That blank wall above your sofa has been bothering you for a while, hasn't it?
You've measured it. You've looked at options. Maybe you've even added something to your cart and then closed the tab.
I get it, because I've been there too. And after years of helping Australian women find the right piece for their walls, I can tell you that choosing a large wall clock is actually a lot simpler than it feels right now.
This guide covers everything you need to know. What wall clock size to choose, where to hang it, what styles suit Australian homes, and how to get it right the first time.
Let's start with the question I get asked most.
How Big Should a Wall Clock Be?
The most common mistake I see is going too small.
It makes sense. We worry about something being too big or overpowering. But a clock that's too small for a wall looks lost. It actually makes the space feel more empty, not less.
Here's my honest answer: in most Australian living rooms, bigger is almost always better.
Our homes tend to have open plan layouts, wide walls, and higher ceilings. Small decor items get lost in these spaces. A large wall clock gives the room an anchor, something for your eye to land on, and that's exactly what makes a space feel pulled together.
So when in doubt, size up.
60cm vs 80cm: Which Size Is Right for You?
This is the question I answer more than any other, so let me make it really simple.
Choose the 60cm wall clock if:
- Your wall is moderate in size, think a smaller living room, dining room, hallway or bedroom
- You're styling above a buffet, console or sideboard and want presence without dominating
- You have standard ceiling height (around 2.4m)
- You want something beautiful that doesn't fill the entire wall
Choose the 80cm wall clock if:
- You have an open plan living area with wide walls
- Your sofa is 2.5m or wider and the wall above it feels bare
- You have high ceilings and want a true statement piece
- You've gone smaller before and regretted it
Still not sure? Try this.
Cut a piece of cardboard or newspaper to either 60cm or 80cm round and tape it to your wall. Step back and live with it for a few minutes. It sounds simple but honestly it removes all the guesswork. Most of my customers who try this end up going with the 80cm.
What Size Wall Clock for a Living Room?
For most Australian living rooms I'd recommend starting with the 80cm, especially if:
- Your sofa is against a large wall
- You have an open plan kitchen and living area
- The ceiling is higher than standard
- The wall feels noticeably bare right now
For smaller living rooms or if you're styling above a piece of furniture rather than on a blank wall, the 60cm is a beautiful choice that still makes a real impact.
The goal is for the clock to feel like it belongs there. Not like it was the only thing you could find, and not like it snuck onto the wall when nobody was looking.
Wall Clock Size Guide: Room by Room
Here's a quick reference to take the thinking out of it:
Living room (large or open plan): 80cm Living room (smaller or standard): 60cm or 80cm Dining room: 60cm or 70cm Bedroom: 60cm Hallway or entryway: 60cm Kitchen: 60cm Outdoor entertaining area: 60cm or 80cm depending on wall size
A good rule of thumb is for the clock to take up roughly two thirds of the visual width of the wall or the furniture it sits above. So if your sideboard is 120cm wide, a 60cm to 80cm clock above it will feel balanced and intentional.
Where Is the Best Place to Hang a Wall Clock?
The most popular spot, and my personal favourite, is above a sideboard or console in the living room.
It works so well because the furniture grounds the clock and gives it something to relate to. Without furniture beneath it, a clock on a blank wall can feel a little like it's floating. With a sideboard, a lamp and a vase beneath it, suddenly the whole wall looks like you've styled it on purpose.
What if my wall isn't very wide?
This is something I hear from customers in apartments or smaller homes and the good news is a large clock can actually work beautifully on a narrower wall too.
The key is to let the clock be the only thing on that wall. No frames either side, no shelves competing for attention. Just the clock, centred, with a little breathing room around it. A single beautiful piece on a smaller wall often makes more of an impact than a wall full of things.
In this case the 60cm is usually the better choice over the 80cm wall clock.
Other spots that work beautifully:
- Above the sofa (make sure it's centred and at least 20-30cm above the back of the sofa)
- Above a fireplace as the focal point of the room
- In a dining room above a buffet
- In a hallway or entryway where you want to make an impression
- In a covered outdoor entertaining area
What about above the TV?
Honestly, I'd avoid it. The TV already competes for attention and adding a clock above it can make the wall feel cluttered. A clock deserves its own moment.
How High Should a Wall Clock Be Hung?
A good starting point is roughly 160cm from the floor to the centre of the clock. This works well for both seated and standing viewing in most Australian living rooms.
In rooms with higher ceilings you can go a little higher, but try not to hang it so high that you have to strain your neck looking up to see it. The clock should feel like part of the room, not like it's floating near the ceiling.
If you're hanging it above a sideboard, aim for about 30cm above the top of the piece. Close enough to feel connected to the furniture, but with enough breathing room to look intentional.
View Our Large Wall Clock Collection →
Hamptons Wall Clocks: Timeless Style for Australian Homes
Hamptons style is one of the most searched interior styles in Australia and it's easy to see why.
It's relaxed without being casual. Elegant without being cold. It feels like a beach house that someone actually lives in, rather than a magazine shoot.
Our Hamptons wall clocks are designed with exactly that feeling in mind.
What to look for in a Hamptons wall clock:
- Natural timber double frame
- White face with Roman numerals
- Whisper quiet movement, barely noticeable in a normal room
- Warm neutral tones that suit Australian light
They look beautiful paired with:
- Linen sofas in natural or warm white
- Neutral cushions in sandy, taupe or sage tones
- Timber furniture with a natural or light finish
- Soft throw rugs and textured cushions
Our bestselling 80cm Hamptons Double Frame Floating Wall Clock is the one I'd recommend if you love this style. She's large, light, and so easy to hang. Most of our customers tell me their room finally felt finished once she was up.
Coastal Wall Clocks: Calm, Relaxed and Very Australian
Coastal style is close to my heart and I think it's close to a lot of Australian hearts too.
