Clocks are one of the oldest inventions – they can be dated as far back as the early 1300s in Europe. Clocks can vary in design, but all serve the same purpose of allowing you to see what time it is, an especially helpful function when your phone is across the room. From functional to decorative, clocks are a staple part of every home. Read on to find the perfect type of clock for your home.

Types of Clocks

From wall clocks to pendulum clocks, there are a variety of clock types.

Wall Clocks

Wall clocks are the most common type of clock and are commonly used in homes and offices. They can be used purely functionally, making it easy to glance up and check the time from anywhere in the room. But don’t let the functionality of wall clocks fool you – wall clocks are also great accents for decorating your walls! Hang one over a mantel, on the side of a room, or over a seating area to add personality and style to the space.

Wall Clock Sizes

Wall clocks come in a variety of sizes: small, medium, large, and oversized.

Small Wall Clocks: Small wall clocks have diameters of 1" – 12" and work well in smaller spaces.

Medium Wall Clocks: Medium wall clocks are commonly sized between 13" and 24" and work well as statement pieces in smaller rooms or elements of gallery walls.

Large Wall Clocks: Large wall clocks vary in size and can be found in sizes between 25" and 32". They are perfect for making a statement on your wall.

Oversized Wall Clocks: For an even bigger statement piece, opt for an oversized wall clock. They are available with diameters of 33" and over.

Types of Wall Clocks

When looking for the perfect wall clock, you’ll notice there are different types of wall clocks to choose from. Read on to learn more about different types of wall clocks.

Analog Wall Clocks: Most wall clocks are analog, meaning that they have moving hands that show you the time. Some analog clocks use Arabic numbers, while others use Roman numerals.

Digital Wall Clocks: A digital wall clock is a wall clock that displays the time digitally, often using numbers to represent the time. The term "digital" refers to the display of the clock but is also often used when talking about electronic devices.

Pendulum Clocks

A pendulum clock is a clock that uses a swinging weight as its timekeeping element. The weight swings back and forth in a precise time interval dependent on the length of the pendulum. The advantage of a pendulum for timekeeping is that it is a smooth and almost harmonic oscillator. Pendulum clocks are often considered analog wall clocks and can be used as a decorative addition to your space.

Mantel & Tabletop Clocks

Mantel clocks, or tabletop clocks, are small clocks that are commonly placed on a mantel or shelf above a fireplace. Mantel and tabletop clocks, while functional, are typically used to add an extra decorative flair to the shelf or mantel. They certainly don’t have to stick to the mantel – these types of clocks can be placed on office desks, entryway tables, or wherever you want an extra decorative touch. They come in a variety of time displays: digital, analog numerical, and analog with Roman numerals.

Alarm Clocks

An alarm clock is a small freestanding clock designed to wake up an individual at a specific time. While sometimes decorative, an alarm clock’s primary function is to make a buzzing noise to wake you from a restful night of sleep or even a short nap. It’s the perfect addition to your bedroom if you want a clock on your nightstand or want to keep your phone out of your room at night. While digital alarm clocks have become more popular due to their soft glow and easy-to-read displays, alarm clocks are also available in analog forms with numbers and Roman numerals.

Cuckoo Clocks

A cuckoo clock combines a wall clock with a pendulum clock while adding a fun twist. When the hour strikes, these clocks play a sound that is similar to a cuckoo bird’s call. An automated bird may also pop out of the clock and move with each note. In some clocks, the bird’s wings and beak will move, while in other clocks the bird will simply lean forward. Cuckoo clocks are eccentric and are available in a variety of unique designs (not just birds!), making them the perfect funky addition to an eclectic-style room.

Grandfather Clocks

Developed in the 1600s, the grandfather clock is still around today. A grandfather clock (also referred to as a floor clock) is a tall freestanding clock with a weight-driven pendulum inside of it. These clocks, generally 6ʹ in height, can be found as large as 8ʹ tall, making them the perfect statement piece. While most grandfather clocks have Roman numeral displays, you can also find them with displays in Arabic numerals. They are generally wooden and have a decorative look, great for creating an antique feel that works well in rustic or traditional homes.