Wall clocks enjoying popularity amid analogue trend

Wall clocks can be esthetically pleasing as well as providing an important practical function. There are endless styles available to suit every taste and purpose. Photo by Getty Images

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Once a staple in many homes, wall clocks are enjoying some time in the spotlight. Their re-emergence in home decor is likely part of the trend toward all things analog. Things like dumb phones, Poleroid cameras, and hands-on hobbies are all popular ways to get off screens and embrace nostalgia — especially for Gen Z.

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“Nostalgia, to me, is the single biggest (retail), trend out there,” Marni Shapiro, co-founder of research and consulting firm The Retail Tracker, told CNBC Make it. “It’s not dying. It’s getting stronger.”

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As a part of decor, wall clocks can enhance a space with dramatic flair.

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“A wall clock fits naturally into that idea because it is both practical and expressive,” Alessandro Conti, founder of BestWallClock Archive, told the Better Homes & Gardens website. “It introduces scale, material, and structure to a wall in a way that feels purposeful rather than purely decorative.”

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Larger wall clocks can be a statement pieces, while smaller ones can play supporting roles — for example in a gallery wall. Clocks made of wood or stone can serve a more organic or rustic esthetic. Metal ones can support a more industrial vibe, and plastic ones can suit a postmodern look. Pendulum clocks feel old-timey, while digital ones embrace modernity.

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As a practical tool, wall clocks by design help you keep track of time.

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“We recently had the privilege of designing a home for a family of eight, and the number-one accessory design directive was an analog wall clock in full view of the breakfast area,” designer Ryann Swan Hackett told HouseBeautiful.com. “The owners felt the clock held each member of the family personally accountable for managing their own schedule and stressed executive functioning.”

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There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re picking out a wall clock, say experts. If you’re using it for time telling, of course, it makes sense to go for one with clear markings for hours and minutes. Also, decide if you can tolerate hearing it tick or if you’d prefer a silent clock.

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And as for where to buy a wall clock, you have plenty of options — whether your budget is big or small. Both big-box retailers and specialty stores carry them. Unique creations are all over Etsy. Best of all, wall clocks are widely available from second-hand sources like thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace.

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