So you've decided that the time is right to add a wooden cuckoo clock to your home. Congrats! These clocks are stellar works of art that also serve a purpose. With a history that dates back over one hundred years and an instantly recognizable look, it's easy to understand why you would want to add one to your home. But first you need to decide on which clock is right for you.

It's generally a matter of taste – and budget – but there are a few key features that you'll want to look for when you choose your clock. These are the main things that will influence your enjoyment of your wooden cuckoo, so be sure to pay close attention to them.

• Black Forest Approval – Not only do the best cuckoo clocks traditionally come from the Black Forest region of Germany, but they also carry the seal of approval from the Black Forest Clock Association. Be sure you choose a clock that carries this seal of approval in order to get the right clock for your home.

• Wind Mechanism – This is an aspect of clocks that is often overlooked. Simply put, how frequently you wind a clock will influence your enjoyment of it. If you're busy, buying a clock with a one day run time may not be the right call. You'll be able to decide between 1 day run times or 8 day run times.

• Guarantee – There are lots of moving parts in a wooden cuckoo clock, and while they're built to the highest standards the simple fact is that sometimes things go wrong. Choose a clock from a company that offers a warranty or guarantee so you don't have to worry about it. It can be tricky just finding someone to repair your clock, so this is an important thing to consider.

• Action – You'll also want to know more about the action that happens at the top of the hour. Some clocks just emit a gentle coo-coo sound, some play music, and some do both – along with movements like people, animals, and mill wheels all leaping to life. Look at the different actions when you choose your clock.

These are the four main things to think about when choosing a clock. Price will matter as well, but you're better off starting with these four elements and then narrowing down your final choice based on price. The perfect clock for your home is closer than you might think.