Where do you put a wall clock in the living room?

A wall clock does double duty as a time-keeping aide and a decorative object with timeless appeal. If you have chosen a large decorative statement wall clock, such as a vintage-style train station clock, use it to create a focal point in the room by hanging it over the couch, a mantle, or on the largest blank wall. A smaller wall clock might be hung on a side wall, in the empty wall space between tall windows, or anywhere else you would hang a photograph, painting, or piece of wall decor.

How do you fix a wall clock?

If your wall clock is battery-operated, the first thing you should do is check the batteries and replace them if needed. Clean any dirt, dust, or grime on the clock’s interior using rubbing alcohol and a cotton bud. If that doesn’t work, you can replace the mechanism with a new one. If you need help, repair shops specializing in clock and watch repair are less common than they once were, but do a little research to find out if there is one in your area before you send your broken clock to the landfill.

How do you hang a wall clock?

Small, lightweight wall clocks may include hanging mechanisms on the back and usually can be hung with a nail and picture hook or an adhesive hook. For larger, heavier wall clocks, including vintage wood or metal wall clocks, the most secure way is to hang them by screwing them directly into a wall stud using a drill. If you are unable to locate wall studs, use a wall anchor .

The 9 Best Wall Clocks of 2023

“In this digital world, people don’t [think they] need a traditional clock,” says Heather Bise, owner of design consulting firm Bise Bespoke. “But I love designing with clocks—especially in the bathroom since it’s the one room where we rarely take our phones.”

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.

From budget-friendly picks to classic designs, here are the best wall clocks on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Newgate Master Edwards Wall Clock in Blizzard Grey at Burkedecor.com

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Best Budget:

Yoobure Wall Clock at Amazon

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Best Oversized:

Newgate Mr. Clarke Large Modern Plywood Wall Clock at Amazon

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Best Digital:

JALL Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock at Amazon

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Best Modern:

George Nelson Wall Clock at Clockforward.com

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Best Splurge:

Schoolhouse Tanker Clock at Schoolhouse.com

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Best Farmhouse:

FirsTime & Co. Shiplap Farmhouse Wall Clock at Amazon

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Best Outdoor:

Pottery Barn Wyatt Oversized Indoor/Outdoor Wall Clock at Pottery Barn

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Best Wood:

Yamazaki Home Wall Clock at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ

Burke Decor

View On Burkedecor.com View On Newgateworld.com

What We Like

Transitional style
Large numbers

What We Don't Like

Excluded from sale events

This transitional clock has a classic style—but thanks to its sleek black frame and gorgeous brass hands, it's anything but boring. We love the large, easy-to-read numbers that are both functional and lend the clock an old-school appeal. Overall, it’s a relatively affordable way to add a touch of midcentury style to your kitchen, office, or living room.

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

_{Material: Not listed︱Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 2.7in︱Weight: Not listed︱Sounds: Not listed}

Yoobure 10 Inch Silent Quartz Decorative Wall Clock

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Large numbers
Lightweight
Silent

What We Don't Like

Not as sophisticated as other options

With its classic look and functional design, this affordable clock is proof that you won’t have to sacrifice on either. Though it has a classroom-style aesthetic that’s attractive enough for a main room in your home, the gear mechanism is totally silent, making it an excellent choice for an office or a bedroom.

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

_{Material: Plastic︱Dimensions: 10.24 x 10.2 x 1.81 inches︱Weight: 11.6 ounces︱Sounds: Silent}

Burke Decor

View On Amazon View On Burkedecor.com View On Rejuvenation

What We Like

Stylish
AA battery-operated

What We Don't Like

Loud

If you’re looking for an eye-catching focal point—say, for over the fireplace or on an accent wall—an oversized wall clock is a great choice since it’s both stylish and functional. And while many options are more traditional in design, the Newgate Mr. Clarke Large Gray Wall Clock has a sleeker, more modern style that suits contemporary homes. You’ll love the combination of the matte, slate-gray face with minimal numbers and the sleek metal hands.

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

_{Material: Plywood, glass︱Dimensions: 20.8 x 2.2 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Sounds: Ticking}

The 15 Best Poufs of 2023

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Easy to read
Comes in three styles
Includes five alarms

What We Don't Like

Corded

If you like the idea of having just about any time-related information right at your fingertips, you’ll love the JALL Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock, which is essentially like having a sleek iPad on your wall or desk. It constantly displays the day of the week, the period of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, or night), the actual time, as well as the date.

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

_{Material: Plastic︱Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.75 inches︱Weight: 1.21 pounds︱Sounds: Alarms}

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HermanMiller

View On Clockforward.com View On Design Within Reach View On Hermanmiller.com

What We Like

Stylish
Silent

What We Don't Like

Depth is exceptionally large

The Nelson Wall Clock is more a work of art than a functional clock, but that’s exactly what makes it the perfect option for someone with a contemporary style. The modern take on the traditional wall clock is eye-catching and instantly adds an element of whimsy to your decor—without being over-the-top.

