Does Taxidermy Deserve a Place in Your Home? Designers Weigh In
There’s nothing we House Beautiful editors love more than a hot design-focused debate. From open- versus closed-concept living to contemporary versus historic architecture, there are a lot of heated discussions happening around design, and we like to be at the forefront of them all. The most recent disagreement we’ve seen playing among the designers and brands we keep tabs on regards taxidermy: the art of prepping, stuffing, and mounting a once-living animal for display in the home. Taxidermy was it in the early 19th century, according to many sources, including the Molly Brown House Museum (Molly Brown was a first-class survivor of the Titanic as well as a collector) in Denver. But we have to ask: In 2024, does it still deserve a place in our homes, or is it time to say goodbye?
We asked several designers for their thoughts on the subject, and as we expected their opinions were split. While Bozeman, Montana–based Abby Hetherington, founder and principal of her namesake firm, is all in for taxidermy, Becky Shea and Brianna Scott, of their respective firms in New York City, are vehemently opposed. Scott even goes so far as to call the centuries-old practice “cruel.”
So, who’s right—and what do you think? Is taxidermy a crime or a celebrated tradition worth preserving? This is what the three designers had to say.
The Case Against Taxidermy in Home Decor
The argument against taxidermy is pretty clear, especially among animal rights activists. PETA, for instance, called taxidermy “the most disturbing ‘decoration’” back in 2017. The animal rights organization isn’t the only voice calling for the practice to come to a screeching halt ASAP. Shea agrees, saying, “The notion of using a once-living creature as a piece of ornamental art is deeply disturbing to me. Our homes and spaces should reflect life, warmth, and respect for the natural world, not serve as displays for the remnants of life.”
Scott is with Shea and PETA on this one: “I think it feels gross in our current day and age because we fight for the protection of so many things,” she says. And she makes another good point. Beyond being unsettling, is taxidermy safe? Scott says, “I think it’s also especially gross [considering] the harmful chemicals that are used in the taxidermy process that people are then exposed to.” According to Radford University, everything from acid to arsenic is used to preserve the animal’s body and prevent decay.
“I would absolutely advocate for taxidermy to be outlawed,” Shea adds. “We need to cultivate a culture of respect and admiration for wildlife, emphasizing conservation and ethical treatment.” Never one to share a problem without offering a solution, she suggests, “Let’s celebrate animals by supporting habitats and environments where they can thrive, not by turning them into lifeless trophies.” There are countless ways to bring the natural world inside in ways that don’t prop up a particularly gruesome tradition. “Let’s move away from the macabre and toward a more ethical and aesthetically pleasing approach to interior design,” Shea adds.
The Case in Favor of Taxidermy in Home Decor
Hear us out: According to the Museum of Idaho, taxidermy has been around since 2200 BC. Are we willing to let centuries of design tradition slip through the cracks and disappear forever? Shea and Scott may be more than excited to see it go, but Hetherington is hesitant. “Taxidermy is interesting because there is always a story behind it. Many clients view their taxidermy as an element of history,” she says.
Plus, there are many ways to incorporate taxidermy into your home that don’t involve any new harm to animals. “Taxidermy is widely available in antique stores and secondary markets,” Hetherington points out. “Another common way that people end up with these pieces is through inheritance.” So, if you like the idea of taxidermy but not the idea of going into the woods and killing an innocent animal, you have options. Think of it like fashion: You can get something new without contributing to the environmental harm the industry causes by shopping secondhand.
Taxidermy also doesn’t have to be imposing or scary to work in a home. It can be subtle and beautiful if styled the right way. “The first thing that comes to mind is cabins and western areas, but anywhere more local to the animal makes sense—even in a modern home,” Hetherington explains. “People shouldn’t be scared to incorporate taxidermy into their design. It can add a really quirky, unexpected layer to a space and help to tell the story of the home.”
The Verdict: What Should We Do About Taxidermy?
While it doesn’t look like there are any pending laws outlawing taxidermy, “a federal taxidermy permit is required to perform taxidermy services on migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs for someone other than yourself,” according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Here’s the thing: If taxidermy makes you feel uncomfortable, sad, or activated in any way, you can definitely avoid it. You can also share your thoughts and feelings about it with any loved ones who plan to incorporate it into their homes. On the other hand, if you like the history that taxidermied animals tell, feel free to incorporate pieces in your decor.
Our advice? Always shop secondhand, at reputable boutiques and antiques shops. As is the case for most ethical dilemmas, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Take the first road here.
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