Although the development of the earliest mechanical clocks dates back to the medieval period, it was not until the eighteenth and nineteenth century that they became common household decorations. Anyone that has visited one or more of the royal palaces of Europe know how ubiquitous decorative mantel clocks are in them 
and can appreciate how a finely ornate mantel clock can compliment the style of a well designed room.
Finding the right decorative mantel clock
The range of mantel clocks available today reflects the many styles that have been developed throughout history as well as many modern designs that can compliment any interior design scheme. Further, today many historical versions have been reproduced using more modern technology inside, meaning that they offer the low maintenance convenience of a modern clock with the appearance of an antique.
The range of types is truly enormous and one can easily find a mantel clock that works with almost any room in almost any style. Since decorative mantel clocks have such a long and illustrious history, as well as an overwhelming range of styles and appearances, people considering adding a mantel clock to one or more rooms of their home should have no problem finding one that compliments the room’s already existing style. From extremely rustic to ultramodern and everything in between, there are mantel clocks available which can match any preexisting décor.
Are decorative mantel clocks expensive?
The price range for modern decorative mantel clocks is extremely wide, ranging from inexpensive mass produced models that can be bought for less than ten dollars to extremely expensive antique clocks that can cost thousands of dollars. In the end it really comes down to what the individuals wants, but most decent quality mantel clocks usually cost between thirty and one hundred dollars. If you are willing to double this amount it is fairly easy to find companies that can custom design a mantel clock for you.
So, unless you are a serious clock collector, and there are a lot of antique clock collectors out there, you can probably find a decent mantel clock that will work with any room in your home at a fairly reasonable price. Further they are sold at a wide range of outlets from discount megastores to high brow interior design places. Some of the best deals, and widest selections, can be found by shopping for your decorative mantel clock online today.
If you are particularly interested in collecting antique mantle clock variants, you should know by now that there are plenty of choices available. Like with other types of antique clocks, old mantle clocks come in a cornucopia of styles, designs, and features. Some of the interesting mantle clock variants that you might want to consider 
include the following:
Traditional Mantle Clock Designs
- Classic mantle clocks – These astounding antique clocks usually present classical forms including Roman and Greek deities, acanthus foliage, and kilsmos chairs.
- Chiming mantle clocks – The most notable feature of this kind of antique clock is its chiming melody. The melody produced by the clock can range from simple bell sounds to more complex melodies. The chiming sound is played every hour.
- Novelty mantle clocks – The novelty classification simply pertains to mantle clocks that do not fall into a specific category. They carry a broad range of creative and unique designs. In addition to that, most of them are accentuated, which makes them highly decorative.
- Scenic mantle clocks – Just like with themed antique wall clocks, these types of antique clocks showcase designs and styles that depict historical symbols, specific themes, and commemorated events.
Simple Mantle Clock Designs
- Beehive, rounded top, and arched top mantle clocks – Like the top crown of a grandfather clock, mantle clocks also come in varying head shapes or top-part designs.
- Tambour mantle clocks – This type carry the most basic mantle clock design. They feature a round clock face that is housed in a drum and supported by a wide base.
- Steeple type mantle clocks – These antique clocks are named as such because they have a triangle shaped face that has column structures on the side. Their form pretty much resemble like the steeples on the church.
No matter what type of old mantle clock you decide to procure, make sure that you are acquiring an authentic antique by inspecting if all of its original antique clock parts are kept intact and unaltered. Check “Antique Clocks Guide” out for hints and tips about antique clocks.