Oh Deer! Antler-Inspired Décor for the Holidays and More
Enjoy the grace and beauty of deer at home — no taxidermy needed
One of my favorite things about living in the forest in the Pacific Northwest is the joy of spotting deer as I go to and from my home. There is something so calming for me in seeing their grace and beauty. As I am writing this, it's the holiday season, so reindeer images are making their traditional contribution to holiday decorating everywhere. But I think all-things-deer add a lovely touch to your home any time of year. My personal preference is very anti-taxidermy, so I've found plenty of ways you can enjoy the beauty of these lovely creatures with no guns involved.
I'll start with art as a great way to bring deer into your home, without getting all their little hoof prints on your carpet. This home reminds me of a winter resort lodge with its massive wood beams. Rustic or mountain-lodge-style homes just need to have some deer, in my opinion.
Is your place more contemporary than cabin? Not to worry! These hot-pink-and-white images offer a contemporary spin on the deer.
Holiday décor just wouldn't be complete for me without some reindeer. This collection of vintage reindeer in warm tones makes me think of my great-grandparents' home, where we all gathered for Christmas.
These sleek silver deer are perfect for contemporary holiday decorating. They make me think of snow and ice and a white Christmas.
This collection of little deer sculptures and birds has been arranged in a creative way. The miniature herd below bird-filled branches seem to be wandering in the forest. It's very fun, and it works all year.
If you love the look of a deer head on the wall but, like me, you just cried too long and hard when Bambi's mother got shot, then try a beautiful wood or resin sculpture. All the beauty with none of the childhood traumatic memories.
I really like the arrangement of the circular frame around the deer-head sculpture in this eclectic living room. A cool idea!
The black stylized silhouette of this deer-head wall sculpture is a very strong visual in this black-and-white arrangement. Also having the faux deer head next to a human target is one of those things that make you say "hmmmm."
All of the critters on the wall here are sculpture — not taxidermy. Quite a wild collection! If you can tear your eyes away from the faux trophy head collection, you'll see the great throw pillows with deer images on them. They offer a softer and more cuddly way to have antlers in your home.
Because deer antlers are shed naturally every year, you can use them without a second thought — well, unless you got them from your uncle Joe who can't wait for hunting season. So, what I'm saying here is that if cruelty-free items are important to you, then check your source to be sure they are only using naturally shed antlers.
There are also excellent resin or metal castings of antlers available, so you can invite all your vegan friends over and not get any flack whatsoever. I own several resin deer antlers and use them in shelves or on tablescapes. Their shape is so attractive that even just one completely "makes" the arrangement on this fireplace mantel.
There are also excellent resin or metal castings of antlers available, so you can invite all your vegan friends over and not get any flack whatsoever. I own several resin deer antlers and use them in shelves or on tablescapes. Their shape is so attractive that even just one completely "makes" the arrangement on this fireplace mantel.
I can't get over how beautiful these baskets are with antlers for their handles. The baskets are made by an artist here in the Pacific Northwest. These look lovely on this pine table and would be nice filled with fruits and nuts — or left empty as beautiful objects in their own right.
Thought you would enjoy a closeup. Find them at O Deer Baskets.
Place a single antler on top of books for casual display on a coffee table. Nothing could be easier.
It just never ceases to amaze me how much just a single deer antler can add to an arrangement of accessories. This small one curves around the sculpture like a caress.
Single Naturally Shed Deer Antler
Yet another great idea for using antlers in your decor. What a cool alternative to dried florals or branches!
42' Crystal Antler Chandelier - Bone Finish
No Ideabook on using antlers in decor would be complete without an antler chandelier. Hands down, this is the most stunning antler chandelier I have ever seen. It is created from glass and bronze. It's a little hard to see in the photo, but there is also a wall sconce in the same style. I want a castle in the Bavarian Alps, and when I get one, this is the chandelier I'm putting in the grand entrance hall.
Superordinate Antler Chandelier - 12 Antlers
Here is a product link for the chandelier in the last photo. I think I just might have to get one. This would work for the house I live in now —no need to wait for that Bavarian Castle.
A more traditional chandelier made from actual elk antlers is the perfect complement to the reclaimed wood beams. Both the antler chandelier and the beams create a nice contrast with the contemporary windows.
This is a real conversation piece! I don't think I've ever seen a turquoise antler chandelier before. By the way, it's easy to paint natural antlers, if you're so inclined. What color would you use?
Felt Stag's Head Plaque by TwoBirdsTextiles on Etsy
The whole deer theme isn't just for grand entryways or castles. This fun fabric sculpture would be great for a child's room.
This simple cut-out from woodgrain-patterned decorative paper applied to a white board or canvas is a pretty cute idea for deer-themed art. Although I have to say, this person is much better with an exacto knife than I am!
Erich Ginder - Ghost Antler
I'll wrap up with some product links just in case I've inspired you to be on the hunt for deer accessories. You can use this wall-mounted set of antlers as a coat hook, or maybe even for hanging towels in your bathroom.
Aluminum Antler Lamp Bases With Wood Veneer Shades
The base on these table lamps really creates a strong design statement. One idea that comes to mind would be to use this in a man's office on the desk or credenza.
Bronze Antler Candlesticks
These are my favorite candle holders. They come in dark bronze or silver and look great whether your décor is contemporary, traditional, transitional, eclectic, lodge style, Western, Danish modern ... okay you get the idea. Versatile!
Cardboard Animal Heads
Cardboard trophy heads are great for kids or wherever you need a little bit of whimsy.
Rustic Home Decor
One lovely and graceful version of a pure white stylized deer head. White lacquered resin is so thoroughly modern. I would put this head on a deep charcoal wall in a house with pale natural wood floors — in other words, mine.
So what do you think? Are you ready to go shopping for an antler chandelier or at least take a walk in the woods looking for shed antlers?
More: Decorating Details: Antlers Branch Out
So what do you think? Are you ready to go shopping for an antler chandelier or at least take a walk in the woods looking for shed antlers?
More: Decorating Details: Antlers Branch Out