Tips for Creative Natural Branch Display and Mounting

The unique beauty of natural tree branches is undeniable, yet often under appreciated. Each branch is a marvel of nature in it subtle twists, turns and unique personality. But showcasing this natural architecture in your home decor can be a challenge. While a large, tree-shaped branch can be stood against the wall, smaller more practical branches are less straightforward. A standard vase often falls short of supporting the branch and hides some of the beauty. Laying the branch on a table doesn’t cut it, as it rarely shows the best of the branch and can look too casual.

To solve these issues, we developed the Table Mount. It provides the flexibility to showcase natural branches up to five feet tall as well as the ability to focus attention on the simple elegance of a single flower stem. It is also a very well made, rigid steel device that contrasts beautifully with the organic movement of natural flora.

What makes this presentation so special?  Suddenly you see the branch for the sculpture that it is. Even an average branch presents as a museum specimen, inviting you to study it with more care that you might otherwise, noticing the amazing detail.

Tips for creating show-stopping interior decor arrangements with branches using the Table Mount

 
Natural Branch Flower with Table Mount - Artefact Salvage

Table Mount featuring a flowering natural branch

Cut the branch long, leaving plenty to work with. Some trimming is always necessary.

  • Pay attention to the angle of the leaves so they will present upwards or towards you when in your display. Avoid branches that droop downward.

  • Balance the weight of the branch so the center point is roughly at the clamp

  • Experiment to find the best angle by sliding the clamp up or down on the vertical rod.

  • Let the lower stem fall where it may, and move the vase out to meet it.

  • Experiment using any vase large or small (I sometimes use a shot glass!), but the included low rectangular vase allows you to wedge the end of the stem at the bottom corner. 

  • Trim your branch as needed - it’s fun to shape the branch by trimming - but step back and look at the balance after each snip – you can always snip later.

Pro Design Hints: 

  • Make sure the stem diameter is larger than that of the vertical rod. You don’t want the device to dominate the branch. 

  • For fun, try using a dead branch. Strip the leaves, clamp it at an angle, and trim like it’s a sculpture or a valuable bonsai. Nature does most the work, you just have to clear away the chaff. I’ve found amazing sculptural forms by experimenting this way.

Calla Lily Table Top and Mount - Artecraft Salvage

Table Mount Featuring Calla Lily

Why use the Table Mount at all here? It is certainly not needed. But just as the right frame enhances the experience of a painting, here a beautiful bare branch becomes a work of art, it’s sculptural form “presented” as such for your closer inspection.

Dave Allen