Large Clock Above a Fireplace: Size and Height Guide

A large clock above a fireplace is one of the easiest ways to give a living room a focal point. The fireplace already draws the eye, so the clock simply finishes the wall. The two things to get right are the size and the height.

How big should a clock above a fireplace be?

Measure the width of the chimney breast, or of the mantelpiece if it is wider. Then use these simple rules:

• Aim for about half to two-thirds of the chimney breast width. Many UK chimney breasts are somewhere around 120 to 150cm wide, which points to a clock of roughly 76cm to 88cm.
• Leave clear wall either side. At least 15 to 20cm of bare wall on each side stops the clock looking squeezed.
• Do not go too small. A 40 to 50cm clock on a full chimney breast usually looks lost, especially from across the room.

These are starting points. The quickest way to be sure is the paper test: cut a circle of paper or card at the size you are considering, tape it above the fireplace and look at it from your sofa and from the doorway.

How high should it hang?

• Leave around 15 to 30cm between the top of the mantelpiece and the bottom of the clock.
• Any closer and the clock looks like it is sitting on the mantel; much higher and it floats away from the fireplace.
• If you keep candles, photos or ornaments on the mantel, allow for their height first.

Our clocks hang from a single point on the back, behind the 12, so the fixing goes near the top of the clock. Measure from the bottom of the clock to that hanging point before you mark the wall. For fixings, see how to hang a large wall clock.

Is it safe above a working fire?

Heat rises, so keep any clock well clear of the heat from an open fire or stove, and follow the guidance for your fireplace. Our clocks are for indoor use, and colourful designs should be kept out of strong direct sunlight to protect the finish.

Which style suits a fireplace?

• Skeleton clocks are the classic choice. The open frame lets the wall colour show through, so even an 88cm rustic gold skeleton clock or the rustic silver version looks light rather than heavy.
• Gear clocks suit industrial, loft and modern rooms. See the large 76cm gold gear clock.
• Colourful clocks such as the 88cm colourful retro clock bring colour to a plain chimney breast.

Finish the look with candle sconces

A pair of wall candle sconces either side of the clock frames the fireplace and balances the wall. Our metal scroll wall candle sconces are sold in pairs, and each one is 40cm high. Hang them level with each other, roughly in line with the centre of the clock, and keep them clear of any heat source.

Quick checklist

• Measure the chimney breast and pick a clock about half to two-thirds of its width.
• Leave 15 to 20cm of clear wall on each side.
• Hang the clock 15 to 30cm above the mantelpiece.
• Check your wall type and use the right fixing.
• Keep it well clear of heat from a working fire.

Browse all our large wall clocks, or read what size wall clock for a living room.