A Deer Antler Chandelier and All Other Chandeliers?
The idea of a Deer antler chandelier has been around for a couple hundred years. They have recently become popular in interior design as our culture attempts to get back to its wild west roots and become closer to our ecological environment. Antlers are shed annually and collected from a variety of animals. It is not necessary to harm any species of animal to acquire their antlers.
The antlers are obtained from deer, elk, moose, caribou, fallow deer and reindeer. The antlers are solid and come in variations of color depending on what region the animal lives in and how long the antler was exposed to the winter elements. Outdoorsmen find and sell them at auctions, at times to raise money for local organizations. Artists acquire the antlers at these locations or venture forth in different regions on their own scavenger hunts.
Antler chandeliers are crafted by attaching antlers together with screw and lag bolts in various configurations. Wiring is hidden inside the antlers and some artist’s design and hand craft unique light sockets to compliment their works of art. A small deer antler chandelier can have a base of 33” or less, a medium chandelier starts with a base of 33” or more inches and is anywhere from 10-48” tall. A large moose or deer antler chandelier starts with a 40” base and a height of at least 40”. Most chandeliers require a sizable room for display because of their height and design.
Artists work with specific types of antlers for a variety of reasons. Sculptures are created using one type of antler or with a mixture of animal types. Whitetail deer antlers are curly and have points that extend outward. They are used to fill in and encompass light fixtures. Reindeer and caribou antlers are relatively hard to find unless there is a farm in close proximity that raises them. Caribou antlers are larger than that of a reindeer, measuring 3 feet or longer. An elk antler chandelier is massive as elk antlers are generally 3-4 feet in length and weigh about 10 pounds each. European fallow deer antlers are similar to moose but they are smaller in size and have more points, which make the edges more decorative.
There are many unique styles and designs for a deer antler chandelier and any other type of chandelier. A simple chandelier design showcases a single antler in which little candelabras are cradled. Massive and elaborate chandeliers contain layers of intertwined antlers resembling the tiers of an evergreen decorated for Christmas. Some contain carved antlers that depict other wildlife.