Decorating
Walk on the Wild Side: Antlers And Why We Love Them
Go wild the ethical way with the sculptural marvel of antlers
Antlers have been cropping up in homes across the globe, adding a dash of wild, outdoorsy spice to indoor life. Deer shed their antlers naturally in the wild, so are a far better way to introduce animal instincts into your home than doing so when it means animals come to harm.
The topic of animal protection is close to my heart. During a recent trip to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, I discovered that baby elephants are often orphaned as a result of their parents being hunted for their ivory tusks for display and homewares. Naturally shed deer antlers, on the other hand, can be both artistic and practical, provide a strong masculine air and all with a clear conscience. There are so many reasons to love antlers, we’ll let these homes from around the world do the talking.
The topic of animal protection is close to my heart. During a recent trip to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, I discovered that baby elephants are often orphaned as a result of their parents being hunted for their ivory tusks for display and homewares. Naturally shed deer antlers, on the other hand, can be both artistic and practical, provide a strong masculine air and all with a clear conscience. There are so many reasons to love antlers, we’ll let these homes from around the world do the talking.
Antlers are actually living bone; blood vessels housed in velvet cover newly grown antlers. One reason bucks are so shy in spring is because they lie low to protect the new velvet on their antlers – without it, the antlers can deform and bleed. In late summer and autumn, rising testosterone levels harden the antlers, and the bucks then rub off the velvet. Mid January is the usual time for antlers to shed. Antler size depends on genetics and available nutrition over the winter. This impressive pair of antlers makes a statement against a black wall and, again, helps create a moody, masculine dining area.
Even a stylised deer head with antlers can give off a manly vibe that’s super stylish at the same time.
If actual antlers are not quite your style, introducing them via a striking artwork may well be. The profile of a deer and his antlers can be just as eye-catching as putting their antlers on display.
Used by males to fight other males, and to impress females with their strength and virility, antlers are a buck’s most prized possession. They add a touch of the exotic here, despite their whimsical placement on books, and all the more so because they’ve been paired with woven bowls from lands far and wide.
Some may call it stark, others serene. Whatever your opinion is of this space, there’s no denying the antlers and horns are the star artistic attraction.
Antlers are not just handy to fend off other deer and to impress girls. Reindeer use them to clear away snow from vegetation, moose with antlers have been found to hear better and, as we see here, they can add a dash of finesse to a sideboard display!
Faux antlers
If you don’t like the thought of real deer antlers hanging in your house, but like the look of them, faux antlers could be the answer. This standout chandelier, from Pottery Barn, uses pretend antlers that look just as good as the real thing.
If you don’t like the thought of real deer antlers hanging in your house, but like the look of them, faux antlers could be the answer. This standout chandelier, from Pottery Barn, uses pretend antlers that look just as good as the real thing.
While the deplorable practice of killing deer for their head and antlers is not many people’s idea of a good time, a resin or plaster version can bring that same rustic vibe to a man space. Flannel shirt optional.
This display makes use of the skulls and antlers of deer that have died of natural causes. This look merges the masculine hunting vibe with the feminine floral of the tablecloth, the mismatch summing up the very essence of eclectic decorating.
More: So Your Style Is: Eclectic
More: So Your Style Is: Eclectic
This modernised beechwood version of taxidermy is quite a departure from the real thing, but in a contemporary home can add an unexpected artistic element.
Dear Head: Pulp Creative Paper
Dear Head: Pulp Creative Paper
These cardboard deer heads make this bedroom live a little more on the wild side.
Modern adjustment
Paint them white to make the most of their shapely beauty. White can work better within an ultra-contemporary space and is a less masculine move than displaying antlers in their natural state. These have been turned into a fabulous chandelier.
Paint them white to make the most of their shapely beauty. White can work better within an ultra-contemporary space and is a less masculine move than displaying antlers in their natural state. These have been turned into a fabulous chandelier.
This well-coordinated room also makes use of white antlers to add texture and interest without making it too masculine.
Chandelier: Rustic Antler Chandelier 6 or 9 Light: Allissias Attic & Vintage French Style
Chandelier: Rustic Antler Chandelier 6 or 9 Light: Allissias Attic & Vintage French Style
Painted blue, they venture even further into feminine territory in this dressing room.
Antlers with a job
Antlers aren’t just for looking at; they can also serve a functional purpose. Hang your hats and coats on them…
Antlers aren’t just for looking at; they can also serve a functional purpose. Hang your hats and coats on them…
…or turn them into a shapely lamp base.
Create a one-of-a-kind mirror…
…or use them as candlesticks.
YOUR SAY
How do you display antlers at your house? Share a photo or your ideas in the comments section.
MORE ON ANIMAL DECOR
Safari Style: Decor That Roars
A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
Horsing Around: 10 Ways to Introduce Equine Decor to Great Effect
YOUR SAY
How do you display antlers at your house? Share a photo or your ideas in the comments section.
MORE ON ANIMAL DECOR
Safari Style: Decor That Roars
A Handsome Aesthetic: Dens of Yesteryear
Horsing Around: 10 Ways to Introduce Equine Decor to Great Effect
Aside from reindeer, only male deer and antelope sport antlers, so it’s a natural move to make antlers part of a more masculine space. In most climates, antlers are shed every year and then grow back again. Even a single antler against a dark wall can have a major impact.