How to Build Antler Lighting

Deer antlers can make lighting supports.

Many interior decorators create lighting arrangements out of deer antlers--it is an attractive addition to an organic and nature-based room. There are two lighting options with antlers: you can make an antler lamp or an antler chandelier. The key to creating a lighting arrangement out of antlers involves drilling holes for light bulbs and electrical wires and soldering antlers together.

Things You'll Need

• Antlers
• Cleaning solution
• Lacquer or varnish
• Standard lamp socket kit
• Drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Wire
• Soldering gun
• Solder

Instructions

Tips and Instructions

1. Get several antlers--buy them or walk out into the woods and scavenge them. Deer shed their antlers yearly and many litter the forest floor. Clean the antlers with soap and water. Make sure to scrub the cracks and remove any grime or organic matter.

2. Cover the antlers in varnish. Build as many layers as you desire--the more varnish, the shinier the surface of the antlers will be. Let the varnish dry.

3. Arrange the antlers to form the base of a lamp or a chandelier. Hold the arrangement together with wire or rubber bands. Carefully drill holes for electrical wires for lighting sockets and bulbs.

4. Solder the antlers together. Be careful around the holes for wiring, however. Remove the wire once you've securely attached the antlers to each other.

5. Thread wire through the drilled holes, pulling the base of the socket securely against the antler. Insert light bulbs into the sockets.

Tips & Warnings

• Varnish the antlers in a room with plenty of air flow. Varnish chemicals can have adverse effects on health.

References

• Antler Lighting Kits