JOIN USClocks are no more just time-displaying devices. Over the years, they have evolved into stylish decor statements that hold the promise to transform any space, writes Pooja Mahesh
In its prior life, clocks just had one basic function: to display time. There were, perhaps, no second thoughts about how a clock should look or if it should match with the decor. While we have moved on to alternative time-telling devices that are on offer today, wall clocks have slowly taken a backseat. However, modern home interior design trends tell a different tale: clocks have morphed into dramatic statement pieces that can define any space in a home.
They are no longer just about their function; they have become a piece of art that everyone can appreciate. In today’s clocks the form is in focus. “Clocks are statement pieces. When they are going to be used as a part of the decor, they have to stand out, be loud and unique as well.
Some designs may merge with the decor to match it. For instance, if you have a black and white kitchen, a clock with funky white numbers against a black backdrop works well,” says Richard D’Couto, managing partner, Kriya Design Studio, a Bengaluru-based interior design company.
Evolving designs
As home decor evolved to be more sophisticated and minimalistic, the designs of clocks have also matched the pace. They no longer come in the traditional circle and square shapes. “Clocks aren’t just time-showing devices anymore; they are ornamental wall-adorning pieces too. The colours that are used nowadays have also become varied and have evolved into something brighter. Additionally, one can see that the clock’s base material has changed. Instead of the traditional plastic base, we can see clocks being made out of materials such as glass, metal and wood as well,” says Subhash Gujar, Opal Luxury Time Products Ltd.
With such innovative designs easily available in the market today, it may come as no surprise that many homeowners want to incorporate them into their home decor. And by placing these artfully designed clocks in the right place, a room’s aesthetics and visual symmetry can be enhanced. One of the best ways to do this is by either contrasting the clock with the decor or matching it with a room’s wall colour. Another idea that is gaining popularity is using clocks to tell a story of a particular event in time. This is done by stopping the clock at a particular time, like the time you got married or a special trip that you went on with your family.
It may sound odd, but with a number of designs coming out in the market today, it is, in fact, an inexpensive way to enhance the decor of your home. Most of the current designs are driven by their form rather than their function.
“Today, wall clocks have become more about their aesthetics and visual symmetry than convenience and comfort. As for their basic function, it is now more about painting a picture and embracing the home’s decor,” explains Niladri Mazumdar, vice president, Seiko India. Hence, it becomes important to understand the decor of your home thoroughly before buying clocks.
As a simple and effective home decor tool, wall clocks create a striking visual statement. However, if you want to keep them in perfect tandem with all the other elements of your home, here are some basic guidelines:
Size: Don’t just buy a clock because it looks beautiful. Keep in mind the size and proportions of the wall space that you are intending to put it on. As a rule of thumb, avoid smaller clocks if you have blank walls and large, grand ones if the walls are decorated.
Colour: An interesting way to add fun to a room is by placing colourful clocks. Not only will they brighten and freshen up your room, they will also be your room’s focal point. Also, they make for great accents that break the monotony. For instance, if you have a neutral-coloured room, get a clock that is brightly coloured. This adds a bit of glamour and ties the room’s different elements together.
Decor: To create the perfect impression for a room, ensure that the wall clocks coordinate with the room’s decor elements. When placing your wall clocks against wall accents such as mirrors or artwork, try to create an elegant pattern. These varied elements should complement each other.
Theme: Keep in mind what room you are decorating and its theme when you are selecting the clock. It can either match the theme or be of a contrasting nature. For instance, you can offset a beautiful contemporarily designed living room with a traditionally designed clock such as a cuckoo clock or grandfather clock.
Finding a perfect clock that seamlessly merges with your home decor can be a piece of cake. And with the right clock, you can completely transform your space and add a bit of colour as well. Just remember that while all clocks can tell time, there are only a few that weave your decor together and make for elegant style statements.