Wall clocks aren’t what they used to be. They’re no longer just functional pieces for telling the time; they’ve become decorative statements and, in some cases, works of art in their own right. I’m notoriously picky when it comes to choosing a wall clock, which probably explains why we don’t have many. But the ones I do choose are always a little different and unique, rather than the traditional wall clocks we might remember from years ago. Of course, they still need to be functional, but aesthetically they also need to work with the rest of the room.
NeXtime sent us something I didn’t realise I’d been looking for for such a long time: the Ultimo wall clock, which I’ve completely fallen in love with. It’s such a special piece, and now that it’s up, I feel like the space had been missing something all along. It’s funny how one piece can make such a difference, but the Ultimo feels like the perfect addition – that finishing touch that brings everything together and makes our open-plan kitchen/dining room feel complete.
A Sculptural Statement
I’ve always wanted a decorative wall clock in this room, but somehow a sculptural wall clock had never really crossed my mind. I felt there was already quite a lot going on, but oh boy, was I wrong! With the white walls, neutral decor and all that beautiful wood, I think a delicate silhouette like this only adds to the overall chicness of the space. Ultimo is part of NeXtime’s new 2026 collection and immediately stood out to me. And the best part? It’s made from fabric! I’ve never owned (and I don’t think I’ve ever come across) a fabric wall clock before. What a genius idea! Inspired by Oriental lanterns, the design features fabric stretched over its frame, creating dramatic pleats and beautiful shadows. It has a wonderfully three-dimensional quality that makes it feel more like a piece of art than a traditional wall clock. Measuring 50 cm in diameter, it’s a really good size for making a statement. One thing I’ve learnt when choosing wall clocks is not to go too small. It’s tempting to opt for something more subtle, but on a larger wall, a small clock can easily get lost and look a little out of proportion. I’d much rather go slightly bigger and choose something that holds its own, particularly if it’s going to be a decorative feature as much as a functional piece. The elegant gold clock face and hands provide a lovely contrast against the soft fabric, adding just the right amount of definition without taking away from the overall design. I think it’s the combination of contrasting materials and textures that makes it so striking. Even against a simple white wall, it really pops. It brings in another layer of texture, adds interest and makes the whole space feel that little bit more special.
The Perfect Addition to Our Open-Plan Space
Large rooms need careful planning, with a thoughtful mix of textures and styles to stop them from feeling too cold or impersonal. By introducing different textures, softer shapes and more tactile materials, you can make a space feel so much cosier and more welcoming. Of course, having a wall clock in a room like the kitchen, where you naturally spend so much time, is incredibly practical too. But I never want it to stand out too much. There’s something about constantly being aware of the time that can feel a little stressful, and I much prefer having a clock that blends naturally into the surroundings while still being there when you need it. I think this is particularly important when choosing something for the walls, especially when there’s already a lot of colour, texture and detail elsewhere in the room. You want it to complement everything around it rather than compete for attention. The Ultimo is actually one of the first things you notice when entering our open-plan kitchen and dining space, yet it doesn’t immediately shout ‘wall clock’, which I absolutely love. I want our home to feel relaxed and welcoming, somewhere we can switch off and enjoy our surroundings rather than constantly clock-watching. But when we do need to check the time, it’s there, doing exactly what it’s meant to do – just in a much more beautiful way.
How The Fabric Works With Natural Light
I do think the lighter colour works best with some natural light around it. We have the gold version, which has a beautiful light cream fabric finish. It’s at its most luminous during the day, while in the evenings it takes on a slightly darker, warmer beige tone. I actually love this subtle change and it’s exactly the look I wanted. The Ultimo is also available in brown and green. If you’re looking for something a little darker, particularly for a room with less natural light, I think the green version would look beautiful. They’re all pretty timeless colours, though, so I don’t think you can really go wrong with any of them. It just comes down to which shade works best in your home and against your walls.
A Silent Movement
One of the best things about this clock is that it’s a non-ticking clock, which means it has a silent movement. I honestly can’t stand the sound of a loud ticking clock, so having a silent mechanism is absolutely perfect for me. I’ve made the mistake of not checking this before when buying clocks, and let me tell you, they went straight back! Some people might not mind the ticking, but I genuinely don’t understand why we’d still want clocks making that constant ticking sound when silent movements are an option. It’s one of those little details that makes such a difference to everyday living.
Where to Place a Wall Clock
The most frequently used rooms, such as kitchens, hallways and dining rooms, are great places for wall clocks. These are practical spaces where keeping an eye on the time can be particularly useful. However, I do like to keep certain rooms, such as the living room and bedroom, clock-free. That’s purely personal preference, as I don’t particularly like clock-watching when I’m trying to relax and switch off. But, of course, that’s entirely down to how you like to use your space. And if you choose a clock that blends beautifully with your interior, you don’t have to worry about it standing out too much either. Choosing a sculptural piece like the Ultimo means you’re getting something that’s just as decorative as it is functional. It’s not simply about having somewhere to check the time; it’s about choosing something that adds to the overall look and feel of your home.
So, what do you think of our new fabric wall clock? Isn’t she a beauty? I honestly didn’t think a wall clock would make such a difference to this space but it’s given that wall a whole new personality. I love how it brings together texture, shape and a little sculptural interest without feeling too bold or overpowering. It’s one of those pieces that feels as though it was always meant to be there, even though I hadn’t realised quite how much the room needed it. I think that’s the beauty of finding something a little different for your home. It doesn’t always have to be a big change to make a difference. Sometimes it’s just one thoughtful addition that makes everything feel that little bit more complete. And I have to say, I’m rather smitten with this one!
