My dream of adding a Mora clock to our home has finally come true! Take a look at how much charm and character it added to our living room!
I have big news to share today – something very exciting has arrived here at Maison de Cinq! A dream come true, actually! If you follow me over on Instagram, then you may already know what my ‘big news’ is! 😉
But for those of you who don’t, I recently purchased an antique Mora clock! This is something I’ve been dreaming of for years. Something that, although I’ve looked, I didn’t really think I’d ever find.
But I did find one – and now she lives here! It’s funny because about a year ago I was researching and preparing to write a detailed blog post about them, and for some reason, I never finished it. But now I have the perfect excuse to talk about them!
A gorgeous one in the foyer of my friend Loi of the blog, Tone on Tone.
To give you a little background in case these are new to you, Mora clocks are Swedish in origin, from the town of Mora, Sweden. They are “long case clocks” similar to an American grandfather clock, but much simpler in design.
Design by Helen Forbes Hennie via Adrienne Palmer Interiors.
Gustavian in style, they were made during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today they are highly sought after, and as such, can be prohibitively expensive. (Which is why I was not sure I would ever own one!)
I’m sure if you follow my blog (and love French and Swedish country style as much as I do), you’ve seen them here or on Pinterest. Many of my absolute favorite designers use them!
Design by Brooke Giannetti.
Can you see why I fell in love?! There is just something so charming about them!
I’ve always had a place in my living room that I thought would be perfect for a Mora clock – it was just a matter of finding one I could afford.
And here she is! I can’t even tell you how excited I am!
It was shipped from Sweden and came in a huge heavy crate. As my husband opened it I was literally holding my breath because I was so afraid it wouldn’t be what I had expected. Because let’s face it, buying online is always a risk. And when it’s an antique that is not returnable, even more so!
I had zoomed in on the photos online a thousand times and I felt pretty sure of my decision, but you never know. And then after I actually purchased it, I had about two weeks of buyer’s remorse. Actually, more like buyer’s panic! Needless to say, I had a pretty big sigh of relief when it turned out okay!
This spot in the living room is truly made for it! It’s always been an awkward, empty spot. I was thinking if I didn’t find an antique Mora clock I would either buy a reproduction (there are some pretty ones out there now!) or do something tall and thin like an antique secretary. This wall definitely needed something.
Mine is dated from about 1780.
You can see the word “Mora” on the clock face, and the letters A.A.S. – the initials of one of the first clockmakers in Mora.
I love the carving below the face and at the bottom. And the little scalloped edge!!
As you can see, my clock was one that was scraped to reveal the original paint and as such, has lots of distressing – which I love!
I feel like this one piece has changed the entire space!! Because most of my antique pieces were dark wood and I’ve slowly been getting rid of those, I was left with not a single antique in the entire room. And I’m such an antiques person! I really feel every room should have at least one, so this space was really needing that character.
Just take a look at the space before and after!
You know how women dream of a Chanel bag, or Jimmy Choo shoes? Well, apparently, my dreams are all in the form of expensive antiques! Well, at least the resale is better right?!
If you’re interested in seeing more examples, I did do a post on them several years ago here. And, if you’re interested in purchasing one, they are on several websites. 1st Dibs carries them, which is where I got mine on sale, though they tend to be pretty high. But there are some originals on Etsy, as well as several darling reproductions (this one is especially pretty!) That is definitely what I would have ended up with if this one hadn’t turned up!
Shop Mora clocks
Shop my living room
*please note affiliate links are included for your convenience*
Sheila
xo
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more decorating inspiration and ideas below:
Roseann D'Elia says
She’s as beautiful as your heart and soul. of all the blogs and homes, I relate to you most. we have very similar pieces
I would love to see a tour of your home. I live in the south….every home has open concept….not a fan. We have recently purchased property, so excited to be building. I just cannot seem to find any closed floor plans. Hope you have a tour on hand.
Enjoy your Mora
Roseann
Sheila says
Hi Roseann and thank you for your kind words – you truly made my day!
