A Custom Shed Antler Chandelier Built From a Family’s Own Antlers and Heirloom Yoke

Quick summary

This custom shed antler chandelier was built from about 36 naturally shed whitetail antlers a family collected on their own property. It hangs from their antique family yoke. The 8-light rectangular fixture measures about 26″ x 60″ and hangs over their dining table.

Custom shed antler chandelier made from a family's whitetail antler, hanging from their antique wooden yoke

Shed Antlers Collected on Their Own Land

For years, this family gathered naturally shed whitetail antler on their property. They wanted those antlers turned into something they could live with every day. So they sent their collection to us for a custom build.

An Heirloom Yoke Becomes the Hanging Apparatus

The family also owned an antique yoke that had been passed down for generations. We built it into the chandelier’s hanging apparatus. The yoke now holds the fixture above their table, joining two pieces of family history in one light.

Close-up of the antique family yoke used as the hanging beam for a custom antler chandelier

Built by Hand With Check-Ins Along the Way

Dante built the chandelier by hand over about two weeks. As it came together, he sent the family check-in photos and mock-ups. That let them see the shape and balance take form and weigh in before it was finished.

Customer's shed whitetail antlers laid out on the workbench to check measurements and balance before the build — Laying out the family’s antler to check measurements and balance.

“Every antler in this one came off their land. My job was to make them look like they’d always belonged together.”

Dante Martin, maker

Why a Rectangular Antler Chandelier Works Over a Dining Table

A long, linear fixture follows the length of a dining table in a way a round chandelier can’t. Light falls evenly from one end to the other, and the chandelier stays in proportion with the table below it. For more on sizing, see our antler chandelier size guide.

Eight-light rectangular whitetail shed antler chandelier hanging from an antique yoke

Custom Shed Antler Chandelier Project Details

Antler	Family’s own naturally shed whitetail
Antler count	About 36
Lights	8
Size	About 26″ wide x 60″ long
Hanging apparatus	Antique family yoke
Build time	About 2 weeks, with check-in photos
Location	Dining room, over the table
Certification	UL Listed, File E238337 (US & Canada)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you build a chandelier from my own antlers?

Yes. Customers send us antler they’ve collected, and we design a chandelier around their antler and their space. See how Use Your Antlers builds work.

How many antlers do I need for a custom chandelier?

It depends on the size and style. This 8-light rectangular chandelier used about 36 whitetail antlers. Larger or multi-tier pieces need more, like this six-tier build, which used about 80 to 86.

Can you include a family heirloom in the chandelier?

Often, yes. In this build, the family’s antique yoke became the hanging apparatus. Tell us about the piece and we’ll look at how it can be worked in.

Is a chandelier made from my own antlers UL Listed?

Yes. Our chandeliers are UL Listed under File E238337 for the US and Canada, including custom builds made from a customer’s own antler.

Will I see the chandelier before it’s finished?

Yes. As with this project, we send check-in photos during the build so you can see it take shape.

Have Antlers of Your Own?

If you’ve been collecting sheds, we can turn them into a chandelier built around your home and your story. Start your Use Your Antlers build.

Like this style but don’t have antler? See The Roundup, our rectangular whitetail chandelier with an optional yoke beam.