Part One: Where to hang your clock
Adding a clock to your home not only helps you keep track of time (!) but also adds a touch of style to your living space.
Finding the best spot to hang a clock can be a bit of a challenge but doesn’t have to be. In this article, I will provide you with some helpful tips on where and how to hang a clock in your home.
1. Consider the Room
Before hanging anything, consider the room where you want to place it. The style and theme of the room will play a significant role in determining the best location for your clock. For example, if you have a vintage-themed living room, a classic wall clock would be a perfect addition. Likewise, a pared downm, modern interior will look best having a clean, minimal clock as a feature.
2. Choose the Right Wall
When selecting a wall to hang your clock, make sure it is easily visible and accessible. Avoid hanging a clock on a wall that is obstructed by furniture or other decorative items. You don’t want to create too much “action” in one area.
You might want to place the clock around eye level for the smallest adult, making it convenient to check the time from any part of the room. If you have an assistant, try holding it at different heights that you’re both comfortable with, before deciding the final height. Additionally, consider the lighting in the room and make sure the clock isn’t in direct sunlight. Natural wood may fade over time and the heat/cool cycle can affect the accuracy of the mechanism.
3. Avoid Damp Areas
Avoid hanging a clock in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or near kitchen sinks or steamy hobs. Moisture can damage the internal mechanisms of the clock and affect its accuracy. Also, wood can warp or even go mouldy if it gets too damp – do not put a clock in a Summer House over a damp, dreary Winter – take it inside!
4. Coordinate with Other Decor
When choosing a clock, consider the overall decor of the room. Ideally you want a clock that complements the color scheme and the style of the space. If you have a modern-themed room, opt for a sleek and contemporary clock design. You might want to consider a custom made clock which can be matched exactly to your colour scheme.
5. Hang Clocks in Functional Areas
Hanging clocks in areas where they serve a functional purpose provides both decoration and function. For example, a clock in the kitchen can help you keep track of cooking times, while a clock in the home office can help you stay on schedule. A clock in the hallway can be a functional feature that intrigues guests as they enter. A clock in the dining room can become a conversation piece. Consider the purpose of the room and choose and hang a clock accordingly.
Summary
Choosing a clock and deciding where to hang it should be a fun task! By considering the function of the room, choosing the right wall, avoiding damp areas, and coordinating with existing decor, you can ensure that your clock not only tells time but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your living space. So go choose the perfect spot for your clock!
Also, you’re absolutely free to break the rules in your own living space – have a clock in the garage, in the downstairs loo, above the cloakroom door, in your man cave or craft room. It’s fine to put a contemporary clock within a gallery wall if it looks good. Only you know what works!
Part Two: How to Hang a Wall Clock
Now you’ve chosen where it’s going, we’ll address the how. From assembling the necessary tools to adjusting and leveling the clock, you’ll be able to showcase your timepiece in no time.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
You’ll need a hammer, nails, a spirit level or laser level, and a measuring tape. These tools are essential for ensuring a secure and straight installation.
The hammer will be used to drive the nail into the wall, providing a sturdy anchor for your clock. Once in, the nail should be long enough to hold the weight of the clock. My clocks are mostly pretty light so no need to worry too much about that.
A spirit level or laser level will help ensure that your clock hangs straight on the wall, so avoiding any crooked or lopsided placements.
Lastly, a measuring tape will help you determine the ideal height for your clock. It can also provide continuity throughout the house, so pictures as well as clocks can be hung at the same height in differnet rooms.
By gathering these tools and materials, you’ll be well-prepared to hang your wall clock with ease and precision.
Prepare the Wall for Hanging
Make sure the surface is clean and free from any dirt or dust particles. Before hanging your wall clock, it’s important to prepare the wall properly.
Start by wiping down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. If there are any stubborn stains, consider using a mild soap solution to clean the area.
Once the wall is clean, check for any imperfections or loose paint. If necessary, sand down any rough spots and touch up any chips or peeling paint. This will ensure a smooth and stable surface to hang your clock on. Then give it a wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue from cleaning or sanding. You may want to consider if repainting or papering is worthwhile at this point.
Taking the time to properly prepare the wall will result in a secure and long-lasting installation.
Hang the Wall Clock Secure and Straight
Start by holding the clock against the wall at the desired height. Once you’ve determined the correct location, mark the spot where the hanger or nail will go.
