Clocks today go far beyond the standard cuckoo or grandfather styles — everything from a digital clock on Darth Vader's head to a simple clock on plywood grain can help add a touch of personal style and functional flair to your home.

When it comes to buying a good clock for your home, consider the following:

Size: Where is this clock going to go? Are you looking for a large wall-hanging clock to fill up a blank space in your dining room? Or do you need something small and simple for your bedside table? Knowing exactly where you want your clock to go will help you purchase something that works well in the space you have.

Settings: Today, there are a wide range of settings that clocks can provide. Radio, alarms, satellite radio, MP3 hook ups, and more are all part of a potential package. Like any home appliance, it's simply a matter of thinking about what you want to get out of this clock, and how much you want to spend. If you're just looking for a simple timer in the kitchen, it's probably not worth it to splurge on a clock with Sirius XM radio built in.

Style: A clock can be a big statement piece for your home, so make sure it works well with the accessories you already have. Even if it's just going on your nightstand, picking something in a fun design can make a huge difference in the aesthetic of your room. While there are thousands of simple, black plastic alarm clocks out there, why not choose something you really love? Your alarm clock is going to be one of the first things you see in the morning, so make it’s something you'll be happy to wake up to.