Living Room Display Options
The living room serves as the most popular location for deer shoulder mounts, offering maximum visibility and conversation potential. Position the mount above a fireplace mantel at eye level, typically 60-66 inches from floor to the center of the mount. This classic placement creates a natural focal point and takes advantage of the mantel’s existing prominence.
Corner displays work well in rooms with limited wall space. Mount the deer at a 45-degree angle to face into the room, creating visual interest from multiple viewing angles. This positioning also helps the mount interact with the room’s furniture arrangement rather than competing with it.
Consider the room’s traffic flow when selecting placement. Avoid positioning the mount where it might startle guests or create an uncomfortable viewing experience. The goal is to create a natural, welcoming display that adds to the room’s character.
Den & Home Office Placement
Dens and home offices provide ideal environments for deer mounts, especially in homes where hunting represents a significant hobby or lifestyle. These spaces typically accommodate more rustic or outdoor-themed decor, allowing the mount to blend seamlessly with existing elements.
Position the mount at desk height in home offices, creating an inspiring backdrop for work activities. This placement keeps the trophy visible during daily activities while avoiding the formal presentation required in public spaces.
Multiple mount displays work particularly well in den settings. Arrange several shoulder mounts at varying heights to create visual interest and tell a story about different hunting experiences. Maintain consistent spacing and alignment for a professional appearance.
Bedroom & Private Space Considerations
Bedrooms offer private display opportunities for particularly meaningful trophies. Master bedrooms can accommodate larger mounts, while guest rooms might feature smaller or more subtle displays. Consider the room’s overall aesthetic and the comfort level of family members and guests.
Position bedroom mounts to avoid direct sightlines from the bed. This placement prevents the mount from becoming overwhelming or uncomfortable during rest periods. Side walls or areas near dressing spaces often provide better positioning options.
Private spaces allow for more personal display choices. Include hunting memorabilia, photographs, or related items to create a comprehensive tribute to the hunting experience. These displays can be more elaborate than public room presentations.
Hallway & Transition Space Ideas
Hallways present excellent opportunities for deer mount displays, particularly in homes with long corridors or grand entryways. These spaces often have fewer competing decorative elements, allowing the mount to serve as a dramatic focal point.
Install adequate lighting in hallway displays to ensure the mount remains visible and impressive. Track lighting or strategically placed wall sconces can highlight the mount’s features while creating ambient illumination for the passage.
Consider the ceiling height in hallway placements. High ceilings allow for more dramatic positioning, while standard heights require careful measurement to maintain proper proportions. The mount should feel integrated with the space rather than cramped or overwhelming.
Dining Room Integration
Dining rooms can accommodate deer mounts when done thoughtfully and appropriately. The key lies in balancing the mount’s presence with the room’s primary function as a gathering space for meals and conversation.
Position dining room mounts away from direct sightlines from the dining table. Side walls or areas near serving stations work better than locations directly behind seating areas. This placement allows the mount to contribute to the room’s character without dominating dinner conversations.
Consider the dining room’s formality level when selecting mounts for display. More formal dining spaces might require more conservative positioning or smaller mounts, while casual dining areas can accommodate more prominent displays.
Basement & Recreation Room Options
Basements and recreation rooms offer the most flexibility for deer mount displays. These spaces typically embrace more casual, hobby-oriented decor, making them natural locations for hunting trophies and related memorabilia.
Create themed displays in basement areas by combining multiple mounts with hunting equipment, photographs, and other outdoor gear. These comprehensive displays can tell complete stories about hunting experiences and achievements.
Consider moisture control in basement displays. Ensure adequate ventilation and humidity control to protect the mount from damage. Use dehumidifiers or ventilation systems as needed to maintain stable conditions.
Stairway & Multi-Level Displays
Stairways provide opportunities for dramatic mount displays, taking advantage of vertical space and multiple viewing angles. Position mounts to be visible from both ascending and descending perspectives, creating interest throughout the stairway experience.
Install mounts at varying heights along stairway walls to create visual movement and interest. This approach works particularly well with multiple mounts or when combining mounts with other decorative elements.
Ensure proper support for stairway mounts, as these locations may experience more vibration and movement than standard wall positions. Use appropriate mounting hardware designed for the specific wall construction and mount weight.
Outdoor & Covered Porch Areas
Covered porches and outdoor living spaces can accommodate deer mounts when properly protected from weather exposure. These locations work particularly well in regions with mild climates and covered outdoor entertainment areas.
Use weather-resistant mounting materials and consider additional protective measures like overhangs or enclosures. Regular maintenance becomes more important in outdoor displays to prevent weather damage.
Position outdoor mounts to take advantage of natural lighting while avoiding direct exposure to rain or snow. South-facing locations may require additional protection from sun exposure to prevent fading or deterioration.
Lighting & Accent Considerations
Proper lighting transforms deer mount displays from simple decorations into impressive focal points. Use a combination of ambient and accent lighting to highlight the mount’s features while maintaining overall room illumination.
LED track lighting offers flexibility and energy efficiency for mount displays. Position lights to eliminate shadows while avoiding glare or harsh reflections. Adjustable fixtures allow for fine-tuning as needed.
Consider the mount’s natural coloring when selecting lighting. Warm-toned lights typically complement the natural browns and earth tones of deer mounts, while cool-toned lights might create an unnatural appearance.