Use a small hammer to insert the hanger or nail into the wall, making sure it’s firmly anchored. A small, thin nail should just go straight in without needing a pilot hole drilling, especially into plasterboard.
Hang the clock on the hanger or nail, ensuring that it’s secure and doesn’t wobble. You don’t want it falling off in the middle of the night!
Honestly, it’s pretty hard to check if your round clock is completely vertical top to bottom using a basic bubble spirit level! A laser level is ideal if you can borrow one for a few hours. With the vertical level mode enabled, a completely vertical thin red line will be projected onto your wall. If it passes through 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock on your clock, you’ve got it spot on. Horizontal should then match up – obviously through 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. Just adjust the clock until it’s perfectly level.
A laser level isn’t something you’ll use every day, but can come in handy for hanging pictures and other things, so maybe consider investing in one if you think it’ll be a handy gadget. They’re no longer a specialist item reserved for professionals and are quite cheap.
All done? Well that was easyt! Step back and admire your handiwork as your beautifully hung wall clock adds a touch of elegance and functionality to your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Wall Clock Is Best for Hanging in a Bathroom or Kitchen?
For a bathroom or kitchen, the best type of wall clock would be a waterproof and easy-to-clean one.
Look for clocks made of materials like stainless steel or plastic that can withstand moisture and potential splashes, and are wipe clean. Also clocks with clear glass or acrylic covers will resist moisture and grease.
Can a Wall Clock Be Hung on a Wall With Wallpaper?
Yes, a wall clock can be hung on a wall with wallpaper. You may not know what’s behind the wallpaper though (crumbling plaster?!) so be careful before hanging anything precious. It has been known for people to just wallpaper over problem walls – out of sight, out of mind as they say.
How Often Should I Change the Batteries in My Wall Clock?
You should change the batteries in your wall clock when the clock stops working, or if it stops keeping good time. I know, it’s common sense! Most modern quartz mechanisms will keep good time even with a nearly drained battery due to the way they draw current from the battery. I use quality UTS mechanisms (German made) which will keep good time for 2 to 3 years off a quality battery.
I don’t recommend rechargeable batteries as they tend to drain naturally anyway, even the “no drain” ones. If you don’t mind changing batteries every few months though, go for it.
Always use a brand new battery. You can dispose of your old batteries in a local supermarket – they seem to collect them now.
Is It Necessary to Use a Stud Finder When Hanging a Wall Clock?
When hanging a wall clock, it shouldn’t be necessary to use a stud finder. However, if you’re not sure what’s behind the wall surface, perhaps play it safe if you’re hammering a long nail in. Electrical cables will generally run vertical up and down from light switches and sockets, so avoid nailing near those.
Be careful in older, Victorian houses that were wired before electrical regs were a thing, and only partially rewired since (I speak from experience). Anything is possible – wires running horizontally across the wall, diagonally, who knows.
If in any doubt and you haven’t got a stud finder, turn off the electric while you’re nailing or drilling.
Top tips?
One useful gadget I can recommend is the Takker – it’s a small hand held nailer which can push short nails into the wall, but also remove them easily as well. The special nails are reusable too, so if you need to move your clock, it’s a 30 second job to remove the “Tak” and put it back in somewhere else. They can be used for hanging anything light, so pictures, objects, mementos. Their big selling point is the nails go in and come out easily without leaving a mark, other than the tiny hole where the nail entered. Your landlord will never know!
There are other interesting wall hanging products out there now, including the self adhesive and removable “Command Strips” from 3M. I did use these at a show in Saltaire a few years back. It was one of the hottest days of the year. I only lost one clock but it’s one clock too many. The sticky seems to lose it’s stick above a certain temperature and a clock smashed to the ground. So they’re good, but don’t place them above a radiator or in direct sunlight. Also they’re not much good on textured wallpaper as they need a flat surface.
3M also do hammer in heavy duty stainless steel anchors, which are removable, so again, useful for rental properties when you’re not supposed to hang things on the wall. Or you just don’t want to plug and screw your wall. They’re more for if you really need to hang 8KG of something though, I’m not sure what. That’s a big clock.
A laser level is a decorator’s friend!
A friendly helper is worth their weight in gold! Or just feed them pizza.
If you have any suggestions to add, I’m happy to add or change anything. Good luck!
Updated 15th January 2024