89 With a 10-inch diameter, large black numbers, and aluminum hands, it’s easy to see the time from across the room. The entire unit is powered by a single AA battery for maximum convenience. For a cool, modern look, try arranging a few of these together and set each one to a different time zone—perhaps to your favorite travel destination or the home of loved ones. Price at time of publish: $20 One note: This clock does make a significant ticking sound as time passes, so be sure that type of noise won’t bother you. And, since it’s slightly larger than 20 inches across, you’ll want to measure your space first. Price at time of publish: $59 All the information is in a graphic, black-and-white, large-format font that’s easy to read, too. You can even program the clock with up to five daily alarms—great for reminders to take medications, scheduling regular breaks throughout the workday, or getting to bed on time. Overall, it’s a great pick for anyone, but these features make it especially suitable for the exceptionally young or elderly. And, if you tire of staring at a screen all the time, you have options—the face has an auto-dim function that adjusts the brightness according to the time and environment. Price at time of publish: $48 It’s also completely silent, so you can mount the clock anywhere—even in a bedroom or a home office—without any interruption during the day. It’s powered by a single AA battery, so replacement is a breeze. One downside to this clock is that the base is exceptionally deep, making it difficult to tell the time from an angle. Still, it creates cool shadows on the wall, adding to the overall visual interest of the piece. Price at time of publish: $460 No matter what color you choose, the aesthetic fits right in just about anywhere. This is thanks in large part to a spun steel case and a domed glass lens, reminiscent of the schoolhouse wall clocks of yesteryear. Of course, you’ll have to spend up to get this piece, but it’s a purchase that’s well justified when you’re looking for quality, longevity, and authenticity. Price at time of publish: $299 Though not antique, the wooden clock certainly looks the part, with a distressed shiplap face complete with large-format Roman numerals that deliver immediate farmhouse chic vibes. It also has large, ornate hands that give the piece added character. What’s more, it’s relatively affordable—especially considering its size. Plus, if the classic black-and-white isn’t your style, the wall clock is available in a range of colors, including gray, navy, stained wood, and more. Price at time of publish: $70 Of course, you can always hang the clock inside, too. The large format makes it a great statement piece for an empty wall or over the mantle. Just be aware: Because of the way the Roman numerals are cut into the metal, it can be a bit challenging to actually read the time—particularly for children and elderly people who may have trouble seeing from a distance. Price at time of publish: $303 It’s important to note that reviewers say this clock is very heavy—so make sure you have the proper mounting hardware to prevent any mishaps. It also makes a relatively loud ticking sound, which may be distracting for some (but undoubtedly adds to the traditional flair). Price at time of publish: $58
Materials
In some rooms, a clock’s material is a matter of personal preference. However, in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure your clock can stand up to the elements. Look for metal or glass clocks that can easily be cleaned in the kitchen, and look for clocks that won’t be affected by steam or water in the bathroom.
Size
Treat a wall clock as a piece of art and measure your wall space where you’re planning to hang it before you buy it. There’s a wide range of wall clock sizes out there, with most coming in at around 10 to 12 inches and others as big as 30 inches across. If you’re looking to add a little accent to your space, you’ll generally want to go smaller, while larger wall clocks can serve as statement pieces on their own.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This piece was written by Brigitt Earley, a writer with nearly 15 years of experience covering home decor. Brigitt has written and edited hundreds of articles and buying guides, ranging from throw pillows and blankets to small appliances and affordable art for your walls. To curate this list, she scoured bestseller lists, reading all of the specs and reviews. All the models featured are stylish and functional, with a proven track record. For additional insight, Brigitt consulted Heather Bise, owner of design consulting firm Bise Bespoke, as well as designer Beth R. Martin. Tim Minerd provided additional research and reporting.
