Australians love the great outdoors and so it’s no surprise that many of us while away our free time on the patio, veranda or outdoor terrace whenever the weather permits. Because we spend so much time outdoors, it’s important to find the right balance between comfort and style in our outdoor areas. Decorating an outdoor space can be fraught with issues because weather resistance and durability are can often reduce the choices available for decor pieces.
Wall clocks have always been a wonderful way to decorate any space. While supremely functional, they can also be extremely stylish and can have an incredible impact on an outdoor space if chosen correctly. Many people wouldn’t consider adding a clock to an outdoor area because of the weather and durability issues mentioned above, however it is possible to find clocks that are resistant to the elements but still provide a splash of colour to your outdoor space.
Style
When it comes to style, it’s important to consider the size of the actual clock. As most outdoor areas are larger and more spacious than interiors, it’s better to go for a larger clock (50cm diameter or more) to ensure it has the desired impact on the room. Similarly, the clock hands and the numerals should be large and bold so as to be easily seen from anywhere in the space. You can see a wide range of large clocks at Purely Wall Clocks.
Finding the right clock for a wall exposed to the elements
When searching for your wall clock online, make sure you specifically use the words ‘outdoor wall clock’. This will help refine your search, as most retailers will clearly outline if a clock is suitable for the outdoors. However, it’s important not to solely rely on this information, as there are a few things you should check to ensure the clock will suit your outdoor space.
Outer Casing
If your clock will be placed on a wall that is exposed to the elements then there are a number of things your must consider. The first is the outer casing, it should be clearly labelled as water resistance and thus have a sealed casing. One thing you do not want is moisture in your clock mechanism as this will cause damage and most likely result in a clock that no longer keeps the time, which is a bit of a waste of time (pardon the pun!).
Material
The next thing to consider is the material the clock is made from. Composite materials made from MDF will often expand when exposed to water. Once the clock has expanded it’s not likely to shrink back the original size and you will probably end up with a clock with a distorted clock face. A better idea is to choose a clock that is made from stainless steel metal, as this will avoid water damage as well as rust.
Clock Face
If your clock will be exposed to direct sunlight then there are a few considerations to think about. The first is whether glare will be an issue. There is nothing worse than having a beam of direct sunlight affecting the visibility of your clock. Try to find a clock that is made from anti-glare glass which eliminates this problem altogether.
Another thing to consider is the colour and style of the clock face. Sometimes cheaper clocks can be made with paper or cardboard on the face of the clock. If this is exposed to direct sunlight then it won’t be long before the colour begins to fade. A better idea is to select a clock with a clock face made from metal or glass.
Finding the right clock for a sheltered wall
Many outdoor areas are often sheltered enough so they are not exposed to the weather. If this is the case for you then you do not have to specifically search for an ‘outdoor wall clock’ as many indoor clock will suit your purpose. If you can hang your clock on a wall that is sheltered then you will have a much wider selection of clocks available to you.
Be sure to choose a clock made from quality material. While it doesn’t need to be weatherproof, it will still be enduring harsher conditions that an a clock on an interior wall and it’s worth spending a few extra dollars to get a clock that will stand the test of time. It’s best to avoid MDF and composite materials where possible.
The most important thing to remember is to find a clock that suits the style of the outdoor area. Determining if your space is has a more rustic or modern looking will have a huge impact on the type of wall clock you are looking for.