Choosing Wall Clocks for an Art Deco Interior: A Practical Guide

For an Art Deco interior, choose a wall clock with strong geometry, a sense of glamour and materials the period loved: brass and gold tones, black lacquer, mirror glass, chrome and rich wood veneers. Sunburst and fan shapes, stepped or octagonal frames and bold, stylised numerals all speak the language of the 1920s and 1930s. Hang it where it can act as a focal point, such as above a mantel, sideboard or drinks cabinet, and keep the wall around it calm so the shape can be read clearly.

Art Deco is a style that rewards confidence, but it also depends on discipline. A clock that is too fussy can tip a room into pastiche. The aim is to capture the spirit of the era, with its symmetry, sheen and optimism, in a way that still feels liveable today. Our collection of modern wall clocks UK includes several designs with geometric and metallic detailing that suit this approach, and many of them pair naturally with pieces from our modern living room furniture UK range.

What defines Art Deco design

Art Deco emerged in the years after the First World War and flourished through the interwar period. It drew on many influences: ancient Egyptian motifs, the machine age, jazz, travel and luxury ocean liners. In Britain, it shaped cinemas, lidos, Underground stations and suburban houses, many of which still stand today.

A few qualities run through almost all Deco design:

• Geometry. Zigzags, chevrons, stepped forms, fans, sunbursts and strong symmetry.
• Sheen. Polished metals, lacquer, mirror and glossy veneers that catch light.
• Contrast. Black against gold, cream against walnut, emerald against brass.
• Streamlining. Later Deco, sometimes called Streamline Moderne, softened corners into smooth curves inspired by speed and travel.

A wall clock that echoes even two or three of these qualities will feel at home.

Shapes to look for

Sunburst and fan designs

The sunburst is perhaps the most recognisable Deco motif. Rays radiating from a central dial create drama and movement. These designs work best on a plain wall where their outline is clearly visible. A fan shape, essentially half a sunburst, can sit neatly above a doorway or a wide piece of furniture.

Octagonal and stepped frames

Octagons were a favourite shape of the period, appearing in mirrors, tiles and furniture. An octagonal clock feels distinctly Deco without being overly decorative. Stepped frames, where the outline rises in tiers, echo the skyscraper silhouettes of the era.

Round clocks with strong detailing

A simple round clock can still feel Deco if the details are right. Look for a contrasting chapter ring, geometric hands, stylised numerals or a thin metallic rim set against a dark face.

Streamlined curves

For a softer look, consider a clock with rounded rectangular or oval lines. These suit later Deco schemes and rooms with curved furniture.

Materials and finishes

The material of a clock affects its character as much as its shape.

• Brass and gold tones are the most direct way to suggest Deco glamour. Brushed finishes feel slightly more modern; polished ones feel more theatrical.
• Black lacquer or gloss black gives a sharp, graphic contrast, especially when paired with gold hands or numerals.
• Mirror glass was widely used in the period. A mirrored clock reflects light and adds a little sparkle to an evening room.
• Chrome and polished steel suit the cooler, machine age side of Deco.
• Walnut and burr veneers recall the cabinetry of the era and work beautifully in a sitting room or study.

Try not to mix too many. Two finishes, such as black and brass, or walnut and gold, are usually enough.

Numerals and hands

Typography was central to Art Deco. Many period clocks used tall, slender numerals with geometric construction. Roman numerals can work too, especially in more classical Deco rooms, but Arabic numerals in a stylised typeface feel more characteristic.

Hands matter as much as the face. Look for arrow, spade or sword shapes, or sleek baton hands with a sharp taper. Hands that contrast strongly with the dial will also make the clock easier to read, which matters if it is going to be used, not only admired.

Numberless designs can also work well in a Deco scheme, particularly sunbursts, where the rays themselves mark the hours.

Where to hang it

Above the fireplace

Many Deco era homes in Britain have tiled fireplaces with stepped surrounds. A clock above the mantel continues that vertical emphasis and creates a strong focal point. Keep it narrower than the chimney breast and centre it carefully, as symmetry is essential to the style.

