Antlers are solid, not hollow, and extremely tough. Each species of animal antlers used are different in shape and size and give chandeliers made of them very different looks. The antlers come in different colors which are dependent on geographic location and how long the antler was out in the weather.
All of these animals with antlers “drop” their old pair in late winter. Many people make a practice of looking for these antlers which can be sold at antler auctions, such as the one in Jackson Hole, WY. It’s held as a fundraiser each year to benefit the local Boy Scouts. Many of the companies which make antler chandeliers send representatives to these auctions to buy the antlers they will need in the coming year.
By shopping the antler auctions, manufacturers are able to get a wide variety of antlers to use in their creations. For example, the antlers of a whitetail deer are small and curly. An elk, on the other hand has very heavy antlers. In fact, an elk antler can measure all of 3-4 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. Caribou antlers are also over three feet long and make good bases for light fixtures. Moose antlers are heavy and bulky.
Although commercially-built antler chandeliers are beautiful and well crafted, they also come with very hefty price tags. The small ones will run around $500, and the large ones with lots of lights will cost in the thousands. For a lot of people, the price is prohibitive. However, it is a simple process to build your own if you follow the following steps:
- 1. The first thing you’ll need to do is purchase a lighting kit from a hardware store. You’ll want one specifically made for chandeliers which has as many light bulb adapters as you will need.
- 2. Find or purchase the antlers you’ll need. Select ones that are about the same size and with shapes that fit together well.
- 3. Use oil soap to clean the inside of the antlers. Drill through the tip of the points where you want to have light bulbs.
- 4. Give the antlers several coats of low sheen polyurethane, allowing them to dry completely between coats.
- 5. Drill holes through the sides of the bases of the antlers and run a wire through them to form an antler circle.
- 6. Solder the wires together or use screws if needed.
- 7. Run the electrical wire through the center of the antlers and through the holes in the tips. Connect your chandelier wiring to the wiring in the ceiling.
- 8. Secure the antler chandelier to the ceiling with screws.
Whether you buy your antler chandelier ready-made or decide to craft your own, you’re going to love the rustic look it gives any room you hang it in. Good luck in your venture!
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