Design Alarm Clocks and Nightstands: Karlsson and Hartman

On the bedside table, a designer clock is a great replacement for the phone. The range includes products from Karlsson, a Dutch brand known for decorative clocks, in bamboo, wood veneer or concrete, from the Retro Radio to the Mini Twin Bell with bells, and a Hartman lava lamp for ambient lighting.

Find a real alarm clock

Waking up with your phone often means checking it as soon as you open your eyes. An alarm clock on your bedside table allows you to keep the screen in a different room and start your day more gently.

It’s also a decorative item that you see every evening and every morning.

Karlsson, time as an object

The Dutch brand Karlsson has been designing clocks and alarm clocks for years, with a strong taste for graphic shapes and natural materials. Each model has its own character.

Bamboo alarm clocks

Bamboo adds a natural and warm touch to a minimalist bedroom. The Retro Radio takes the shape of an old radio set. The Mini Cube and the Tube go for geometric shapes in a small format.

Wood veneer alarm clocks

Block LED, Tube LED, Square LED: these wood-clad models display the time in bright numbers that seem to float on the surface. When turned off, they look like a simple block of wood sitting on the table.

They pair well with oak or walnut bedside tables, and with Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

Concrete alarm clock

The Honeycomb, made of concrete, brings a raw and mineral material. It will appeal to contemporary interiors where grey and natural materials dominate.

Bell alarm clock

The Mini Twin Bell features the classic shape of a traditional alarm clock, with two bells on top. A classic that fits well in a vintage-style bedroom or a child's room.

Graphic models

The Iconic, the Mini Nirvana Globe, or the Six in the Mix focus on bold shapes and colours. They can serve as small decorative items, whether on a shelf or a desk.

The Hartman lava lamp

The Magma Lava lamp from Hartman makes coloured wax bubbles dance in a liquid heated by the bulb. It emits a soft and hypnotic light, perfect for an evening atmosphere.

It takes a while to heat up before the wax starts to rise: turn it on a little before you want to enjoy it, and follow the instructions for usage time.

Choosing your alarm clock

Analog display: more traditional, it can be read at a glance.
LED display: it can be read in the dark, check if it can be dimmed.
Material: bamboo, wood, concrete, or metal, depending on your bedroom.
Alarm sound: choose according to how loud you want it based on your sleep.

An alarm clock for every bedroom

In an adult's bedroom, a wooden or bamboo model remains discreet and warm. In a child's room, the Mini Twin Bell with its bells is just as fun as it is effective at waking them up. For a guest room, a simple little alarm clock will do, which can be pleasantly found upon arrival.

The alarm clock as a decorative object

Sitting on a dresser or shelf, a graphic alarm clock also acts as a decorative piece. Pair it with a book, a plant, or a small lamp to create a harmonious bedside corner.

The sound of ticking

If any noise keeps you from sleeping, a digital display model avoids the ticking of an analog mechanism. For an analog clock, check the listing to see if it has a silent movement.

The screen's light

A too-bright LED display can disrupt falling asleep. Position the clock a bit away from the head of the bed, or opt for a model with adjustable brightness.

A gift idea

A stylish alarm clock makes a simple and useful gift for a birthday, housewarming, or starting college. Bamboo and wood match most interiors.

Maintenance

A dry, soft cloth is enough to dust off wood, bamboo, and concrete. Avoid water, which can mark these materials. Change the battery as soon as the time drifts.