Monday, January 2, 2017

Finding Horse Decor For Living Room Eclat

By John West


Horses and humans have a special bond. Myths, legends, and folk tales have horses in them more often than not. The gods had winged Pegasus and fiery teams to drag the sun across the sky. Famous people have had famous horses: think of Alexander the Great's Bucephalus, George Washington's white charger, Robert E. Lee's Traveler (still on display in Lexington VA). Horse decor for living room, den, and foyer is grandfathered in for us all.

There is seemingly no end to variations on this theme. Ever since the first horseshoe was nailed up over a rustic door, people have found charm in equine art and artifacts. From the priceless porcelain horses of the Tang dynasty to the collectible figurines of today, people from palace to studio apartment love to decorate with horses.

Statues of horses range from collectible figurines to priceless art. You can even turn one into a lamp. People sometimes have a full-size carousel horse prancing behind the couch. Depictions of steeds with flowing manes and tails on lampshades and picture frames take up less room and can be just as eye-catching. Use a heavy cast iron horse for a door stop.

For a traditional look, get a vintage or reproduction hunt print. Actually, artists are still creating original paintings about contemporary subjects, since the sport of foxhunting is still flourishing in America. These scenes of horse and hound are generally matted in red and framed in dark wood - an elegant, country effect. These prints evoke the rich history of England, Ireland, and our own colonial period.

Other accessories using hunting print art are coasters, which look great on side tables even when not is use. Racehorses, both flat runners and steeplechasers, are other common subjects. Trophies shine on book shelves or mantles, if you are lucky enough to have had a winner. So do presentation silver trays under cut-glass decanters. Portraits of favorite or famous horses are especially nice.

This is all about English riding, but there is the wild, wild West as well. Cow ponies and wild horses make great subjects for pictures and prints, pillows and rugs, ornaments, or useful items like waste baskets, calendars, and book ends. You can also use real equipment, like boots or lariats or whips. These are more than decorations; they bring the outdoor sport in.

Horse gear looks good in an informal setting. Fold a colorful saddle blanket over a couch or chair. Hang a bridle or hackamore on a door, put a silver-trimmed saddle in a corner of the room, and keep your hat and gloves on a table by the exit. These make great conversation pieces, as do portraits of favorite horses or childhood ponies. Riders always have great stories and treasured memories.

Go online for inspiration, just the thing you're looking for, or great gift ideas for your horsey friends. Whether you need a wall hook or a chandelier, or want to give a valuable work of art as a wedding gift, you can find the right piece on the internet.




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