Mantle Clock

A mantle clock is a clock, usually a fancy type of clock or even an antique, that goes up on the fireplace mantle in your home, office, or business. Mantle clocks are popular for a lot of reasons, with the primary one being that they serve a two-fold purpose in most cases. For one, they keep the time. And two, they look great while doing it!

Mantle clocks were more in style years ago, but they are slowly making a comeback as people begin to remember just how charming and elegant a mantle clock can look! There is also a new trend out as of late, that is forsaking the popular digital clocks of the last 10-20 years for clocks with old fashioned hands.

Why? Well, perhaps it is just coming back into style… or perhaps it is because mantle clocks with hands are so much more personable than digital clocks. Digital clocks are very un-human, and almost rigid… whereas hand clocks are very warm and cultural.

If you are in the market for a mantle clock for your home, apartment, or office, then this is probably the first choice you will need to make… will it be digital, or will it have hands? Now, since digital clocks are more of a clock to have on the nightstand (and besides, you have digital clocks in your cell phone, your microwave, on your oven display, etc.), why not go with traditional, antique mantle clocks that sport a minute hand and an hour hand?

It does not have to be something fancy, just something that you like, that looks nice, and that is a bit elegant. A lot of people like mantle clocks that are encased in wood (whether that be oak, cherry, or black wooden), whether they be antique, french style, art deco, or chiming mantle clocks. You may have a particular kind of clock that you like, and if you do, then you are a step ahead of the game already!

The next question is whether to buy a mantle clock that is chiming. Well, traditionally, mantle clocks do chime, or there is another clock in the room that does so....but this is sort of a matter that is up to you.

Chiming mantle clocks can add a sort of natural ambience to a room that you will miss if it is ever gone, but then again, some people like this quiet. Also, do you want your clock to tick? This is another question to ask yourself, and really, again, this just boils down to what you like. Some people swear by a ticking clock… others would not own one, ever!

So, with a mantle clock, you should go with what you like. Now, having said that, I do encourage you to try out a mantle clock (perhaps even antique or art deco mantle clocks) with a bit of character… at least one that chimes, and better yet, one that ticks as well! It does not have to be an annoying tick, but more of a soft tick that you only really notice if you are listening for it.

Those are the best kinds of mantle clocks, and I would almost guarantee that you will agree with me! While you're shopping for your mantle clock, bear in mind a couple of the popular and trusted brand names, including Sessions, Howard Miller, Bulova, and Ingraham.