Tall Wooden Giraffe

Mia Jones Interior Design Expert

Mia is a freelance bathroom designer and writer with over a decade of professional experience. From space planning, cabinetry, storage solutions, and tile design to hardware and fixture selections, she knows a thing about creating baths that strike a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Updated 12/05/2021

Give you home a very primal gift. Give it a tall wooden giraffe. If you have a mostly-African inspired decor, this is a must-have item. These gorgeously crafted giraffes will add a sense of wonder and make you think of the Serengeti every time you gaze upon its wooden majesty. Take a look through our collection and see if you can find the giraffe to compliment your home.

Buying Guide

Fancy a piece of the African bush at home? A tall wooden Giraffe is one way to get it done and quite a popular one at that. There’s nothing more eye catching than a tall replica giraffe peeping out of the trees in your garden. Why it can even make for a great centerpiece indoors if you have a safari inspired décor (or not).

If you were forced to leave your memoir wooden giraffe at the airport, after the South African airline refused to allow it to be carried into the cabin, then there’s no need to fuss. You can get one right here at home. Here’s a guide to help you with the details.

Where are you going to place the wooden giraffe?

The first and most important thing is to find a permanent place for the Giraffe. Will it be fortunate enough to share your living room with you? Or will it have to make do with the Alder trees outdoor? The intended place will determine the size and the material of the giraffe.

How tall are wooden replica giraffes?

Wooden Giraffes can range from a few inches to up to 16 feet in length. Replicas sold in Airport souvenir shops in Africa are typically 8 feet in length. Measure the room or the spot outdoor where you intend to place the giraffe.

For indoor use, always double check the space. Many a time, people make the mistake of ‘assuming’ that it will be a great fit for the room. And then realize, that it’s a lot bigger than it appeared to be. Don’t leave it to guesswork.

What kind of wood should you choose?

If it’s for the outdoors, you need tough, waterproof wood that can withstand the elements. Acasia, Cedar, Cypress and Douglas fir are some of the good local varieties.

A lot of the wooden giraffe statues are handcrafted by indigenous tribes and artisans and are imported from countries like Namibia, Congo, Zimbabwe and Peru.

So, don’t be alarmed if you find Albizia, Ironwood or Ebony. These are equally durable hardwood varieties and once sealed, will last for years without rotting or warping.

If it’s indoors, you can pick just about any type of wood.

What are the most attractive finishes for wooden giraffe replicas?

Wooden giraffe statues can be hand painted and have incredibly detailed, life-like features. However, contemporary designs are also quite popular. These can have colored mosaics or motifs and make for great focal points in a living room.

One of the most attractive finishes that we have come across, features a hand painted finish with the spots created with a blow torch. Unlike paint, the blow torch marks are permanent and amplify the natural grains of the wood.

Does a tall wooden giraffe need a pedestal?

Due to the height of these statues, they can be knocked over pretty easily, especially if you have rambunctious kids at home. The last thing you need is an 8-feet hardwood statue crashing into your LED TV.

A pedestal gives it the much needed balance and prevents it from tipping over at the slightest jolt or bump. Having said that, it’s not uncommon to come across statues without a pedestal that is perfectly balanced and stays rock solid even on bumpy outdoor turf.