What to do with Old Wall Clocks

For the DIY and upcycle crowd, we’ve got some stellar ideas for repurposing an old clock. Though the first action might be to toss it and just get a new one, you might have some sentimental meaning in the clock or looking to lessen your environmental footprint by turning the clock into something new. Below are a few ideas to spark some motivation to make that clock something to serve a new function. 

1. Turn the Clock to a Photo Frame

Source: designsponge.com

Depending on how the clock is put together, you might be able to detach the clock face from the outer frame. It may require a screwdriver and some careful prying with a knife but once detached, you’ll have a circular frame for which you can place a picture inside. An unusual frame like this is excellent for adding visual interest versus the typical rectangular frame. If you’ve got more than one clock you’d like to try this to, you can create a collection of circular framed pictures. 

You’ll have to cut your pictures out in a circle, so we recommend getting them printed bigger than you’d normally have so that the important parts are captured in the frame. Use the detached clock face to trace your selection from your photo so that the picture fits perfectly. This makes a picturesque accent to any wall.

2. Turn the Clock into a Mirror

Source: www.popsugar.com

Mirror accents are a stunning look for a bedroom, washroom or even transitional space like the hallway. A collection of differently-sized circular mirrors placed in a strategic spot can make your space tasteful and timeless. You can use wall clock frames to frame your mirrors, making sure that you have the right sizes for each frame. 

Another decor idea for a larger frame is to have a mirror installed in it and then use that as the base for a sunburst look. You can find materials at a craft store to have lines radiate out from the center of the mirror. You can pick a similar colour to the frame or another complementary colour that accents the sunburst.

Recommended Reading: How to Decorate Around a Wall Clock

3. Decorate It 

If you’re looking to create a piece of art from the old clock but don’t want to take it apart to use the pieces, consider drawing on the outside or face of the clock. You can use paint or a permanent marker to draw abstract designs or find graphics and stencils online to use as a template.

Consider doing something in the same tone as the wall clock. A blue-framed clock can look wonderful with green and white accents, or you can stick to a monochrome palette such as greys, blacks and whites for an austere and bold look. If you’re looking to make a statement, go with bright and opposite colours to make the most of your clock’s face. As a symbolic action, this exercise of doodling on your old clock inspires the statement of time being what you make of it, serving as a reminder that you are much-needed on bad days.

4. Create a Shadow Box from an Old Clock

See full DIY tutorial at confessionsofaserialdiyer.com

For bigger clocks, and smaller ones with some space, you may consider wanting to turn your clock into a shadow box. With sufficient space between the clock face and outer frame, making a shadow box is an easy activity. First think of a theme that you want to explore--it may be a beach, or the night sky or a hobby that you are passionate about.

You’ll want to separate the clock’s frame from the face. You can use the face as your working template, and then start finding flat and 3D objects that evoke the theme you have in mind. For a beach, you might want to collect some shells and sand. You can paint the clock face with a sunset and water and then glue the sand and shells to the foreground. You’re likely to find other suitable trinkets in craft stores and second-hand shops, so keep an eye out for items that help create the look you want. The 3D objects are perfect for adding visual texture and bringing your piece to life.

5. Turn it into an End Table

Full instructions at www.homeroad.net

If you have a reasonably sized clock, consider making it into an end table. Even a smaller clock can make a cute accent table in a tight space. You’ll need to source craft stores or secondhand furniture stores to find an appropriate stand. As long as the base is a shape that you like and the table is sturdy, it will act as a good stand for your clock end table. A good fit is likely a table that is the same size or smaller than the diameter of the clock.

Once you have the table, you may want to spray paint it to match the colour of the clock, or go bold with something unusual or let the clock be the center of attention and paint the base a neutral black or brown. When you’ve finished that step, adhering the clock to the table is next. You can find epoxy or strong adhesive glue in a hardware store, in order to anchor the clock to the table. Finally, you can finish the table with gloss or lacquer so that it is sealed and won’t get damaged from wear.

6. Buy a New Clock

After you upcycle your old clock, you may be thinking of buying a new and functioning clock as a replacement. Start thinking about what kind of style and size you would like, keeping in mind where the clock would likely go. A smaller clock is best for the kitchen, but a living space that is large can look great with a significantly bigger clock. Also, consider how much you would like to invest in the clock and if you’re likely to pass it on as an inheritance or sell it later.

7. Mechanical Weather Clock

Bramwell Brown has a collection of clocks that are also able to show the current weather in a series of whimsical pictorials. There are smaller sized clocks with a variety of patterns, some that are limited editions and a larger clock for that statement piece.

Consider a clock from their collection as you’ll be getting a wonderful heirloom-quality clock that combines modern aesthetic with old mechanical charm. The hand-assembled clocks feature moving pieces that slide into place to depict weather scenes to tell you what you can expect for the day.

Opt for the classic Weather Clock that features delicate mechanics and a barometer to forecast the weather. This model is ideal if you’re looking to make a statement but not pull focus from your other decor. The clock’s face is a simple, easy-to-read with clear delineations for telling time. Bramwell Brown designs their clocks to last--eschewing the trend of disposable home decor, and providing all the care that you need to ensure your clock lasts a lifetime (or two!) with all parts being able to be replaced in their workshop.

However, if you’re feeling like you want a show stopping clock, choose the Weather Clock or Large Weather Clock in the colour of your choice with Bramwell Brown’s Bespoke Colours that lets you customise the frame of the clock with the RAL colour that you love the most. You can personalise your clock even further with an addition of printed text to the face so you can commemorate important milestones.

The clocks even feature a button that lets you cycle through the mechanical animations without waiting for the weather to change. It’s the perfect way to show off your clock to friends and family. Our clocks are also notoriously simple to hang with a single screw or nail, just keep them away from direct heat since it can affect the delicate mechanisms inside and throw off the weather forecasting.

You can also check out the Limited Edition clocks that combine the functionality of the Weather Clock with mechanical artistry from guests that Bramwell Brown has partnered with. Benjamin Craven has designed a clock with us that features bright, bold colours to display the weather with pink, black, and blue. 

Another clock, designed by Josh Patterson shows off London’s attractions and landmarks through various weather scenes. If you love London, and want to watch the city come to life through the mechanimated scenes, this is the clock for you. Patterson’s other design, Into the Wild, features scenes from the North American backcountry, like a log cabin and the wilderness that thrills most outdoorsy folks.

For those that take to the skies, the Bespoke Pilot clock is a true beauty to behold and a must-have for a pilot. Bramwell Brown can personalise the scenes even further with the likeness of your own aircraft, complete with its colours and numbers, so you can watch it soar through the sky. Michael Mantel brings whimsy and charm to the Cyclists’ Weather Clock, showing off fearless riders cycling through storms and gallivanting through sunny weather.

These hand-assembled clocks make a wonderful addition after you’ve repurposed your old wall clock, and can bring decades of delight for you and the next generations.

A fantastic addition to any room: take a look at our Weather Clocks