10 of the best: wall clocks

A certain confidence in time-telling is required here, although if self-doubt impinges, you can order a set of numbers separately. That would dilute the minimalist drama, naturally. Provided you hang the thing the right way up, you can use any odd stains on your paintwork to help mark the passing hours. The hands extend to a span of 75cm, so you’ll need a generous swath of wall to set it off. You can get it in a less-startling black or chrome, or with a cherry or beech kernel. £24.95, contemporaryheaven.co.uk , 01462 451199 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk Reintroduce the 1970s tactfully into the home. This has the flamboyance of those Abba years tempered by ­noughties chic. Twenty-four steel chrome spokes are tipped with ­coloured balls. It’s such a cheerful arachnid that is scarcely matters if you can’t distinguish the spokes from the hands. £35, johnlewis.com 08456 049049 Photograph: PR Photograph: guardian.co.uk It looks as though it began on the design table as a gentleman’s watch and then grew. It’s a trendy way to secure that old-fashioned pleasure, a pendulum, ­although this one is more light-pull than lollipop. The backing is “wood-­effect” and the open dial is made of glass – and, at 60cm, it’s large enough to make a statement in a dull space. £37, clockcompany.co.uk , 0845 094 1597 Photograph: PR Photograph: guardian.co.uk This one is best placed in the hallway. Then, as you glance at the time before hastening on the school run, you will be reminded to grab the pineapple/dinosaur/homemade sheep costume requested by teacher. Alternatively, a pretty ditty chalked up for your spouse will show that your passion is immune to the march of time. It’s not quite so handy for shopping lists, as implied, unless you pack the clock in your bag for life. £19.50. johnlewis.com , 08456 049049 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk This winter the time is almost ­immaterial. What counts is whether you’ll be able to dig your Skoda out of the drifts and chance it down iced ­gradients to work. This maple-wood wall clock will give you a clue before you’ve lifted the curtain. ­Barometric pressure enables it to predict the weather for the next 24 hours, an ­outdoor wireless sensor relays the outside temperature and records the minimum and maximum temperature of the day, as well as how hot your room is. There’s also a calendar and choice of four languages. £46.95, ticktockclocks.co.uk , 0800 862 0310 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk “Shabby chic” is the stated aim. It will sing exultantly with distressed-wood dressers and swags of dried lavender. In this era of Cath Kidston it will suit your floral cravings. Only a remorseless eye will discern that it’s made of ­laminate on fibreboard. £44.99, sendmethetime.com , 01923 800801 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk If your flat is miniature and your ­surfaces congested, this multi­coloured extravaganza could solve a problem. Twelve frames will display friends and family stylishly on spare wall space and tell you the time into the bargain. ­Malicious owners could refresh the ­photos annually to illustrate the toll time takes on the complexion. £19.50, johnlewis.com , 08456 049049 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk You still ache for those scratchy days of vinyl, but your collection of Perry Como is merely ornamental since you sold your record player in a car-boot sale 15 years ago. Here’s one way you can usefully employ an old-fashioned record once more. The aluminium face includes authentic-looking grooves. You could almost hear the notes of the old hit As Time Goes by as you watch the hands creep round. £22, clockcompany.co.uk , 0845 094 1597 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk So exclusive, this one, that it’s handmade to order. You can vary the colours to match your new crockery/scatter cushions/dog bed and the result will be a breath of Art Nouveau on a weary wall, plus an extra opportunity to touch up your lipstick. Should you have a brainwave on a Post-it, you can get the manufacturer to set your pattern onto leaded glass. £69.99, sendmethetime.com , 01923 800801 Photograph: PR company handout Photograph: guardian.co.uk Many a British screen star regained or lost a lover under such a clock as steam from departing trains wreathed their torsos. The demonic green digital ­numbers now favoured by station ­owners will never replace such a backdrop for passion, but you could import a flavour of it into your semi. Genuine old station clocks fetch nearer a grand but this resin reproduction of ­Victoria station’s time-keeper looks pretty ­convincing. Its proportions are mighty – a 20inch diameter – so it will preside with dignity over any room. £129.95, curioshop.co.uk , 0870 901 1610 Photograph: PR Photograph: guardian.co.uk