As far as a tour, the best way to see most of my home is in the post below, you can also see all we did to it after purchasing it (it was a wreck!)
https://maisondecinq.com/why-i-chose-my-home/
Best of luck to you with your home build!
Sheila
Sharon says
Your Mora clock is gorgeous, Sheila. I know exactly what you mean about searching for a particular antique for such a long time. I have been wanting an antique Louis Philippe mirror for over 15 years and finally got one! I think this Covid lockdown had made us all realize that life can be short so why delay what makes you happy!
Sheila says
Oh I couldn’t agree more! And yay for you getting a Louis Philippe mirror – I LOVE them!!
Sheila
Shelly Spencer says
thanks so much for this inspiring post! I’d never heard of a Mora clock before and now I have to have one!!
Brenda says
Beautiful clock! I too have admired the Mora clock for years. Does your clock have the original working time pieces or converted to battery? I have been in search of one that has original time pieces. Enjoy your new found treasure!
Sheila says
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for your kind words about my clock – I truly love it! And no, it does not work and I haven’t converted it to battery as to my understanding that makes it much less valuable. I just enjoy looking at it anyway and I don’t even care if it works!
Sheila
Cathy says
I love reading your story! I have loved Mora Clocks for a long time. I finally found a reproduction a few years ago and am still in love. As all of my grandparents came from Sweden…..I named the clock Hjalmar after my Morfar. Keep your stories coming! I love reading them and I try very hard to decorate like you❤️ I’m challenged…..laughing
Sheila says
Aww I’m so glad you found the blog Cathy, thank you! And the Mora clocks are so pretty that even the reproductions are gorgeous! Enjoy yours and thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Betty Bashaw says
I’ve been looking for a Mora Clock for years, too! So excited that you found one that is perfect for you and your home. Enjoy!
Nancy Brantley says
Yes..i couldn’t believe the price!!!??
I can send you a picture?
Sharon says
Your clock is stunning. I’ve been obsessing over Mora clocks for years. I finally found the perfect one about five years ago in Round Top. The dealer had several and they were all gorgeous..the one I had my eye on was just too expensive and my husband said absolutely not! I’ve been saving and hopefully soon will find one as beautiful as yours. Enjoy! Can’t wait to hear what you name it…I had never heard of that custom but love it 😊..
Sheila says
Thank you Sharon! I sure hope you also get to own one someday – they are amazing and so special!
Sheila
Nancy Brantley says
It is beautiful. I know your excitement of wanting a Mora clock. I found one in a consignment shop and the lady working there owned it…..she sold it to me for $500 because she was downsizing to a small Townhome due to divorce. I could not believe the price…my heart was racing!!! She had it imported years ago. It is made of thick wood and looks like pegs. It’s a faded blue. I’ve had it now three years and just can’t believe I have a Mora!
Sheila says
Oh my gosh, $500?! That’s amazing! You are one lucky lady!! The blue ones are especially beautiful, too!
Kathy T says
Your clock is just gorgeous. I know you are over the moon! I got a Bridal type Mora less than a year ago from an Etsy dealer in England and I love it so much. Mine came crated too. I am absolutely infatuated with mine and stop to wonder at it at least once a day. Did you name yours? It is a custom to name them with each new owner. I named mine Elenor from the Edgar Allen Poe poem. I think it is such a pretty name to say. My Miles Redd inspired use of color is much different than your lovely neutral palette but I have the same desire for a mix of new and old and a general curated feel. I have wanted a Mora clock for 20 years and I can’t believe I now own one.
Sheila says
Thank you Kathy! And yes – I’m over the moon for sure!! And so funny that you mentioned naming them, I didn’t know that about the history of naming but was thinking I should name her – so now I will!
Thank you for stopping by!
Sheila
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
Oh it’s gorgeous Sheila! Congratulations! And it was so fun to read about Moras – I’d never heard of them before and it was really interesting. Thanks for all the good info and sharing your beautiful home!
Sheila says
Thank you Barbara! And thank you for popping over, and for taking the time to comment! I so appreciate it!