Above a drinks cabinet or sideboard

Cocktail culture was a defining feature of the era. A clock above a drinks cabinet or bar cart is a fitting nod to that history. Our drinks cabinets UK collection includes designs with gloss and metallic finishes that complement a Deco clock.

In the hallway

Deco homes often greeted visitors with a dramatic entrance. A sunburst clock in the hallway, above a slim console, offers that same sense of arrival.

In the dining room

Formal dining was another hallmark of the period. A clock above a sideboard, flanked by a pair of lamps, gives a dining room a balanced and elegant end wall.

Building the wider scheme

A clock looks most convincing when the room around it shares the same language. You do not need to fill the space with period pieces, but a few considered elements help.

• Colour. Deep jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and burgundy pair beautifully with brass. Softer schemes of cream, blush and champagne suit mirrored and gold clocks.
• Furniture. Curved sofas, velvet upholstery, lacquered cabinets and glass topped tables all echo Deco forms.
• Lighting. Fluted glass shades, globe pendants and geometric wall lights reinforce the mood.
• Pattern. A geometric rug or a single panel of fan patterned wallpaper adds character without overwhelming the room.

Mirrors are a natural partner. A pair of geometric mirrors either side of a clock, or a large mirror on an adjacent wall, amplifies light and glamour. Our modern decorative mirrors UK sale range includes shapes that sit well in this kind of arrangement. For more on combining mirrors with furniture in a formal space, see our guide to coordinating dining tables and mirrors in UK homes.

Keeping it liveable

The risk with any historical style is that a room can feel like a stage set. A few principles keep Deco feeling fresh:

• Let the clock be one of a few statement pieces rather than one of many.
• Balance shine with softness. Velvet, wool and linen temper the gloss of lacquer and metal.
• Mix in some contemporary pieces. A modern sofa or simple side table stops the room feeling like a museum.
• Keep surfaces fairly clear. Deco is about clean lines as much as ornament.

Art Deco in smaller homes

Not every Deco inspired room is a grand sitting room. Many UK flats and semi detached houses from the interwar years have modest rooms, and Deco ideas scale down well.

In a smaller space, choose a medium sized clock, perhaps 40 to 60 cm across, and hang it where it can be seen from the doorway. A mirrored or metallic finish helps reflect light. Keep the surrounding palette restrained so the clock remains the focus. A single sunburst clock above a compact sideboard can give a small living room a strong sense of character.

Original features help too. Many interwar homes still have their curved bay windows, stepped fireplace tiles or geometric glazing in the front door. Let the clock echo one of these details, perhaps repeating the curve of the bay in a round frame or picking up the colour of the tiles in its finish, and the room will feel connected to the house rather than decorated on top of it.

Practical points

Metal and mirrored clocks can be heavier than wooden ones, so check the weight and use fixings suited to your wall. Polished brass may tarnish over time unless lacquered. Wipe mirror glass with a cloth rather than spraying cleaner directly onto the clock. A silent sweep movement is worth considering for living rooms and bedrooms, where the gentle tick of a traditional movement can become noticeable in the evening.

A clock with presence

Choosing a wall clock for an Art Deco interior is about capturing a mood: geometric, glamorous and assured. Focus on shape first, then material, then detail. Hang it with care and give it room to breathe. When you are ready to build the rest of your scheme, you can explore our full collection at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a wall clock Art Deco in style?

Strong geometry, symmetry and luxurious finishes. Sunburst and octagonal shapes, brass or gold tones, black lacquer, mirror glass and stylised numerals are all typical features.

Which colours suit an Art Deco clock?

Jewel tones such as emerald, navy and burgundy pair well with brass and gold. Softer schemes of cream, blush and champagne suit mirrored clocks.

Can I use an Art Deco clock in a modern home?

Yes. A single Deco inspired clock can add character to a contemporary room, especially when balanced with simple modern furniture and soft textures.

Where should an Art Deco clock be hung?

Above a fireplace, sideboard or drinks cabinet works well, as does a hallway wall. Centre it carefully, as symmetry is central to the style.