Gather This: Entomology Decor Favorites

> > > Did you know? Entomology is the scientific study of insects.

I’ve had bugs on my mind lately, thanks to my recent DIY Gilded Insect Faux Taxidermy project. I know the idea of insects as design elements can be a little polarizing, but I really am a huge fan, as these entomology-themed DIY projects attest…

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Entomology & Design

A little background…

In the Victorian age, insect collecting, cataloging, and taxidermy (displaying pinned insect specimens behind glass, on plaques, etc.) was an extremely popular hobby.

It was an age of scientific discovery and fascination (think: Charles Darwin), which lead to a widespread public interest in natural history and the details of the world around them.

The “Cabinet of Curiosities” (which is where we get the term “curio cabinet”) is one example of this interest. It was a case where one could catalog their collection of curious specimens and display to their acquaintances.

(Visit the Flickr link to find several other beautiful and detailed illustrations of a Dutch author’s cabinet of curiosities. I think these would make wonderful printable art!)

Design motifs from the natural world flourished, from detailed scientific illustrations to works geared towards children, like this 1879 precursor to “A Bug’s Life”…

(Another link filled with images worth perusing – the Thomas Fischer Rare Book Library has curated an entire Flickr album full of the gorgeous covers of natural history books from the Victorian era.)

Now perhaps over time, we’ve grown slightly immune to the magic of the natural world (and our book covers have certainly taken a turn for the worse, in my opinion), but today I’d love to harness some of that old-fashioned wonder with this collection of entomology-inspired pieces for the home I’ve pulled together.

Entomology Decor Favorites

I’ve selected a few of my favorite insect-themed home decor finds – unique ways to add just a hint of natural history flair to your home…

*Today’s post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission. You can read my full disclosure here. I hope you all know by now that I do only share things I really truly love!

1. Vintage Brass Snail Figurine. I’ve never come across one of these before in my gathering adventures and I’m absolutely smitten! I’ve had a soft spot for snails in my heart ever since seeing The NeverEnding Story as a child – who remembers the adorable racing snail?

2. Anthropologie – Nature Table Dessert Plate. I just love these plates from Anthropologie, featuring such a charming bee illustration and beautiful gilded details. They would make the perfect addition to a gathered table setting!

3. March Beetles Pillow Cover. You can certainly DIY your own entomology-inspired pillow cover, but I’m also loving this design from seller Sharp Shirter on Etsy. (Not to mention the rest of the seriously cool things they offer!)

4. Yellow Beetle Cross Stitch Kit. Etsy seller Floss and Mischief has an entire collection of lovely natural history cross stitch kits and patterns. Wouldn’t a few of these make a beautiful little gallery?

5. Luna Moth Fiber Brooch. This stunning fiber moth from Blue Terracotta (visit the shop for more beautiful insect designs) isn’t a home decor piece per se, but I’m picturing it displayed under a glass cloche, (which I’m willing to be you could find at a thrift shop), on top of a stack of vintage books. Can you see it too? Lovely.

6. Bees Melamine Plate. It’s easy to get lost in The Mad Platters Etsy shop – they have all sorts of unique vintage designs. This bee plate is just one of many insect-themed offerings that have me pining for the whole set!

7. K is for Katydid Watercolor Art. Much like most of the links in this roundup, let this lovely watercolor from Kuen Art Shop lead you back to the entire Etsy store for more natural history beauty!

8. Yellow Beetle Art Print. This lovely design from Kim Landman on Society6 is also available as a throw pillow.

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I hope you enjoyed today’s little historical journey as well as these fun contemporary entomology decor pieces! Do you have any favorites? Would you ever add insect-themed decor to your home or does it totally creep you out? Let’s chat!