The Complete Guide to Mora Clocks as Home Decor

As my design style evolved toward European influences—especially French and Swedish—I kept spotting these graceful, longcase clocks with the most beautiful, curvy silhouettes. I didn’t know their name at the time, only that they stopped me in my tracks every time I saw one.

Eventually, I learned they were Mora clocks—Swedish treasures that embody everything I love about Gustavian design: simple elegance, soft color, and a sense of quiet history.

I came across my very first authentic Mora clock years ago at the Alameda Point Antique Fair, sold by Marina Natalia. It was tall, timeworn, and so full of character that I couldn’t stop staring. Even among hundreds of other antiques, it completely drew me in.

Whether tucked in a corner, standing proudly in a hallway, or anchoring a dining room, Mora clocks have a way of adding presence without feeling heavy. They’re sculptural, soulful, and truly timeless. Here’s what makes them so special—and why they’ve completely stolen my heart.

What is a Gustavian Mora Clock?

These are long case clocks that originated in the 18th century, named after the village of Mora, Sweden. 

History of Mora Clocks

The story of Mora clocks begins in the late 1700s in the small town of Mora, Sweden. Poor harvests and long winters made farming unreliable, so local families turned their skills toward something new—clockmaking. What began as a small-scale effort quickly grew into a thriving cottage industry.

Each household specialized in one part of the process: some painted the faces, others carved the wooden cases, and still others assembled the clockworks. Once complete, the parts were brought together into the tall, graceful timepieces we now know as Mora clocks. At their peak, the region produced around a thousand clocks a year, each slightly different and entirely handcrafted.

These clocks weren’t just functional—they were sentimental. Many were given as wedding gifts, especially the more ornate “bridal clocks,” which featured carved crests or crowns symbolizing love and prosperity. Eventually, mass production and competition from foreign makers led to the decline of the Mora clock trade, but their legacy as a symbol of Swedish craftsmanship endures.

Style of Mora Clocks

While they share the tall, upright silhouette of a grandfather clock, Mora clocks have an unmistakably softer, more sculptural presence. Their wooden cases were typically hand-painted in one or two tones—subtle whites, grays, or blues—chosen to suit the family who commissioned them.

In Southern Sweden, the cases often took on a curvier, almost feminine shape, while those from the north were more linear and architectural. Today, it’s the elegant, hourglass-shaped versions that have become the most recognizable—and most beloved.

Many feature delicate carvings, like ribboned crests or laurel crowns, with touches of gilt reserved for the wealthier households. In true Gustavian fashion, the finishes were matte and chalky, designed to reflect every bit of available light during Sweden’s long, dark winters. Their soft tones and graceful forms are exactly what make them feel at home in today’s interiors, too—simple, timeless, and quietly romantic.

Mora Clock Faces

The faces of Mora clocks are beautifully simple—usually white enamel, hand-painted in black with delicate numerals and lettering. Many were personalized with the maker’s initials and the village name, each one telling a small piece of Swedish history.

The most famous marking, “AAS Mora,” refers to Anders Andersson of Östnor, one of the earliest known clockmakers in the Mora region. Over time, that signature became less about a single craftsman and more a symbol of the entire tradition. Even now, seeing “AAS Mora” across a clock’s face feels like a quiet nod to centuries of craftsmanship and artistry.

Mora Clock Mechanism

Original Mora clocks were weight-driven, powered by two cast iron weights and a swinging pendulum. They typically needed winding every eight days and often chimed on the hour.

Today, most antique Mora clocks no longer have their original workings. Many have been converted to modern battery or quartz movements, which makes them easier to maintain while still keeping their original charm. Whether working or decorative, they remain a beautiful nod to Swedish craftsmanship.

How to Decorate with Mora Clocks

Antique Mora clocks make an incredible statement piece in a room. Their graceful shape, soft color, and tall stature draw the eye without feeling overwhelming, which is why designers love to use them as focal points.

Because their lines are so classic, they work beautifully in a range of settings—from French Country and Gustavian to more casual, collected spaces. You’ll often see them in entryways, dining rooms, or tucked into a corner where their silhouette can really shine.

If you’re lucky enough to own a true antique, be sure it rests on a flat, sturdy surface and is secured to the wall for safety. The convex glass on the hood can be quite heavy and pulls forward when opened, so a little extra care helps keep these beauties standing tall for years to come.

How to Paint a Mora Clock

Sometimes, what you can afford may not have the look you want. This was the case for me when I purchased a reproduction from Target of all places! I’ve created a How To guide for painting a Mora clock. You can see below that my clock went through quite a transformation!

Antique vs Reproduction

Because authentic Mora clocks are more than two centuries old—and primarily found in Europe—they can be quite expensive, especially those that still have their original movements. Fortunately, there are some excellent reproductions available today that capture the same graceful shape and Gustavian charm at a fraction of the cost.

When shopping for a reproduction, look for soft, chalky finishes and gentle curves. Avoid anything too glossy or overly ornate; the beauty of a Mora clock lies in its subtlety and sense of age. A good reproduction should feel timeless, not new.

Where to Buy a Reproduction Mora Clock

Due to their popularity, mainstream retailers are now selling reproduction Mora clocks. Check out these retailers for reproductions:

• Ballard Designs
• Target
• Antique Farmhouse
• Wayfair
• Etsy
• Chairish

Where to Buy an Antique Mora Clock

Many antique Mora clocks have been scraped down to reveal their original paint job, whereas others have been given a fresh coat of paint, still representative of their 1800’s style. Most that you will find have been changed to a battery-operated clock. Some might come with their original mechanism but are not in working condition. For an authentic, antique Mora clock, check these retailers:

• Etsy
• Chairish
• 1st Dibs
• Ebay
• Mora Clocks
• White & Faded
• Estate Auctions

When shopping online, pay close attention to dimensions—originals are often taller and more slender than reproductions. And if you’re buying an antique, don’t worry if the mechanism no longer works; most collectors display these clocks as decorative art rather than timepieces.

My Favorite Mora Clocks

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