A Guide to Sundials and Armillary Spheres for Every Garden Style

In the art of garden design, few elements strike the balance of function and beauty quite like a sundial or armillary sphere. The very elements that were originally created as a way to measure time now serve as poetic reminders of its passage and are a symbol of timeless elegance and rich historical significance.

Traditionally set on pedestals, sundials and armillary spheres bring depth, dimension, and architectural interest to any outdoor space. When thoughtfully placed, they become sculptural focal points that anchor garden compositions and inspire a sense of wonder and discovery.

Whether you're enhancing a formal estate garden, a contemporary patio, or a quiet courtyard, our Estate Elements collection has a sundial or armillary sphere to complement your style. With nearly a century of experience in fine garden furnishings, we proudly work with homeowners and landscape designers nationwide to select the perfect piece for every project.

Take a look at our guide to choosing the perfect piece for your outdoor space, one that will surely elevate your garden for generations to come. And explore our Sundials Section for ideas and inspiration!

Sundial Sizes & Styles

At Kenneth Lynch & Sons, we are proud to offer a curated collection of handcrafted sundials and armillary spheres, each made by our skilled craftsmen. Our sundials and armillary spheres are available in a wide range of sizes, making them one of the most versatile and accessible features to integrate into any outdoor setting.

There are three main types of sundials:

• Armillary Sundials - composed of a set of interlocking metal rings (referred to as “armilla” in Latin) that create a spherical design
• Hemispherical Sundials - designed as half of a sphere, giving an illusion of a spherical design
• Horizontal Sundials - flat with a vertical gnomon that casts a shadow to tell time

Choosing the right size begins with selecting the ideal location within your landscape. In larger spaces, a substantial armillary sphere can serve as a striking focal point, while smaller gardens or courtyards are often best complemented by more modestly scaled armillary spheres or unique horizontal sundials. 

Large Sundials
Our collection offers majestic sundials up to 6 feet in diameter, including the Armillary Sundial with Signs of the Zodiac, Armillary Sundial with Feathered Band, and Scalloped Ring Sundial, among others.

Medium Sundials
Our medium-sized sundials span anywhere from 2 feet to 4 feet in diameter, including our most popular Classic Armillary Sundial (available in 3 sizes), Bronze Armillary Sundial, French Railroad Sundial, Bronze Astrolabe, Danish Sundial, and others.

Small Sundials
We are happy to offer sundials as small as 12 inches in diameter in the form of armillary spheres or horizontal sundials, which often have a motto or inscription included in the design. Our designs include the Classic Armillary Sundial, Bronze Hemispherical Sundial, Hare and Tortoise Sundial, Horizontal Hourglass Sundial, and Maple Leaf Sundial, among others.

The Right Sundial For Your Space

The right sundial or armillary sphere should complement your landscape’s design. Take into account whether your outdoor space is a formal space, historic property, or casual garden setting. This will help inform what type of sundial would be the best fit.

Formal Gardens & Estates
In formal gardens, classical armillary spheres gracefully placed on cast stone columns offer an elegant presence. Their spherical design and celestial symbolism resonate beautifully in spaces with manicured hedges and symmetrical pathways, creating a sense of harmony and grandeur.

Historic Properties
A traditional sundial adorned with Zodiac symbols or Roman numerals will symbolize timeless charm and function at a historic property. These designs reflect centuries of craftsmanship and historical resonance, making them ideal for gardens that honor the past. When placed in a central courtyard or surrounded by heirloom plantings, they offer both aesthetic appeal and a sense of historical continuity.

Contemporary Gardens & Courtyards
A simple armillary sphere with a modern design or horizontal sundial is a perfect focal point for modern outdoor spaces or smaller courtyards. Adding a customized engraving, such as a meaningful quote or poetic motto adds a personal touch to the outdoor space, complementing the contemporary landscapes while inviting moments of quiet reflection and individuality.

Meaningful Customization

Many of our clients choose to make their sundials even more special by adding a custom inscription, whether it’s a significant date, a meaningful quote, family motto, or a tribute to a loved one. These personal touches add a timeless and heartfelt presence to your landscape as markers of celebratory milestones, special memories, and family legacies.

Your chosen inscription will be engraved on a custom plaque, finished in the same patina as your sundial or armillary sphere. This thoughtful detail not only enhances the beauty of the piece but also creates a one-of-a-kind garden feature that tells your story and endures through generations.

Placement Matters

Sundials and armillary spheres are meant to act as both visual interest and functional piece to tell time. Our team will work with you to determine the specifics of your sundial and work with you to create a custom design or plaque.

All of our pieces are made to order, allowing our craftsmen to set the angle of the gnomon or armillary to the proper latitude based on where the sundial will be installed. We suggest placing your sundial in a well-lit area at a comfortable viewing height. We can also assist in ensuring that your sundial is correctly aligned with true north for accuracy.

Explore More

Let us help you bring timeless elegance and celestial charm to your garden with a piece that speaks to both tradition and beauty! We invite you to browse through all our sundial designs and other classic garden elements.

View all Sundials
View all Garden Elements