How to Style Wall Clocks in an Art Deco Home

To style a wall clock in an Art Deco home, choose a design built on geometry: sunburst rays, stepped frames, fan shapes or bold numerals in a strong, symmetrical layout. Finish it in gold, brass, black lacquer, chrome or mirrored glass, and hang it in a symmetrical position, often centred above a fireplace, sideboard or drinks cabinet. The clock should feel like part of the architecture of the room rather than an afterthought.

Art Deco emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and remains one of the most recognisable design styles. Its confidence, glamour and love of craftsmanship still appeal in British homes, whether that is a true 1930s semi with original features or a modern flat with a Deco influence. Our range of Art Deco style wall clocks UK includes sunburst, geometric and mirrored designs that capture the spirit of the period.

The Principles of Art Deco

Before choosing a clock, it helps to understand the ideas behind the style. Art Deco celebrates geometry, symmetry and luxury. Common motifs include sunbursts, fans, chevrons, zigzags and stepped forms inspired by skyscrapers. Materials are rich: lacquered wood, polished metals, glass, mirror, marble and velvet.

The overall feeling is one of order and celebration. Rooms are arranged with a clear centre line, and decorative objects are placed with care. A clock suits this approach because it is round, symmetrical and functional, three qualities the Deco designers valued.

Choosing a Deco Clock

Sunburst Designs

The sunburst is one of the defining motifs of the era, and a sunburst clock is a direct way to bring Deco character to a wall. Look for rays of varying lengths and a central dial with simple markers. Gold and brass finishes are the most typical, though black and silver versions also suit the period.

Geometric Frames

Octagonal, stepped or fan shaped frames speak to the architectural side of Deco. These clocks feel more restrained than sunbursts and suit rooms that already have plenty of decoration.

Mirrored Clocks

Mirror glass was widely used in Deco interiors to reflect light and create a sense of glamour. A mirrored clock with bevelled or faceted panels sits naturally in a Deco room, particularly in dining rooms and hallways.

Bold Numerals

Deco typography is distinctive, with tall, slender or strongly geometric numerals. A clock with characterful numerals adds period detail even if the frame itself is simple.

Finishes That Belong

Gold and brass are the classic Deco metals, bringing warmth and glamour. Chrome and polished nickel appeared in the later, more streamlined phase of the style, sometimes called Streamline Moderne, and suit cooler schemes. Black lacquer and dark wood veneers such as walnut and macassar ebony create contrast and depth.

Combining two finishes is very much in keeping with the period: gold on black, chrome on walnut or brass on mirror. A clock that already pairs two materials can tie together different elements of a room.

Placement and Symmetry

Symmetry is central to Deco style. Wherever possible, centre the clock on a strong architectural feature. Above a fireplace is the classic position, especially in 1930s homes where the fireplace is often the focal point of the living room.

Above a sideboard or drinks cabinet is another natural choice. Centre the clock on the furniture and, if space allows, flank it with a matching pair of wall lights or lamps. This framing creates the formal balance that defines a Deco room.

Hang the clock with its bottom edge around 20 to 30 centimetres above the mantelpiece or furniture. On an empty wall, place its centre at roughly eye level.

Furniture That Completes the Look

A Deco clock needs supporting furniture to feel at home. Curved sofas, tub chairs, lacquered sideboards and mirrored cabinets all belong to the style. Our modern living room furniture UK range includes many pieces with Deco influences, from curved silhouettes to rich finishes.

Mirrored furniture is a strong partner for a Deco clock. A mirrored sideboard, console or side table reflects light and adds glamour, echoing the reflective qualities of a mirrored or metallic clock. Our mirrored furniture UK sale collection includes designs that suit both period and contemporary rooms.

Drinks cabinets are perhaps the most characterful Deco piece. Placing a sunburst clock above a drinks cabinet creates a focal point that captures the era’s love of entertaining. Our drinks cabinets UK range includes cabinets and trolleys that work beautifully in this setting.

Colour Palettes for a Deco Room

Deco colour schemes are confident. Deep emerald, navy, black, burgundy and teal create drama, while softer schemes use cream, champagne, blush and pale grey. Gold and brass sit well with all of these.

