Grandfather Clock Ideas: 10 Unique Designs

What Sets a Grandfather Clock Apart

In today’s age of digital devices and smartphones, there’s something undeniably special about grandfather clocks. These timeless timepieces stand out not only for their captivating build but also for their intricate mechanism and rich history.

But what exactly makes a grandfather clock different from an average wall clock? In this blog post, we will explore all the unique factors that set them apart. However, before that, let’s have a look at the 10 grandfather clock ideas that can add elegance to your home or workplace.

10 Grandfather Clock Ideas

While most grandfather clocks are passed down through generations as heirlooms, this doesn’t mean that you can’t own one now. Here are the 10 unique grandfather clocks that you can conveniently buy in today’s era:

1. Coaster Home Furnishings Grandfather Clock

The Coaster Home Furnishings Grandfather Clock can be a perfect match for your home’s decor with its historical aesthetics. Its elegant round face, combined with a crowned top and ornate base, seamlessly blends with any decor style. Meanwhile, the shiny brown-red finish also adds to its versatility.

Although it’s powered by batteries, you can still enjoy the traditional Westminster chimes at regular intervals. The transparent front casing of the clock offers a glimpse into the pendulum’s motion, incorporating a traditional touch.

2. Dunelm Fulton Grandfather Clock

If you’re a fan of both contemporary and classical styles, the Dunelm Fulton Grandfather Clock can be your best pick. This clock is not only stylish, but its MDF wood and metal frame is environmentally friendly, as well.

For storage, you can find one open shelf and two drawers in this timepiece, making it a multifunctional furniture item. Powered by a 1xAA battery, this grandfather clock is designed for easy use and maintenance, further adding to its charm for modern living spaces.

3. Musicbox Kingdom Grandfather Clock

From being decorative to functional and melodious, the Musicbox Kingdom Grandfather Clock has it all. It’s a cute traditional-style clock, available in multicolor to match your home’s interior effortlessly.

However, that’s not what makes it one of the best grandfather clocks. Instead, the clock’s capability to play a melody upon opening its drawers steals the limelight. These drawers serve as practical storage options for your jewelry and similar stuff. The best part is that this timepiece is lightweight, making it easier to move it around.

4. Bulova Hartwick Chiming Clock

To adorn your home or office with a timeless wall clock, consider buying the Bulova Hartwick Chiming Clock. Its craftsmanship, reflected in its antique walnut finish and decorative highlights, is not the only aspect that makes it superior.

Some of its other exceptional elements include adjustable volume control and auto nighttime silence feature. In addition, this clock is highly functional, featuring a triple-chime movement that plays melodies like Ave Maria, Bim-Bam, or Westminster.

5. ClassicLiving Floor Standing Grandfather Clock

Standing 182 cm tall, the ClassicLiving Floor Standing Grandfather Clock is a vintage timepiece with various extraordinary features. For instance, it has a Cathedral pediment – a design element that contributes to its historical significance.

Moreover, the clock’s centerpiece is its blue moon metal dial, well-complemented by raised Roman numerals. That’s not it, as its chiming mechanism is also notable and plays a melody every passing hour. However, you can manually turn off this feature at night to avoid distractions.

6. Zuiver Grandfather Clock

The Zuiver Grandfather Clock is one of the best grandfather clocks, designed in a contemporary style with a striking black color. This uniquely shaped clock is also available in the standard white shade to fit various home decors.

Being just 97.5 cm in height, it offers an impressive yet not overbearing presence in any space. The clock’s durable aluminum pendulum and hands ensure it keeps time accurately for many years to come.

7. Vmarketingsite Wood Wall Grandfather Clock

Renowned for its sleek shape, the Vmarketingsite Wood Wall Grandfather Clock can be a perfect choice if your house lacks enough floor space. It comes with a wall-mounted design with no compromises on the aesthetics of a traditional grandfather clock.

Made from carved light wood, the walnut finish makes it shine through even from a distance. Although it looks antique, the clock is battery-powered for your convenience. Moreover, it chimes with the Westminster melody, but you can choose the silent feature to avoid distractions.

8. Georgian Mahogany Grandfather Clock by George Parker of Wisbech

Dating back to the 18th century, the Mahogany Grandfather Clock by George Parker of Wisbech reflects the superior craftsmanship of the Georgian era. It features an attractive face decorated with a second hand and a unique date dial.

As far as the movement of this timepiece is concerned, it comprises an advanced eight-day mechanism that was definitely ahead of its time. This clock may not be able to keep time now, but its decorative appeal is still intact.

9. Vinterior Art Deco Grandfather Clock

Art Deco is one of the most sought-after styles in grandfather clocks, and this timepiece by Vinterior displays it at its best. Built from durable oak wood, this clock was manufactured back in the 1920s, making it a vintage item.

It features a distinctive bell movement known for its clear, melodious chimes. Despite its age, you will find this grandfather clock in an outstanding condition, indicating its durable nature.

10. Karlsson Lena Grandfather Clock

The Karlsson Lena Grandfather Clock is a perfect example of a modern take on a traditional object. While its design is free of any extraordinary ornate decorations, the clock still has the capability to enhance any space, be it in your home or office. 

The classic pendulum adds to its contemporary look, while the lighter-toned wood calls for an artistic project. This means you can paint the clock in any color to match your home décor or maintain its original hue for a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.

What Sets a Grandfather Clock Apart

Grandfather clocks are far different from the timekeeping devices commonly used in this era. Let’s explore some features that make them unique:

• Mechanical Complexity: Every grandfather clock features a unique movement mechanism comprising elements like gears, weights, and a pendulum. The motion of the pendulum, regulated through a series of gears, is responsible for the clock’s striking and chiming. Meanwhile, the weights function as the driving force of this mechanism, providing the required power.
• Historical Significance: For over three centuries, grandfather clocks have been recognized for their precise timekeeping capabilities. Thanks to innovations like anchor escapement and deadbeat escapement, these timepieces can tell time within one minute per month.
• Aesthetics: In 1715, George Graham, in an effort to enhance the visual appeal of grandfather clocks, introduced a case with carved decorations and additional chimes. This change became the identity of these clocks, setting them apart from their counterparts, like wall and shelf clocks. Some other aesthetic elements include moon dials, pediment, toe molding, etc.
• Chime and Melodies: A grandfather clock without a working chime isn’t considered original. Thus, the striking sound produced by a series of hammers hitting rods of different lengths is also a unique aspect of this classical timepiece. This is typically accompanied by melodies like Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael’s.
• Movement Types: Typically, two types of movement exist for grandfather clocks: cable-driven and chain-driven. Cable-driven clocks use cables and weights to power their mechanism, and they are wound using a key. This avoids direct contact with the brass, reducing wear and tarnish. Contrarily, chain-driven grandfather clocks utilize chains and weights for a similar purpose.

Explore the World of Distinctive Grandfather Clocks at Old Time Chimes

Featuring an exclusive collection of handcrafted Amish-made grandfather clocks, Old Time Chimes stands out for offering premium-quality products. Here, you can find a number of clock styles to complement your home’s interior, while the wood and stain are also customizable.

Additionally, you can also opt for custom acrylic artwork painting, wood engraving, and interior lighting options to add a personal touch to your selected clock. So, contact us and share your expectations now! We’ll transform your idea into reality.