Are Grandfather Clocks Outdated? Modern Uses and Buying Tips

Seth Carter 14/05/2025

Some people assume that Amish furniture, with its solid construction that lasts for generations, must be outdated. However, these beautiful floor clocks have adapted to different styles over time, keeping them timeless pieces of furniture that also keep time. Perhaps “timeless” was the wrong word.

Let’s examine why grandfather clocks have been and continue to be a very popular choice.

A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks

Grandfather clocks have long symbolized tradition and craftsmanship. They initially became celebrated designs in the 17th century for accurate timekeeping. Their tall, elegant cases and chiming movements added character to formal living spaces.

Over time, styles have evolved from ornate carvings and dark finishes to transitional, modern, and even minimalist designs.

In early American homes, grandfather clocks were both practical and symbolic. They served as the central timekeeping piece and often one of the most finely crafted furnishings in the house. Their solid wood construction and mechanical precision made them ideal heirlooms, passed down through generations as a lasting symbol of family tradition.

Today’s grandfather clocks come in various wood types, stains, and shapes, allowing them to fit traditional and modern homes while honoring their legacy as ~~timeless~~ statement pieces. An Amish-made grandfather clock can suit every style, whether you have a more conventional decor or a contemporary motif.

What Makes a Grandfather Clock ‘Timeless’?

The craftsmanship, function, and substance blend make a grandfather clock timeless. Most are built from solid hardwood using time-honored joinery techniques that ensure durability and visual appeal. Their unique chimes, swinging pendulums, and mechanical or quartz movements make them more than decorative. Grandfather clocks are living pieces of functional art.

Grandfather clocks are often passed down through generations, becoming treasured family heirlooms that mark time and memories together.

Are Grandfather Clocks in Style Today?

Yes. Grandfather clocks are still in style. Designers often use them as focal points in entryways, living rooms, or studies, where their presence adds character. While classic styles in oak and cherry remain popular, modern interpretations feature lighter finishes, cleaner lines, or painted options that effortlessly blend into contemporary spaces. Their versatility makes these floor clocks a fit for nearly any home style.

Additionally, our made-to-order Amish clocks allow phenomenal customization to ensure you get the perfect fit for your modern style.

Modern Uses and Placements for Grandfather Clocks

You used to primarily find floor clocks sitting proudly in formal living rooms, bringing the space’s ambiance up while gently reminding your guests that it’s almost time to leave (because time keeps on ticking). Today, people have gotten more creative with their placement. Many people put their floor pendulum clocks in hallways, entryways, stunning home offices full of solid wood office furniture, and more.

I have one in my open-concept dining room. My furniture is all solid wood, but the addition of the Amish pendulum clock added a level of class to the room.

Another great feature is the small amount of floor space it requires. The vertical solid wood design towers over a room and can offer hidden storage or shelving. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary style, these clocks combine beauty and practicality for both.

What to Look for in an Heirloom Floor Clock

All our floor clocks are handcrafted by Amish woodworkers in America’s heartland. Not only do our artisans pay meticulous attention to the details, but each piece is made to order using premium hardwoods and your selected custom options. There’s a big difference between a solid wood timepiece and a mass-produced clock made from particleboard.

An heirloom-quality clock should feature durable, long-lasting materials like oak, cherry, or maple, along with a mechanical or high-quality quartz movement. Look for customization options for stain, size, or dial style to suit your space and taste. When built by skilled craftsmen, a clock becomes more than decor, it becomes part of your family’s story.

FAQs

Do pendulum clocks need to be wound?

Only mechanical grandfather clocks require winding; quartz models are battery-powered and do not.

How much maintenance does a floor clock require?

Minimal upkeep is needed, just regular dusting and oiling the movement every two to three years.

Can a grandfather clock be moved safely?

Yes. The weights, pendulum, and movement should be removed and secured before transport.

Do all grandfather clocks chime?

Most do, but some models offer silent modes or can be ordered without chimes.

What size floor clock should I buy?

Choose based on ceiling height and available wall space; most range from six to eight feet tall.

Can pendulum clocks be customized?

Yes. Wood type, stain, dial style, and movement options can often be customized, especially with our Amish-made clocks.

Conclusion

Whether in a traditional setting or a more modern design, these timeless pieces bring elegance and character to the room. Explore our full collection of Amish Grandfather Clocks to find the piece that fits your home. Have questions? Our team is happy to help you choose the correct clock for your space.