They’re called “clocks,” so you would think they were there to keep the time. But, I can barely recall an instance where that was the main point of having a grandfather clock.

Instead, grandfather clocks are often kept as interesting, and sometimes imposing, pieces of furniture. The huge pendulum’s slow movements are often more relaxing than hurry-inspiring. And the deep, resonant chimes get attention–yet never annoy.

If I got a grandfather clock, I’d put it in the dining room. Not because I want to watch a clock while I eat!! But, because that’s where the bookcase is. It’d fit in with it. Which one? My eye for the finer things honed right in on this: Bulova Merlot Grandfather Clock, but then I realized that much of the visible works are silver (or it could be stainless) finish. I like gold better, so the more modern-looking Parliament, also by Bulova, wins.

At 1-800-4Clocks.com, they not only have many Bulova grandfather clocks, but lots of other respected brands. They even have a blog about grandfather clocks! Many of these posts are quite informative. For instance, they explain the meaning behind the words tempus fugit and that it’s really not a brand name. It actually means “time flies!” Personally, I wouldn’t want to be reminded of how fast time sometimes seems to go, so I’ll make sure that any clock I get doesn’t say that!

Many people love to keep track of the time, and daily life is therefore inundated with clocks. Personally, I have 2 clocks within sight that I didn’t even ask for: There’s one on my computer taskbar, and one on my cell phone.

But, there are times when a wall clock is actually in order. If there’s a room without another clock in it that’s dedicated to productive activity, a prominent clock can help keep things moving.

Years ago, I got a wall clock made from a log round. This one ended up in my mother’s music-teaching room, and added a lot of class to the area. She needed a clock there because lessons are 1/2-hour, and students tend to talk beyond that if they get the chance. So a nice, unobtrusive-but-easily-readable clock helped to keep their lessons to the proper length.

Now, she’s moved her teaching out of the house, and into a studio. This studio doesn’t yet have a clock. But, sometimes she complains about having her breaks being talked through by students who don’t realize it’s time to go. So, I’m thinking of getting her one of the clocks at 1-800-4CLOCKS to put a stop to that.

This Howard Miller Wall Clock looks like it’d be a good fit. It’s different enough to not look grade-schoolish, but not too fancy for its purpose. And, the colors can pick up on both the white walls and the brown of the piano.

As for me, I’m free of the shackles of The Time. So if I ever were going to buy a clock, it’d have to be either a novelty one, or one that was so special in other ways that it overshadowed the fact that it’s a clock. Something like this Starburst Wall Clock, which is more sculpture than clock, is more like it for me.

1-800-4Clocks has tons of wall clocks. So whether you want a clock for its time-telling, for its looks, or both, they’re sure to have one for you. Check out all their new clocks and you’re sure to find one (or more!) that you like.

Blogs are really becoming popular among merchants. This merchant has a blog, too, where they talk about things like how wall clocks have personality and enhance the overall decor of a room.