There's something about natural timber, soft whites and quiet spaces that just feels right in an Australian home. Especially when the afternoons get long and warm.
What makes a great coastal wall clock:
- Natural timber or white frame
- Clean, uncluttered face
- Soft neutral tones
- Whisper quiet movement for a calm, peaceful room
Coastal style is about simplicity. One beautiful piece that adds warmth without adding noise.
Pair your coastal clock with light linen cushions, a jute rug, and maybe a piece of coastal wall art nearby. Let the room breathe.
Are Large Wall Clocks Heavy or Hard to Hang?
This is something I hear a lot and I love being able to reassure people here.
Our large wall clocks are actually much lighter than most people expect. The 80cm Hamptons clock weighs around 1.8kg. That's lighter than most of the picture frames hanging in your home right now.
Every clock comes with a built-in hook on the back, so hanging it is genuinely straightforward. One nail or screw into a wall stud, or with a wall anchor for plaster walls, and you're done.
Quick tips for hanging:
- Use a wall stud where possible for the most secure hang
- If you're hanging in plaster, a wall anchor is your best friend
- Use a level app on your phone (it's free and works really well)
- Get someone to hold the clock up first so you can check the position before you commit
And yes, all our clocks have a very soft tick. You'd only really notice it in a completely quiet room, and most of our customers tell me they honestly can't hear it in their living room at all.
What Colour Wall Clock Should I Choose?
This comes down to two things: your wall colour and the feeling you want in the room.
Natural timber is the most versatile choice for Australian homes. It adds warmth without competing with anything. Whether your walls are white, cream, soft grey or greige, a timber clock looks like it belongs.
White or white and timber is beautiful against feature walls or darker tones, and if you want the clock to feel light and airy. It's also the most popular choice for Hamptons and coastal rooms.
Black or dark metal makes a beautiful statement against white walls and suits more contemporary Australian homes. It's bold but not loud, if that makes sense.
My honest advice: if you're unsure, go natural timber. It's the one finish that works in almost every Australian home I've seen.
How to Style Around Your Wall Clock
Once she's up, here's how to make the whole wall feel intentional.
The classic living room formula: Clock centred above sideboard, lamp to one side, a small vase or plant to the other. That's it. Clean, balanced, done.
Above the sofa: Clock centred above the sofa. Two or three cushions on the sofa below in coordinating tones. A throw draped casually over one arm. The clock and the sofa start to feel like they belong to each other.
Gallery wall with a clock as the anchor: Use the clock as the centrepiece and arrange 2-4 smaller frames or prints around it. Keep spacing consistent and step back often. This works beautifully in living rooms, dining rooms and hallways.
The simple shelf styling: Clock on the wall above a shelf or console. On the shelf below: a stack of books, a small plant, a candle or two. Layered and lovely.
Shop Cushions & Throws to Match Your Clock →
Are Large Wall Clocks Still in Style?
Yes, and I'd actually say they're more popular than ever in Australian homes.
Part of it is the shift toward meaningful, lasting pieces rather than disposable decor. Women are buying things they'll love for years, not just for the current season.
A beautiful large wall clock does something that most decor items can't. It's functional and beautiful at the same time. It solves a real problem (that blank wall, the need for scale, the missing focal point) while adding genuine warmth to the room.
That combination never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Clocks
What size wall clock is best for a living room? For most Australian living rooms, I'd start with the 80cm if you have an open plan space or high ceilings, and the 60cm for smaller rooms or above a piece of furniture. When in doubt, go bigger. It's rarely the wrong call.
How big should a wall clock be compared to my wall? A good guide is for the clock to take up roughly 60-70% of the visual width of the wall or the furniture it sits above. So above a 120cm sideboard, a 60-80cm clock feels balanced.
How do I choose the right size wall clock for my room? Measure your wall, note the size of any furniture below it, and try the cardboard test. Cut a piece to the size you're considering and tape it to the wall. It takes two minutes and tells you everything you need to know.
What size wall clock for a kitchen? For most kitchens a 60cm clock is the right call. It's large enough to be functional and beautiful without taking over the space.
Are large wall clocks heavy? Our 80cm clocks weigh around 1.8kg, much lighter than most people expect. They're easy to hang with a single wall hook.
Can you hear a wall clock ticking? Our clocks have a very soft tick. In a normal living room you'd barely notice it. It's only really audible if you're standing close to the clock in a very quiet room.
Where should I not hang a wall clock? Avoid hanging above the TV (too much visual competition), in direct sunlight for long periods (can fade the face over time), or in high humidity areas like bathrooms.
What wall clock style suits an Australian home? Coastal, Hamptons and contemporary styles all work beautifully in Australian homes. Natural timber, white faces and clean lines suit our light, open homes. Avoid anything too ornate or heavy as it tends to feel out of place in relaxed Australian spaces.
Our Favourite Large Wall Clocks for Australian Homes
If you're ready to browse, here are the ones our customers love most:
80cm Hamptons Double Frame Floating Wall Clock >> Our bestseller. Natural timber double frame, white face, whisper quiet tick. Perfect for open plan living rooms and Hamptons or coastal style homes.
60cm Hamptons Double Frame Floating Wall Clock >> The same beautiful design in a 60cm size. Perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms and smaller living spaces.
60cm Carved Industro Hamptons Wall Clock >> A customer favourite. Hand-carved timber face, bold black Roman numerals. Coastal with a little edge.
👉 View the Wall Clock Collection →
Still not sure which one is right for your wall? Send us a message and I'll help you figure it out. I genuinely love doing this.
Sandra xx
Posted by Sandra Da Silva, founder of Beautiful Home Decor Beautiful Home Decor ships Australia wide from the Gold Coast, QLD
Leave a comment