Open-plan living offers wonderful spaciousness and flow, but it also presents decorating challenges—particularly finding pieces with enough presence to anchor large, undefined spaces. Oversized clocks solve this beautifully, providing functional timekeeping while creating visual focal points that define and organise open areas. Here's how to choose and position large clocks in open-plan homes.
Why Oversized Clocks Work in Open-Plan Spaces
Scale Matches Space
Open-plan areas demand appropriately scaled decor. A standard-sized clock disappears on a large wall, looking tentative and undersized. Oversized clocks—typically 60cm diameter or larger—have the presence to hold their own in expansive spaces.
Visual Anchoring
Large clocks create focal points that organise open spaces visually. They give the eye somewhere to land, preventing the overwhelming feeling that can occur in very open areas. This anchoring effect helps define zones within the larger space. Learn more about clocks as wall art.
Functional Visibility
In open-plan living, you need to see the time from multiple areas—kitchen, dining, living zones. Oversized clocks remain clearly visible from across the room, serving the entire space rather than just one corner.
Architectural Impact
Large clocks function almost architecturally, adding structure and definition to open areas. They can emphasize ceiling height, balance large furniture pieces, or create symmetry in asymmetric spaces.
Choosing the Right Size
Wall Proportions
For open-plan spaces, consider clocks 60-100cm in diameter, or even larger for particularly expansive walls. The clock should occupy significant wall real estate—aim for it to fill roughly one-half to two-thirds the width of furniture positioned below it, or be substantial enough to anchor an empty wall independently.
Ceiling Height Considerations
High ceilings can accommodate—and often require—larger clocks. A 60cm clock might look perfect in a standard-height room but disappear in a space with 4-meter ceilings. Don't be afraid to go bigger than you initially think.
Viewing Distance
Consider how far away you'll typically be when viewing the clock. In open-plan spaces where you might check the time from 5-8 meters away, larger sizes ensure readability and impact.
Style Considerations
Modern Minimalist
Clean, oversized clocks with simple faces and slim profiles suit contemporary open-plan spaces beautifully. Their simplicity prevents visual clutter while their scale provides necessary presence. Look for monochrome palettes and geometric precision. Explore our Scandi-inspired clocks.
Industrial
Large industrial-style clocks with metal frames, exposed mechanisms, or utilitarian aesthetics complement loft-style open-plan spaces. Their substantial construction matches the architectural honesty of industrial design. See our industrial clocks guide.
Warm Modern
Oversized clocks in warm metallics—brass, copper, gold—or natural wood add softness to open-plan spaces while maintaining contemporary appeal. These finishes prevent spaces from feeling cold or sterile.
Statement Sculptural
Artistic, sculptural clocks become conversation pieces in open-plan living. Their bold design creates focal points that define the space's character and reflect personal style.
Placement Strategies
Above the Sofa
The wall behind the sofa is prime real estate in open-plan living areas. An oversized clock here creates a focal point visible from dining and kitchen zones, anchoring the living area while remaining functional across the space. Browse our living room clocks.
Dining Zone Definition
Position a large clock on the wall adjacent to or behind the dining table to define the dining zone within the open plan. This creates visual separation between living and dining areas without physical barriers. See our dining collection.
Kitchen Feature Wall
If your open-plan space includes the kitchen, a large clock on a kitchen feature wall serves the entire area. Choose durable finishes that can handle the kitchen environment while making a design statement. Explore our kitchen clocks and read our kitchen clock guide.
Entryway Transition
Where the entryway opens into the main living space, an oversized clock creates a transition point—welcoming you home while signaling the shift from entry to living area. Browse our entryway collection.
End Wall Emphasis
In long, open-plan spaces, placing an oversized clock on the end wall creates a visual destination, drawing the eye through the space and emphasizing its length.
Height and Positioning
Standard Eye Level
Generally, position the clock's center at 145-165cm from the floor—standard eye level. This creates comfortable viewing angles and feels naturally balanced.
Above Furniture
When hanging above furniture, leave 15-25cm between the furniture top and the clock's bottom edge. This creates visual connection without the clock sitting directly on the furniture. Read our complete installation guide.
High Ceiling Adjustments
In spaces with very high ceilings, you may position clocks slightly higher than standard eye level to maintain proportion with the room's vertical scale. Just ensure they remain easily readable.
