From Abstract to Ultra-Realistic Game
If you’re going to make a statement, consider a loud one: a growl, a roar, or a trumpet, even. We like to think that’s what’s behind the tongue-in-cheek mounted animal heads we saw in this year’s contest entries, like the cardboard fauna in reader Joe Human’s living room. “I like the 3-D effect on my wall,” Joe says. (You’ll see more of that accent wall in Fake a Wallpaper Look With Yarn and Upholstery Tacks.) Taxidermy has been around for centuries, of course, enjoying its heyday in the oddities-obsessed Victorian era. Today, faux versions—ranging from abstract art to ultra-realistic replicas—offer looks both whimsical and beautiful. Here, nine beasts you’re sure to go wild for.
“I like the quirky element they add to the space.”
—Joe Human, New York City
Big Red
Grandin Road
Made of: Resin
Size: 30″W x 22″D x 29″H
Highlights: The naturally goofy moose becomes a playful centerpiece in a vibrant tomato hue.
About $250; Grandin Road
Horns Aplenty
Home Decorator’s Collection
Made of: Painted resin
Size: 6″W x 9″D x 16″H
Highlights: An aged-bronze finish gives this dramatically antlered gazelle serious style.
About $34; Home Decorator’s Collection
On Safari
Near & Deer
Made of: Painted resin
Size: 9″W x 12″D x 15″H
Highlights: Savanna green highlights every fold on this picture-perfect grizzled rhino.
About $120; Near & Deer
An earthy green highlights the picture-perfect quality of this grizzled rhino. TOH readers can get an exclusive offer of 15-percent off this piece and any other item from Near & Deer by shopping at Near & Deer and entering TOHSAVE15 at checkout. Offer valid 9/25/15 through 11/6/15.
Tall Order
Z Gallerie
Made of: Resin
Size: 10″W x 15″D x 31¼”H
Highlights: With its long neck and docile demeanor, this giraffe will cast an elegant eye on your living space.
About $130; Z Gallerie
Stripes
DwellStudio
Made of: Papier-mâché
Size: 16″W x 13″D x 11″H
Highlights: A zebra head of molded newsprint springs to life thanks to bright teal painted details.
About $40; Wayfair
Read All About It
Caribbean Craft
Made of: Papier-mâché
Size: 14½”W x 17″D x 29″H
Highlights: This graceful springbok is handmade in Haiti from recycled paper.
About $191; Amara
Bold Graphics
DwellStudio
Made of: Papier-mâché
Size: 12″W x 13″D x 13″H
Highlights: An abstract giraffe’s head gains definition from painted fur patterns.
About $64; AllModern
Trunk Show
Home Decorator’s Collection
Made of: Resin
Size: 13″W x 4″D x 17″H
Highlights: An aged-brass color gives this elephant head an antique look.
About $27; Home Decorator’s Collection
Small-Time
Z Gallerie
Made of: Resin
Size: 15″W x 7½”D x 13¾”H
Highlights: This miniaturized moose head is fit for a smidgen of wall space—or for a grouped display.
About $50; Z Gallerie
Statuesque
West Elm
Made of: Papier-mâché
Size: 23″W x 18″D x 34″H
Highlights: Gracefully abstract, this impala is formed from recycled paper with a plain-white painted finish.
About $170; West Elm
Not-So-Basic Black
Near & Deer
Made of: Resin
Size: 14″W x 10″D x 15½”H
Highlights: This ultra-lifelike replica of a ram’s head shows off every ring and hair—but solid-black coloring keeps it sleek.
About $100; Near & Deer
Oh Deer
Home Decorator’s Collection
Made of: Resin
Size: 12″W x 6″D x 16″H
Highlights: It’s a classic for a reason—a 10-point buck sure can impress. This small-scale version works in even the tiniest of spaces or in a cluster of three.
About $34; Home Decorator’s Collection
New Heights
NACH
Made of: Resin
Size: 9½”W x 8.8″D x 26.6″H
Highlights: The towering antlers on this lifelike antelope give the plain-white piece major presence.
About $130; Amazon
Tusk, Tusk
Caribbean Craft
Made of: Papier-mâché
Size: 25″W x 12″D x 27″H
Highlights: This large elephant head looks refined, not clownish, thanks to a smooth paper surface.
About $207; Amara
Out to Pasture
Urban Trends
Made of: Fiberstone
Size: 14″W x 10½”D x 15″H
Highlights: Milky white seems an apt finish for a fully detailed cow.
About $100; Amazon
