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Empty wall space is the thing most people ignore the longest. You hang one piece of art, maybe two, and then stare at the blank spot above the sideboard for months. A mid-century wall clock fixes that problem and tells you the time while doing it. The starburst and sunburst clocks of the 1950s and 1960s were designed to be wall art first and timepieces second. Six clocks, all under $60, all capable of making a bare wall look intentional.
We compared each for diameter, noise level, battery life, and how well the finish holds up over time. Because a clock that ticks audibly in a quiet room is not a clock; it is a torture device.
Quick Verdict
- Best overall: TwoDays 20-Inch Starburst Clock. Large enough to anchor a wall, silent quartz movement, and a metal sunburst design that looks three times its price.
- Best large statement: FIELDY 22-Inch Gold Starburst. The biggest clock on this list with a gold finish that commands attention from across the room.
- Best compact: Infinity Instruments 9-Inch Retro Square. A small square clock with retro charm that fits anywhere without overwhelming the wall.
What to Look for in a Mid-Century Wall Clock
A clock is a piece of art that happens to have moving parts. Here is what to consider before you hang one.
Size. For a wall clock to read as intentional, it needs to be proportional to the wall. An 18- to 22-inch clock works on a wall above a credenza or sofa. A 9- to 12-inch clock works in a kitchen, hallway, or grouped with other wall decor. Anything smaller than 9 inches looks like an afterthought.
Movement. Silent quartz movements are non-negotiable. A ticking clock is fine in a kitchen; it is unbearable in a bedroom or living room. Every clock on this list uses a silent sweep or silent quartz mechanism.
Finish. Gold and brass are the classic mid-century finishes for sunburst clocks. Black and wood tones work for more subdued designs. Avoid chrome or silver unless the rest of your room leans industrial rather than mid-century.
Battery. All clocks on this list run on standard AA or C batteries. Expect 12 to 18 months per battery. Keep a spare in your junk drawer.
1. TwoDays 20-Inch Mid-Century Starburst Wall Clock
The TwoDays starburst does everything right. The 20-inch diameter is large enough to fill a wall above a credenza or between two windows without looking undersized. The metal rays extend outward from a clean face, creating the classic sunburst silhouette that defined mid-century wall decor. The silent quartz movement means you will never hear it unless you press your ear to the wall. Battery operated, easy to hang, and the kind of piece that makes visitors say “where did you find that?”
Pros: 20-inch statement size, silent quartz movement, metal construction, battery operated, easy single-nail hanging
Cons: Metal rays can bend during shipping if the box takes a hit, needs a level to hang straight
2. FIELDY 22-Inch Gold Starburst Wall Clock
Go big or go home. The FIELDY is 22 inches of gold-finished metal sunburst that turns any blank wall into a focal point. The gold finish is warm and matte rather than shiny and cheap, which is the difference between a clock that looks collected and one that looks like it came from a party supply store. The silent movement is standard, and the clock face is clean with simple markers rather than numbers. Best placement is above a credenza or in a dining room where it can be seen from the table.
Pros: 22-inch large format, matte gold finish, clean face design, silent movement
Cons: May be too large for small rooms, gold finish will not suit every color palette
3. MOLEIHAO 18-Inch Sunburst Wall Clock
The MOLEIHAO splits the difference between the big statement pieces and the smaller accent clocks. At 18 inches, it fills wall space without dominating it. The colorful sunburst rays add a playful quality that works in a living room, a home office, or a hallway. The battery-operated silent movement keeps it quiet, and the build quality is surprisingly solid for a clock at this price. It hangs on a single nail and stays level. If you want a sunburst clock but 22 inches feels too aggressive, this is the right size.