Creating Balance
Furniture Scale
Oversized clocks need appropriately scaled furniture to create balance. A massive clock above a delicate console looks disproportionate. Ensure your furniture has enough visual weight to ground the clock.
Symmetry and Asymmetry
Decide whether you want symmetrical or asymmetrical balance. Symmetrical arrangements (clock centered above centered furniture) feel formal and organised. Asymmetrical placements (clock offset, balanced by other elements) feel more dynamic and casual.
Visual Weight Distribution
Distribute visual weight throughout the open space. If your clock is on one wall, ensure other walls have appropriately scaled elements to prevent the space feeling lopsided. Learn about clock design psychology.
Colour and Finish Selection
Contrast for Impact
Dark clocks on light walls (or vice versa) create maximum impact and ensure visibility across open spaces. This contrast helps the clock function as a true focal point.
Tonal Harmony
Alternatively, choose clocks in tones similar to your walls for a more subtle, integrated look. This approach works when you want presence without bold contrast.
Metallic Warmth
Gold, brass, and copper finishes add warmth to open-plan spaces, which can sometimes feel cold due to their size. These warm metallics create inviting focal points.
Natural Materials
Wood clocks bring organic warmth and texture, softening the hard surfaces (glass, metal, stone) common in open-plan spaces. See our farmhouse clock styles.
Lighting Considerations
Natural Light
Consider how natural light interacts with your clock throughout the day. Reflective finishes catch and play with light beautifully. Matte finishes provide consistent appearance regardless of lighting conditions.
Accent Lighting
Consider adding subtle accent lighting to highlight your oversized clock in evening hours. Picture lights, wall washers, or strategically placed spotlights can create drama and emphasis.
Avoid Glare
Position clocks to avoid direct glare from windows or overhead lights, which can make them difficult to read and reduce their visual impact.
Practical Considerations
Installation Requirements
Oversized clocks are heavy. Ensure proper wall fixings rated for the weight. In plasterboard walls, fix into studs whenever possible. Consider professional installation for very large or heavy pieces.
Battery Access
Large clocks positioned high on walls can be challenging for battery changes. Choose clocks with long battery life and accessible battery compartments, or position them where you can reach them with a step stool.
Movement Type
Silent sweep movements are ideal for open-plan living spaces. Any ticking sound amplifies in large, open areas, potentially becoming intrusive. Silent movements ensure peaceful environments. Learn about silent sweep movements and different movement types.
Styling Around Oversized Clocks
Minimal Accessories
Let the clock be the statement. Avoid cluttering the surrounding area with competing elements. A few carefully chosen accessories can complement without overwhelming.
Furniture Arrangement
Arrange furniture to create sightlines to the clock from multiple zones within the open plan. This maximizes its functional value while ensuring its decorative impact is appreciated from various angles.
Complementary Elements
Echo the clock's finish or style in other elements throughout the space—matching metal finishes in light fixtures, similar wood tones in furniture, or complementary colors in textiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing too small: The most frequent error in open-plan spaces. What seems large in the store often looks modest on a big wall. Size up.
Hanging too low: Oversized clocks hung too low can feel heavy and oppressive. Maintain appropriate height even with large pieces.
Ignoring sightlines: Ensure the clock is visible from the space's main activity zones—living, dining, kitchen areas.
Mismatched scale: Pairing an oversized clock with undersized furniture creates awkward proportions. Ensure all elements are appropriately scaled.
Overcrowding: Give oversized clocks breathing room. They need space to make their impact.
The Investment Value
Quality oversized clocks represent significant investments, but they serve multiple purposes in open-plan spaces—functional timekeeping, focal point creation, space definition, and architectural enhancement. When you consider these combined benefits, the value becomes clear.
Well-chosen oversized clocks also have staying power. Their substantial presence and quality construction ensure they remain relevant and beautiful for years, making them wise long-term investments in your home. Learn about proper clock care.
Making Your Space Work
Open-plan living offers wonderful flexibility and spaciousness, but it requires thoughtful design to feel cohesive and organized. Oversized clocks provide elegant solutions—creating focal points, defining zones, and adding functional beauty that serves the entire space.
When you find the right oversized clock for your open-plan home, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. It becomes the anchor that pulls everything together, the reference point that organizes the space, and the beautiful detail you appreciate every single day.
Explore our collection of oversized clocks designed for open-plan living. From modern minimalist to warm metallics, find the perfect large-scale timepiece that anchors your space with style.