Trophy Room Question

[JHT]

I never considered an actual hippo mount - just skull and tusks. Now that I'll have room I suppose I could get another one and sub in these tusks.

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I would get a replica hippo and insert the tusks. To me, they are indistinguishable from a skin mount but age better. If interested, please pm me and I'll send pics and recommend a studio.

 

[Philip Glass]

Not a comment on size, but in materials. I am in the process of designing my house and trophy room and will be putting 3/4" plywood on all the walls of the trophy room. This will allow you to place a mount anywhere, not just a stud.

This is key!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Yes, the plan is for all walls to be sheeted with 3/4 ply, raised panel wainscoting, with sheetrock on the upper walls and ceiling.

Good call! That's exactly how I did it. Tucked behind the crown molding on top of the wainscoting are LED rope lights.

 

[JHT]

Not a comment on size, but in materials. I am in the process of designing my house and trophy room and will be putting 3/4" plywood on all the walls of the trophy room. This will allow you to place a mount anywhere, not just a stud.

Another option is to design your space where you can access behind your walls. Luckily, this is how my home was built. To hang an oversized mount, I go ahead and drill my hole and then enter the attic and secure a 2x6 in between the studs. It sounds like a lot of work but it’s quite easy. For small mounts, I simply use plastic screw-in wall anchors. Also, don’t forget oversized doors so large mounts will fit. I will update pic when my 2023 buffalo (2) and leopard are hung.

 

[DillonG]

Might I recommend 4x the space that you originally thought? Trust me, I read through about half your list. You will end up needing more room than you could imagine. Not because you are indulgent. You always want to make it look pleasing and give yourself more space.

 

[PARA45]

Trophy rooms are like gun safes, you always go bigger.