Pros: 18-inch balanced size, colorful rays add personality, silent movement, single-nail hanging
Cons: Colors may not match every room palette, lighter weight than all-metal options
4. Driini 12-Inch Mid-Century Modern Wall Clock
Not every wall needs a sunburst. The Driini takes a quieter approach with a 12-inch round face, clean markers, and a mid-century modern design that leans more George Nelson than Hollywood Regency. The silent movement is whisper-quiet, and the smaller diameter makes it perfect for a kitchen, a hallway, or a gallery wall where it shares space with art and photos. It is the clock for people who want mid-century style without the “look at me” energy of a full sunburst.
Pros: Clean understated design, 12-inch size works in small spaces, silent movement, gallery wall friendly
Cons: Too small to anchor a large wall alone, simple design may not feel bold enough for some rooms
5. Cuspin 24 Inch Gold Wall Clock
The name says “medieval” but the design says 1958. This 18-inch sunburst uses a quartz movement and metal rays in a traditional starburst pattern that pairs with any mid-century room. The face is clean and readable from across the room, which sounds obvious but is something that many decorative clocks get wrong. It is a solid mid-range option that does not try to be the most dramatic or the most subtle. It just works on the wall and tells you the time.
Pros: 18-inch classic sunburst, readable face, quartz movement, mid-range price and size
Cons: Generic name makes it hard to find reviews, metal finish quality varies by batch
6. Infinity Instruments 9-Inch Retro Square Clock
The Infinity Instruments Retro Square is the opposite of a sunburst, and that is exactly why it is on this list. The 9-inch square frame in a retro green finish recalls the kitchen clocks of the 1950s and 1960s. It is small, it is specific, and it is the kind of piece that makes a kitchen or a breakfast nook feel finished. The silent movement keeps it quiet, and the compact size means you can hang it in spots where a larger clock would not fit. Perfect for kitchens, laundry rooms, and small home offices.
Pros: Retro square design, compact 9-inch size, silent movement, specific vintage character
Cons: Too small for a living room wall, green color is specific to certain palettes
How to Style a Mid-Century Wall Clock
A sunburst clock should be the only piece on its wall. Hanging it alongside art or photos dilutes its impact. Place it centered above a credenza or sofa, at eye level or slightly above. The rays should extend into empty space, not bump up against other decor.
For smaller clocks like the Driini or Infinity Instruments, group them with other wall pieces. A clock, a small mirror, and one framed print at staggered heights create a collected look that avoids the gallery wall cliche. Space them 2 to 3 inches apart for cohesion.
Pair your wall clock with mid-century mirrors on an adjacent wall to bounce light and create visual depth. A clock and a mirror on perpendicular walls give a room structure without furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mid-century sunburst clocks accurate?
Yes. Modern reproductions use quartz movements, which are accurate to within a few seconds per month. The original vintage clocks used mechanical movements that required periodic winding and adjustment. The quartz versions on this list are set-it-and-forget-it.
How do I hang a heavy metal wall clock?
Use a wall anchor rated for at least twice the clock’s weight. Most clocks on this list weigh 2 to 5 pounds, so a standard drywall anchor handles them easily. For plaster walls, use a toggle bolt. Always check for studs first with a stud finder.
Can I put a wall clock in a bathroom?
Not these. Humidity and steam will corrode metal finishes and fog clock faces over time. If you want a clock in a bathroom, look for one rated for humid environments with a sealed face and rust-resistant finish.
What size wall clock do I need?
Measure your wall and divide by three. That gives you the maximum diameter for a clock that looks proportional. A 6-foot wall section accommodates a 24-inch clock; a 4-foot section accommodates a 16-inch clock. When in doubt, go slightly larger. An oversized clock reads as intentional; an undersized clock reads as lost.
Bottom Line
The TwoDays 20-Inch Starburst is the right choice for most walls. It is big enough to anchor the space and quiet enough to forget it is running. If you want maximum impact, the FIELDY 22-Inch Gold goes bigger and bolder. And for kitchens and small spaces, the Infinity Instruments Retro Square adds charm without taking up wall real estate.
Pick one, hang it, and stop staring at that blank wall.