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

_{Material: Metal, rubber︱Dimensions: 13 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Sounds: Silent}

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Schoolhouse

View On Schoolhouse.com

What We Like

Large numbers
Comes in multiple colors

What We Don't Like

For an heirloom-quality piece that will last a lifetime, turn to Portland-based Schoolhouse. This retailer is known for producing home decor that’s both exceptionally durable and exceptionally stylish, so you know you’ll have this wall clock in your family for years and years to come. The Tanker Clock is inspired by midcentury designs and is hand-assembled for precision.

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

_{Material: Steel︱Dimensions: 14.25 x 2 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Sounds: Not listed}

FirsTime & Co. Shiplap Farmhouse Wall Clock

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target

What We Like

Quiet
Distinctive style
Large numbers

What We Don't Like

Roman numeral for the number four is incorrect

Love the classic Joanna Gaines style that’s exploded in recent years? Then you’ll certainly fall for this farmhouse-inspired wall clock. It’ll instantly make your space feel like it’s straight out of a "Fixer Upper" reno—even if you don’t live anywhere near Waco, Texas.

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

_{Material: Wood︱Dimensions: 2 x 18 x 18 inches︱Weight: 2.7 pounds︱Sounds: Whisper technology tick}

Wyatt Oversized Indoor/Outdoor Wall Clock

Potterybarn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Exceptionally durable
Large format
Works indoors or outdoors

What We Don't Like

Slightly hard to read

When you have an outdoor space you regularly use—a nice, big patio or a sizable balcony, for example—decor counts. And this wall clock is a great way to add traditional style to any alfresco area of your home. Though it’s powered by a single AA battery, the compartment is protected, so you can safely hang the piece in an area that’s exposed to the elements. The distressed metal won’t tarnish, either—even if you live somewhere with a harsher climate, like the beach.

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

_{Material: Metal︱Dimensions: 36 x 1 inches︱Weight: 4.5 pounds︱Sounds: Not listed}

The 11 Best Night Lights of 2023, Tested by The Spruce

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Allmodern.com

What We Like

Well-made
Transitional style

What We Don't Like

Heavy
Loud ticking

This wooden and metal wall clock strikes the perfect balance between traditional and modern, making it a suitable piece for any space. The wood face keeps everything feeling traditional and cozy enough for a space like a cabin in the woods. But because it also has features like a powder-coated steel frame and dial, it’s sleek enough for a modern apartment in the city, too.

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

_{Material: Wood and metal︱Dimensions: 10.4 x 1.7 inches︱Weight: 2.09 pounds︱Sounds: Ticking}

Final Verdict

For the perfect blend of style and function, turn to the Master Edwards in Blizzard Grey. It’s sleek and attractive but has easy-to-read numbers and is powered by convenient AA batteries. If you want something that’s more of a work of art than a traditional wall clock but still tells time, try the exceptionally beautiful and unique Nelson Wall Clock.

Sound

Before buying a new wall clock, definitely consider whether the constant “tick-tock” or the occasional “cuckoo” a wall clock can provide is soothing to you or not. For some, it’s a nice little noise or reminder to have in the background throughout the day. For others, it can be incessantly annoying. Our list includes both silent wall clocks and ones that tick or chirp; just make sure to check the product details before you buy.

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.

FAQ

Where do you put a wall clock in the living room?

A wall clock does double duty as a time-keeping aide and a decorative object with timeless appeal. If you have chosen a large decorative statement wall clock, such as a vintage-style train station clock, use it to create a focal point in the room by hanging it over the couch, a mantle, or on the largest blank wall. A smaller wall clock might be hung on a side wall, in the empty wall space between tall windows, or anywhere else you would hang a photograph, painting, or piece of wall decor.
How do you fix a wall clock?

If your wall clock is battery-operated, the first thing you should do is check the batteries and replace them if needed. Clean any dirt, dust, or grime on the clock’s interior using rubbing alcohol and a cotton bud. If that doesn’t work, you can replace the mechanism with a new one. If you need help, repair shops specializing in clock and watch repair are less common than they once were, but do a little research to find out if there is one in your area before you send your broken clock to the landfill.
How do you hang a wall clock?

Small, lightweight wall clocks may include hanging mechanisms on the back and usually can be hung with a nail and picture hook or an adhesive hook. For larger, heavier wall clocks, including vintage wood or metal wall clocks, the most secure way is to hang them by screwing them directly into a wall stud using a drill. If you are unable to locate wall studs, use a wall anchor.

This piece was written by Brigitt Earley, a writer with nearly 15 years of experience covering home decor. Earley 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, Earley consulted Heather Bise, owner of design consulting firm Bise Bespoke, as well as designer Beth R. Martin. Tim Minerd provided additional research and reporting.

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