Octagon Pedestals: The Ideal Base for Displaying Deer Mounts and Antlers

The Beauty and Functionality of Octagon Pedestals for Deer Mounts

Displaying a prized deer mount is an artform that takes both creativity and practicality. The pedestal you choose makes a dramatic difference in how your mount is showcased. Octagon pedestals provide an aesthetically pleasing shape that complements the deer's form while also offering ample stability. This innovative pedestal option has become a top choice for hunters looking to highlight their trophies.

What is an Octagon Pedestal?

An octagon pedestal is exactly as its name implies - a pedestal with eight equal sides and angles. The eight-sided design provides an attractive base for displaying deer antlers or a deer head mount. Octagon pedestals come in a range of heights, typically varying from 18 inches to 48 inches tall. They are often crafted from wood, but can also be made from metal, plastic, or other materials.

Octagon shapes are a popular choice for pedestals because they provide more surface area than square designs. The extra width at the corners adds stability and also gives the pedestal visual interest. When used with a deer mount, the octagon's angles mirror the lines of the antlers in an organic way.

Benefits of Using an Octagon Pedestal

There are several key reasons octagon pedestals make an excellent choice for displaying deer trophies:

• Stability - The eight-sided design provides maximum stability. This is important for keeping tall, heavy antlers upright and secure.
• Aesthetic appeal - Octagons blend beautifully with the deer's form. The angles complement antler shape and the wood tones match natural elements.
• Customizability - Octagon pedestals come in varied heights and widths to fit different mount sizes. They can also be painted or stained.
• Durability - Quality wood octagon pedestals are sturdy and long-lasting. Deer mounts are an investment and require a pedestal built to stand the test of time.
• Easy to install - Most octagon pedestals assemble with nuts and bolts. Simply secure the antlers or mount and display.

For hunters who want a pedestal that is attractive yet highly functional for showing off a trophy deer, the octagon design is hard to beat.

Octagon Pedestal Height Considerations

One of the biggest decisions when choosing an octagon pedestal is the height. Taller pedestals make the mount more visible and prominent in a room. However, the height needs to be balanced with the size of the antlers and proportions of the deer head to maintain an attractive display.

For deer mounts with large racks, a pedestal of 36 inches or taller is usually recommended. Smaller antlers can be displayed on a shorter pedestal around 24 to 30 inches high. For a shoulder mount or deer head by itself, 18 to 24 inches is an ideal pedestal height. The width of the octagon pedestal should be sizable enough to ensure the rack does not overhang the sides.

When determining height, also consider what will be around the display. If the deer mount will be positioned against a tall wall, a shorter pedestal lets it stand out instead of blending in. Near furniture or other decor, a taller pedestal prevents the antlers from getting lost.

Choosing a Material for Octagon Pedestals

Octagon pedestals come in a variety of natural and manufactured materials. Here are some top options to consider:

• Wood - For a classic, rustic look, a solid wood octagon pedestal is best. Oak, maple, poplar, pine, and cedar are common choices.
• Barnwood - For reclaimed appeal, an octagon cut from old barnwood has vintage character. Salvaged oak or pine barn wood are popular picks.
• Metal - Wrought iron, steel, or powder coated metal pedestals provide an industrial, contemporary vibe. They come in many colors.
• Plastic/resin - Affordable and easy to maintain, plastic octagons work well in covered outdoor areas or as a budget choice.

Wood and barnwood octagon pedestals offer artisanal quality and a handsome finish. The natural grain, knots, and variation in tone complement deer antlers beautifully. For hunters who prefer a more modern or sleek look, a metal octagon pedestal in black, bronze, silver, or white can create a striking display.

Octagon Pedestal Design Options

One benefit of the octagon's shape is that it can be incorporated in a number of eye-catching design styles. Some options for octagon pedestals include:

• Tiered - A taller octagon base with a smaller octagon mount on top provides a layered look and extra height.
• Wraparound - The pedestal has cutout space in the center for wrapping deer antlers around and through the octagon for a creative display.
• Octagon box frame - A wooden octagon box frame around a deer mount creates a modern floating effect.
• Ornate accents - Pedestals with carved molding, edges, or tapered legs add flair.
• Distressed finish - Sanding, rasping, or whitewashing gives weathered appeal to wood octagons.

Hunters can choose an octagon pedestal design that fits the style of the room or mix modern and rustic elements for a striking blend. The pedestal should enhance the deer mount without overpowering it.

Pairing Octagon Pedestals with Different Deer Mounts

The shape and size of an octagon pedestal can be tailored to complement any type of deer trophy. Some popular mount and pedestal pairings include:

• Shoulder mount - A half-body deer display sits nicely on a wider, mid-height octagon of around 30 inches.
• Head mount - An octagon pedestal around 18-24 inches high is ideal for a deer head. It lets the eyes and expression show.
• Antlers only - For just the antlers, choose a taller octagon, over 36 inches, to allow the tines to be prominently displayed.
• Hip, leg or hoof mount - Smaller single-limb mounts look great on compact octagon pedestals 6 to 12 inches high.

No matter what part of the deer you choose to display, an octagon pedestal can be adapted to provide an appropriate base. Be sure to carefully measure both the antlers' span and the mount's dimensions when selecting a pedestal height and width.

Positioning an Octagon Pedestal in Your Display Room

Where you place your octagon pedestal and deer mount in a room impacts how it's viewed. Here are tips for optimal octagon pedestal positioning:

• Against a wall - Positioning the pedestal against a wall provides a neat, organized look and keeps the display from obstructing foot traffic.
• Near natural light - A window alcove lets daylight shine on the deer mount for better visibility. Just avoid direct sun shining on the antlers.
• Opposite the entry - Situate the display where it captures attention when entering the room.
• On display perimeter - Keeping the octagon pedestal around the room's edges avoids dividing the space visually.
• Near seating - Placing the deer mount where people congregate makes it a conversation piece.

Take measurements to ensure there is adequate room around the pedestal so it does not feel cramped. Octagon pedestals are often placed in entryways, dens, game rooms, or corners to delight guests.

Showcase Your Trophy Deer Mount with an Octagon Pedestal

An octagon pedestal provides a functional base for displaying treasured deer mounts. Its eight-sided shape blends seamlessly with antlers to highlight their unique geometry. With styles from modern to rustic, octagon pedestals can fit any room's décor. Place your memorialized trophy on an octagon pedestal to do it justice for years to come.

FAQs

What size octagon pedestal is best for deer antlers?

For deer antlers, choose an octagon pedestal that is 36-48 inches tall. This provides enough height to prominently display the rack while keeping it stable and secure.

What wood makes the best octagon pedestal?

Oak, maple, and pine are all good strong hardwood choices. Reclaimed barnwood also makes an attractive rustic octagon pedestal for deer mounts.

Should I mount the antlers first or assemble the pedestal first?

It's best to assemble the octagon pedestal fully first, then mount the antlers securely to the top of it. This provides a solid base for attaching the antlers.

Can I use an octagon pedestal outdoors?

Octagon pedestals made from weather-resistant materials like treated wood, composite, or metal can be used outdoors. Be sure to keep wooden pedestals covered and out of direct rain.

What finish should I use on a wooden octagon pedestal?

A clear polyurethane sealant is recommended to protect and maintain the natural look of wood octagon pedestals indoors and outdoors.