Have Boring Walls? Find This Vintage Clock Brand At The Thrift To Solve Your Problem

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An empty wall is a blank canvas, which is exciting for some people, but very intimidating for others. Finding the right mixture of art, mirrors, and wall décor can feel overwhelming when you want everything to look just right. In these cases, it might be better to start with some practical ideas to spice up a blank wall, such as a clock. If you're headed to your favorite thrift store, then there's one clock brand that's worth keeping a lookout for: Thomas Kinkade.

Born in 1958 in California, Kinkade made a name for himself by producing oil paintings of pastoral landscapes that infused sunlight in a unique way. After graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design, he and his friend rode boxcars from California to New York. Kinkade sketched the towns and landscapes that they passed, which later inspired his own works. He began selling his oil paintings to galleries in the 1980s and later co-founded Lightpost Publishing — eventually becoming the Thomas Kinkade Company — to distribute and license his work. The artist's style became very popular for its nostalgic quality, depicting serene cottages, gardens, and other recognizable American landscapes.

Today, savvy thrifters can find clocks with Thomas Kinkade prints all over the country. Notably, they are usually reasonably priced. Although the brand is recognizable, it's not in high demand from collectors, unlike more valuable clock brands you'll want to keep an eye out for in thrift stores. This means buyers can find a good deal on a clock that will still make an impact on an empty wall.

It's fairly easy to spot a Thomas Kinkade clock in a vintage shop. The face of the clock will usually depict a rural scene, typically devoid of people and technology that would date it. That could be a peaceful forest or a cozy cottage covered in vines or flowers, as well as winter settings such as country towns blanketed in snow. The scenes are meant to evoke nostalgic feelings and a sense of simplicity, and the lighting effect Kinkade is best known for certainly brightens up spaces.

Beyond his pastoral scenes and signature use of light, Kinkade is probably best known for his Disney collaborations. Those pieces may be found in thrift stores as well. Clocks featuring classic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse ice skating or walking together provide sweet, family-friendly, or even romantic décor. You can also find options depicting other popular characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan. For Disney fans, this can be a fun and classy way to incorporate the brand into your home.

When looking for these clocks, there are a few things to keep in mind. Before you go, measure the wall space where you want your new clock to hang, and bring measuring tape with you. This will help keep you from buying a clock that's too big or small for your space. It may be a good idea to bring a set of batteries with you to check if the clock works, too. You can pop the batteries in and make sure it starts ticking before purchasing. From there, you're on your way to bringing light and warmth to your home's barren walls.