The Unique & Trendy Vintage Clock You Can Thrift That's Way More Stylish Than It Sounds

Sometimes, when it comes to embracing vintage decor in your home, the more unique items you can find, the more stylish they can be. This is especially true with a particularly trendy clock you might have noticed while wandering around your local antique shop. The strange but mesmerizing time capsules embedded with rocks, seashells, glitter, and sometimes even the occasional bug are affectionately known by collectors as vomit clocks. While they may not sound appealing, they are actually more stylish than you might think. And what better way to make a statement with your decor than to embrace a quirky vintage trend that's making a comeback.

While vomit clocks emerged around the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, the name was coined in 2018 by online vintage communities and resellers who were charmed by the bizarre beauty of these relics. The clocks originated as homemade craft projects and were created with inexpensive DIY style molds in various shapes, like clocks, animals, plates, and trivets. The molds were filled with different kinds of decorative items such as dried flowers, pebbles, beads, shells, glitter, and coins. Once the pieces were arranged, a layer of clear or tinted resin would be poured into the mold, sealing everything into a glossy display. The result was a one-of-a-kind decorative object that could double as a functional household item. What makes them so special is their undeniable uniqueness; if placed thoughtfully, a vomit clock can become a stylish decor piece, providing serious vintage credibility.

Since it's been said that mid-century modern design will never go out of style, there's no wrong time to embrace this vintage trend. These clocks work well in both boho decor and especially mid-century modern interiors, where the glossy textures and organic shapes provide a nice contrast to the neutral palettes and cleaner lines you'll find in most guides to mid-century modern decor. 

When styling your vomit clock, make it the focal point of your room. Since it's inherently eye-catching, let it shine in the center of a credenza or bar cart. If it's going on the wall, try not to crowd it with too many other items. Also, make it feel more intentional in the room by pulling out a few of the colors in the clock and using them in throw pillows, art prints, or rugs.

You can also lean into the 60s and 70s with other nostalgic pieces like rattan furniture, shag rugs, pop art, or wood–paneled accents that will celebrate the entire era rather than hiding it. However, if your style skews more minimalist, a vomit clock can still work nicely as a standout piece, as long as you keep the rest of your decor elements pared down. Vomit clocks are relatively affordable and easy to find if you know where to look and are willing to put a little work in. Thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy are great places to snag a vomit clock that's sure to spark up a conversation at your next dinner party.