Sheila
Shelia P. says
Oh Shelia, your clock is just exsquisite! I too, lust after these clocks! I’m also a wee bit obsessed. I have four fakes, lol! I really want the real deal but it’s just not in my budget unfortunately. Maybe someday….. sigh. Your space is PERFECT for that clock! It is so gorgeous in all its chippy painted goodness. I know you must be tickled to death! I’m so happy you got your dream clock! It truly is fabulous! Thank you for sharing your clock with us. Have a great weekend! 😊
Sheila says
You’re so kind – thank you so much for your sweet compliment! And yes – I’m obsessed too!! I’d have more if I could, haha! But I was like you and thought I’d never find an affordable one, but I did get a great sale so maybe you’ll find yours too!! In the meantime, the reproductions are equally cute and I’m sure they look beautiful in your home – can’t believe you have four!!
thanks again!
Sheila
Michele M. says
She’;s a stunning beauty! Well done. Love it and it is the perfect spot for her!
Sheila says
Thank you so much Michele!
Sheila
Joan says
Your Mora is just beautiful. I’ve been pinning them for years! Someday I hope to have one too, or at least a reproduction. I can’t wait too long, I’m an antique, myself! So happy for you.
Sheila says
Haha Joan – it’s never too late!! I hope you get one. And thanks so much for your kind words!
Sheila
Mary L Stevens says
It is beautiful!! I bought a reproduction a few years ago and love it!
Sheila says
I think the reproductions are just gorgeous – I bet it’s wonderful in your home!
Thanks for stopping by Mary!
Sheila
Cecilia from Georgia says
Congratulations! She is just beautiful and brings your room to life. I have dreamed of having a Mora clock too and maybe one day I can. You are so fortunate that she arrived without damages! I would have been a wreck. She will stand proudly in your lovely home.
Sheila says
Yes, it was a bit nerve-wracking between not being sure of how she would arrive – looks-wise or condition-wise!! Thank goodness it all worked out! And I hope you’ll find one someday, too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Candy says
This is one of my dreams also! I love your Mora, it looks gorgeous in your space.
Blessings,
Candy
Sheila says
Thanks so much! And here’s to you finding one too!!
Sheila
Indiana says
Looks beautiful. I would love to know where did you buy the pillows with the green? stripes on the main sofa. They look lovely!
Sheila says
Hi and thanks! I think you’re referring to the first photo? That isn’t mine – I’ve credited the designer below the photo with a link so perhaps you can contact her and inquire? Hope that helps!
Sheila
Kay says
This clock is totally awesome and like you said the space for it was perfect!! Thanks for sharing your pics. I totally adore following you.
Sheila says
Aww that is so kind – thank you Kay!
Sheila
Deb says
Oh my goodness, Sheila. Your Mora clock is GORGEOUS! She fits perfectly in your home. Isn’t it just plain exciting to find a piece that you absolutely love? That happened to me recently as well. I had been searching, high and low, on-line, and in antique stores for a mantle for my dining room for over a year. Recently, I happened upon a vintage market store who had the most incredible mantle that once belonged in an 1800’s plantation home. It was a perfect price, and I took her home where she took her spot in the dining room. I walk by it several times a day and am in constant awe of her white, chippy characteristics. I am in love, love, love. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Enjoy admiring the beauty of your Mora.
Have an awesome day! 🙂
Deb
Sheila says
Aww I LOVE that story Deb!! Antique mantels are so fabulous, and it sounds like you found the perfect one! And I know what you mean – I do walk by the clock every day and it just makes me smile 😉
Thanks so much!
Sheila
Cindy says
How exciting and I could feel your excitement in reading this. Reading this story was great. I enjoy the story of how, why and where. Biggest part of blogging to me.
The clock is stunning. When I have gotten antique dishes, etc. I love wear and tear. Those are the things I love.
Enjoy and she has a perfect home
Cindy
Sheila says
Oh I couldn’t agree more Cindy! I love things with history, and learning about them is half the fun! I’m so glad you enjoyed it – thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Karen Mary says
Congratulations Sheila! She’s beautiful! The perfect add to the room!
Sheila says
Thank you so much Karen! I’m giddy!!
Sheila