Grandfather clocks are a stately addition to any home. These clocks, also called tallcase, longcase or floor clocks, bring an elegance that suits every home’s décor. There are many styles of grandfather clocks available, including traditional, transitional and contemporary. If you're having trouble deciding on which clock would be best for your living room or foyer, or any other room in your home, take a quick look at this buying guide for help.

Styles

Traditional

  As with any piece of traditional furniture, traditionally styled grandfather clocks are classic, timeless pieces suitable for the elegant living area or hallway of your home. This style features solid wood cases in different shades with intricate carvings and metal detailing. These clocks are styled like those you would find in the finest antiques stores.

Contemporary

  Contemporary grandfather clocks are certainly not your grandfather’s clocks. Clean lines, neutral elements and brushed metal finishes define these floor clocks. Contemporary pieces use elements of traditional style in less lavish and more understated ways. Contemporary grandfather clocks are great for the sleek, modern home.

Transitional

  This clock style bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary by fusing elements of both styles into functional pieces for every home. Transitional grandfather clocks are streamlined and less ornate than traditional while not quite as bold and flashy as the contemporary style. Many of our transitional grandfather clocks also serve as curio cabinets for your treasured keepsakes.

Crowns

Split Pediment

  A split pediment is when the top of the clock is curved but split, usually with a finial (a decorative ornament) in the middle. This decorative feature is more commonly found in traditional styles.

Bonnet

  This decorative crown makes an elegant statement with its traditional staggered waves accenting the clock face.

Arched

  An arched crown allows the face of the clock to be the primary focal point of the piece while still giving the clock an elegant, finished look.

Flat

  The flat top crown is a feature of the transitional style grandfather clock because the flat top fits well in both contemporary and traditional décors.

Clock Movement

Cable: A grandfather clock with cable movement is one that is wound by using a crank to set the weights.

Chain: This grandfather clock utilizes chains to wind the mechanism setting the weights in place.

Quartz: Quartz crystals are used in a number of our clocks, along with an electronic oscillator, to keep precise time. The first quartz clock was built in 1928 and was accurate within 1-2 thousandths of a second per day.

Never Wind: Clocks that use synchronous movement so they never need to be wound.