How to Make Deer Antler Chandeliers

Both for avid hunters and those who just like the outdoors look, deer antler chandeliers are an unexpected accent to the home décor. They're becoming increasingly popular in cabins and in homes designed to look rustic, as many like the dramatic feel that deer antler chandeliers lend to the atmosphere. They've been in use for a number of years, especially in hunting lodges, and the market for them is growing, and, thus, there are more manufacturers.

However, if you have antlers (whether elk, deer or moose) you can really make your own deer antler chandeliers. Custom manufacturers usually start with antlers either collected after an animal shed them, or taken from hunted game. If you have deer antlers, you've already got a good start.

There are kits available for purchase for building deer antler chandeliers. They'll come complete with the wiring you need to make the chandeliers, and therefore, to be sure you have the right amount of wire, you should try to use antlers that are of a more uniform size. Clean your antlers extremely carefully with something like oil soap and a soft cloth. In order to construct your deer antler chandeliers, you'll need a drill and some light bulb adaptors, plus a chandelier base. The base can come from a discarded chandelier.

Drill a hole in the tip of one of the antlers to begin making your deer antler chandeliers. Here you'll put the light bulb adaptor and bulb. Repeat the process for whatever number of lights you want your deer antler chandelier to hold. Space the bulbs evenly for a better overall lighting effect. When you're finished installing the light fixtures, coat the antlers with a low-sheen polyurethane product to preserve them. Coat them evenly with a well-made brush.

Drill holes in the sides of the antlers closest to the base to provide an attachment. Connect the two sets of antlers by running a tough wire through the holes. This should be done as many times as necessary to make the deer antler chandeliers the shape you desire. Also, you can solder the wires holding the antlers together for added durability.

Once the antlers are connected to the base, they'll be ready to hang. One other important thing to note is that your wires need to be UL certified, and you should follow all proper procedures for hanging light fixtures when making your deer antler chandeliers.

It's not too difficult to make your own deer antler chandeliers. You can save a little money, and you'll be able to proudly say that they're your own invention.