For a modern take on Deco, choose one deep colour for the walls and keep furniture and textiles in a tight palette of two or three related shades. A gold sunburst clock against deep green or navy is a striking combination that feels both period and current.

Paler schemes suit smaller rooms. A champagne or cream wall with a black and gold clock keeps the room light while retaining the graphic contrast that Deco loves.

Pattern and Texture

Geometric pattern is a hallmark of Deco interiors. Fan shapes, chevrons and stepped motifs appear on wallpaper, rugs and upholstery. Use pattern carefully around a clock: a geometric wallpaper behind a sunburst clock can become overwhelming. Instead, use pattern on a rug or cushions and keep the wall behind the clock plain.

Texture is equally important. Velvet upholstery, polished wood, smooth lacquer and reflective glass all contrast with one another and create the layered richness associated with the period.

Lighting the Deco Room

Lighting was a major part of Deco design. Globe lights, fan shaped wall sconces and tiered chandeliers all belong to the style. A pair of wall lights either side of the clock creates symmetry and makes metallic finishes glow in the evening.

Warm white bulbs suit gold and brass. Slightly cooler warm white suits chrome and mirror. Avoid harsh, bright bulbs, which flatten the rich textures and reflections that make Deco rooms so appealing.

Deco in Dining Rooms and Hallways

Dining rooms are an excellent setting for Deco style, as the period was so closely associated with entertaining. A mirrored or gold clock above a sideboard, combined with a glossy dining table and velvet chairs, creates a sense of occasion. Our guide to coordinating dining tables and mirrors in UK homes explores how reflective surfaces can work alongside dining furniture, which is particularly relevant in a Deco scheme.

In hallways, a geometric clock above a slim console makes a strong first impression. Keep it compact if the hallway is narrow, and use a mirror nearby to add light.

Working with Original 1930s Features

Many British suburbs are lined with 1930s semis and detached homes, and some still retain original features such as curved bay windows, stained glass panels in the front door, tiled fireplaces and decorative ceiling details. If you live in one of these homes, the clock can take its cue from what is already there.

A tiled fireplace with stepped edges, for example, suggests a clock with a stepped or octagonal frame. Stained glass with sunrise motifs pairs naturally with a sunburst clock in the hallway. Curved bays suit round clocks with simple, flowing frames rather than sharp geometry. Picking up a shape from the house itself makes the clock look as though it has always belonged.

Where original features have been removed, the clock can help restore some of the lost character. A Deco clock above a plain chimney breast, combined with period style wall lights, gives the room back a sense of its era without requiring building work.

Clocks for Bedrooms in a Deco Home

Deco style need not stop at the living room. In bedrooms, a softer interpretation works well: a small mirrored or champagne gold clock above a dressing table, paired with a velvet headboard and curved bedside tables. Choose a silent movement, and keep the palette lighter than downstairs so the room stays restful.

Avoiding a Themed Look

It is easy to tip Deco into pastiche. The best Deco rooms feel lived in, with a few strong pieces rather than every surface covered in period references. Choose one statement clock, one or two key furniture pieces and a considered colour palette. Let the rest of the room be calm and comfortable.

Mixing in a few modern or neutral pieces keeps the scheme fresh. A simple contemporary sofa beside a Deco clock and drinks cabinet looks more sophisticated than a room where everything is period inspired.

Final Thoughts

A wall clock is one of the most effective ways to bring Art Deco character into a home. Choose a geometric, symmetrical design in rich finishes, centre it on a fireplace or key piece of furniture, and support it with complementary furniture, colour and lighting. The result is a room with glamour and order in equal measure.

Explore our clocks and Deco inspired furniture at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a clock Art Deco in style?

Geometric shapes, symmetry and rich finishes. Sunbursts, fans, stepped frames and bold numerals are all typical features.

Where should an Art Deco clock be hung?

Centred above a fireplace, sideboard or drinks cabinet, ideally framed by a pair of matching lights.

Which colours suit an Art Deco clock?

Deep emerald, navy, black and burgundy create drama. Cream, champagne and blush suit lighter schemes.

Can Art Deco style work in a modern flat?

Yes. One statement clock and a few key pieces bring Deco character without making the space feel themed.