5 Best Hourglasses

Hourglasses are famous as the timer of choice for villians in the movies. But they can be used as a cool piece of artwork in your home too. The hourglass consists of two connected clear glass or plastic bulbs containing sand. As you turn the hourglass upside down, the sand will run from the top bulb into the bottom bulb. The sand passes through the narrow connection between the two bulbs. It always takes the same amount of time for all the sand to run from the top bulb into the bottom bulb. Hourglasses often will have frames around them, consisting of wood, metal, glass, or plastic. The frame serves to protect the bulbs of the hourglass, while also giving the unit a sturdy base. For a splash of color, manufacturers will apply a dye to the sand inside the bulbs.