Nothing says ’grand’ in decor lingo better than a Grandfather clock (aka a Longcase clock). Posing as functional and classical pieces of history, these decorative pendulum-swinging timepieces have earned their rightful place in the aesthetics of contemporary interior design. With a nod to ‘Grandmillenial’ style – a term coined by Emma Bazilian from House Beautiful – antique Grandfather clocks perfectly fit the collaboration brief of incorporating a seemingly traditional and outdated piece of furniture into sleek, modern surroundings. 

“The grandfather clock told a tale of old fashioned craftsmanship, a tale of an age when things were expected to last not a season but generations.” –Angela Abraham, writer, philosopher, a leading authority on Social Evolution and CEO of the literary platform, Descriptionari. 

The resurgence of mixing and matching modern design with antiques celebrates the craftsmanship and sustainable storytelling qualities of specialist artisans. Standing tall, Grandfather clocks are obvious showpieces of this art form. 

Aside from the comforting and rhythmic ticking and chiming in the background, a Grandfather clock seamlessly takes centre stage as a featured antique piece. 

The perfect fit for awkward nooks and crannies

There are spaces in every home that are crying out to showcase an antique Grandfather clock. There’s no argument that a Longcase clock can look gorgeous in any room (as long as the temperature does not swing from too hot to too cold).

“Wooden clocks are like people in a way,” says dealer Ned Ingberman of The Well Made Clock. “They do best in a room that’s comfortable for everyday living; not too hot or cold, and not too damp or dry. These clocks are susceptible to extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature. And just like other fine pieces of furniture, the fluctuations can cause the wood to swell and shrink.”

If your home does have a superfluous narrow wall, a long hallway, an awkward upstairs landing or an odd niche, the eye-catching elegance of a Grandfather clock will transform these spaces into show-stopping moments. 

Antique Grandfather clocks may well be big-ticket items, but they definitely deliver a big wow factor. In fact, their stately and decorative contrast is all you need in a modern minimalist space. They can easily stand alone; transforming and creating all the aesthetic ‘accessorising’ you need. As hero pieces, Longcase clocks are always worth the investment.

The perfect match for any decor style

Ever popular in the 18th century as a symbol of wealth and societal status, Grandfather clocks haven’t lost their character and charm. Interior designers love them as pieces that create one-of-a-kind drama. And what makes them even more versatile is the fact that, despite their past narrative and historical backstory, they are able to transcend the years and match any decor style. 

Their scale and range of wood tones and finishes – mahogany, oak, ebony, or gilded – are as beautiful in a rustic contemporary farmhouse as they are in a lavish and sumptuous French-inspired, Afro-chic parlour. From traditional to eclectic, there is a Grandfather clock to tie any decor scheme together.  

Once you’ve considered the basic mix-and-match principles of incorporating these antiques into modern homes, there really are no set rules to constrain you. As they either become the focal point or the finishing touch, the bold addition of a Grandfather or Longcase clock will always impress. 

The perfect time to add a Grandfather clock to your home

If you haven’t yet popped into the Crown Collection Store – either online or at our Bryanston Emporium – you are in for a very special surprise. With a curated collection of over 5000 antiques, our beautiful selection of handpicked antique Grandfather clocks will have you swooning. 

Take a little time to visit us and be wowed by the experience of shopping for a Grandfather clock or any other antique collectables from one of our collections.