Ideas to Incorporate Antler Decor into Your Home

One of the most quintessential categories of rustic decor is antlers, which more and more people have realized how versatile they actually are. As we’ll discuss in a moment, antler-themed decor isn’t just for hunters — it can be functional, understated, and even elegant depending on what you’re looking for.

Antler decorating tips

Because there are so many ways that you can add the rustic charm of antler decor to your home, it can be difficult to decide on how to start. However, we’ve come up with a list of tips and considerations for just this! Keep these in mind and you’ll be ready to get going in no time:

Antlers aren’t just for hunters

While antler decorations can seem like a style fit only for hunter’s cabins, they actually are a classic and rustic style that has proven itself to be timeless for many types of rustic homes. Authentic antlers are usually harvested without any harm being done to the animal, and they evoke memories of the outdoors and beautiful wildlife around you. Anyone who appreciates rustic interior design or enjoys bringing the natural beauty of your surroundings inside might benefit from adding a piece of antler decor to your home!

They can look great even in more modern homes

While we just mentioned that these decorations are perfect for almost any rustic home, it doesn’t mean that if you have a more modern home that you shouldn’t consider them. For instance, not only are there more minimalist white antler chandeliers and decorations, but the elegant shape of antlers still can look great in a less traditional setting. For instance, a simple elk antler chandelier actually works well as a focal point and juxtaposed piece of a more minimalist and modern space.

Combine with rustic decor, furniture, & colors

However, if you’re leaning towards a more comprehensive rustic look and atmosphere, there are plenty of options to pick up in addition to some antler decor. Color palettes that utilize deep reds, earthy greens, and sky blues are common for rustic interior design, while furniture made from materials like wooden logs or reclaimed barnwood will enhance this foundation for your home. The finishing touch is the decor, which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your hobbies, budget, preferences, and much more.

Mix things up with a wreath of antlers

Other applications for decor pieces include creating a “wreath” of antlers, usually hung on a wall. These are particularly suitable for the fall season, and can be made from several different smaller antler species. While antler wreaths are commonly made from just antlers that form a circle, there are plenty of variations that are different shapes or are primarily foliage and leaves, with antlers serving as an accent rather than the majority of the piece.

Use to hold jewelry (or any number of things)

As we’ll discuss further down, antlers are great for holding or hanging things due to their upward-curved shape. They can be hung on the wall, or can be set on top of a dresser to hold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. In other cases, you can use antlers to hold candles or even wine bottles!

Small pieces are perfect for subtle cabinet pulls

If you’re looking to go even smaller or aren’t ready to fully commit to the antler look, there are plenty of options for small, less in-your-face ways to incorporate antler detailing. One of these is cabinet pulls, which can be made from antler burrs, or very small antlers. Other cabinet pulls that fit in this theme are made from brass or other metals in the shape of an antler.

Don’t go overboard

One thing to note is that there is such a thing as having too many antlers. These decor items are best used as accents, whether in a few larger pieces or several smaller ones. Having too much can be overwhelming and really overpower the rustic atmosphere you’re trying to create, so start with a couple of pieces you want to focus on, and slowly work from there.

Antler decor ideas

Now that we understand some applications for incorporating antler decor into your home, we should cover the most common types of items that you’ll see. From lighting options to decorative wall art, antler decor is incredibly adaptive to your needs and preferences.

Lamps

Smaller antlers like from mule deer can commonly be seen as part of rustic table and floor lamps, typically either forming the base or cradling the lampshade. The curved shape of the antlers lends itself to this design, and there are tons of options that you can find to suit exactly what your home needs.

Chandeliers

If you’re looking for more of a centerpiece with your lighting selection, antler chandeliers are a fantastic choice for a cabin or lodge. They can be placed in almost any room and can be found in a range of sizes and styles, which makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in getting one, we have a helpful guide on the different types of antler chandeliers, how to pick the right size, where to place it, and more.

Hangers

Unsurprisingly, the upward curved antlers can also work great as hangers, whether as a coat rack next to the door or a towel rack in the bathroom. Not only is this arguably the most functional use for antlers, but also adds a more subtle touch of rustic character to your living space.

European mounts

For hunters or those looking for a more decorative way to incorporate deer antlers, European mounts (or skull mounts) provide a mix of rustic and Western flair to any room. Even if you’re not a hunter, all of our European mounts are made from reproduction antlers that are more durable and lightweight than the real thing.

Mirrors

Another wall-hanging decor item that can incorporate antlers are mirrors, which typically use a combination of antlers and wood to frame it. For instance, when placed in the bathroom, these really make you feel like you’re in a forested cabin as you start or end your day, and are a great focal point of the room.

Bedding

The last big way we like to add antler themes to your home is actually through printed versions rather than three-dimensional ones. Cozy blankets, pillows, curtains, and much more can be found with patterns or wildlife designs to bring vibrant and fun antler motifs to your rustic home.

Get high-quality authentic or faux antler pieces for your home today

Whether you’re just looking for bedding that captures the antler theme, or want a piece that’s more of a focal point like an antler chandelier, you can find it at Cabin Place. We pride ourselves on making hand-crafted antler decor, both authentic and reproduction, to fit a variety of needs and personalities. If you’re ready to add some of the rustic charm of antlers to your home, browse our decor and lighting collections today!