Where in the World?: Decorating with Maps and Globes
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
My family is fascinated with maps. My dad's home office is covered in nautical charts. My brother's work office is decorated with diplomas and vintage maps in frames. And my kitchen broom closet is papered with maps (both metro and city) of places I've visited. We have a thing about them.
I chalk our fascination with maps up to all the drama and possibility that they promise. An old map is like a great historical novel and a new one could be a thriller, a romance, a mystery.
There are dozens of ways to incorporate maps (and their cousins, globes) into home design. Here are a few of my favorites:
I chalk our fascination with maps up to all the drama and possibility that they promise. An old map is like a great historical novel and a new one could be a thriller, a romance, a mystery.
There are dozens of ways to incorporate maps (and their cousins, globes) into home design. Here are a few of my favorites:
| Several of my childhood friends went to college at the Merchant Marine Academy - a school that sends its students out to sea on commercial vessels for six months during their sophomore and junior years. My friends' parents each hung a huge world map in their basements, charting their sons' travels with pushpins and adding photos along the way. In the end, the maps looked like something out of a Jason Bourne movie - they were really cool capsules of their travels.
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That's what this wall-sized map reminds me of. I love the idea of using this in a guest room, too. It'll give visitors hours of in-room fun and a great conversation starter. |
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A small bathroom is another great place to cover a wall with a map. The only downside is that people might linger!
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| As I mentioned, my brother has a collection of historic maps. They're cool for so many reasons, but most of all because they tell a story of how people of the world perceived their landscape at a certain point in time.
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Vintage maps can be expensive, but don't have to be - I found some great, cheap maps at the Paris flea market. In a nice frame, they're a great addition to any room. |
There's no rule that says that maps have to be of the land, either. This brain image is a different take on the map - and a very cool one. In this room, a vintage map would work just as well, too - I love the mix of modern and traditional.
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| Like maps, globes are a fantastic decorating tool - and handy when you need answers to geography questions. I love these little globes, used as decoration in a big basket, especially since they're mixed among other types of balls. Private Comment
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This is a great space. The collection of globes is interesting and pretty - and I absolutely love the wall color with the medium-light wood.
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These globes, positioned on a bookshelf acting as a room divider, make a fantastic statement. I also like how their traditional look balances the ultra-modern chair. It's perfect for a 21st century study.
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One single globe can have a huge impact - like this one, placed regally on top of a gorgeous cabinet. I especially like the way the curve of the globe mimics the curve in the wood.
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This college dorm room reminds me a lot of the inside of my broom closet - in a good way! I love the idea of papering a whole wall with maps. It's such a fun (and inexpensive) way to decorate.
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Comments
Becky Harris says:
I am totally obsessed with maps myself. I have a wall of maps from an old atlas on the wall right next to me as I type this comment.
3 years ago ·
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Kit Pollard says:
The maps in my broom closet were actually your suggestion! I'd been trying to figure out a good place to put them, but was worried about them not looking right. The closet was actually perfect. It looks totally cool.
3 years ago ·
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Valerie Wills Interiors says:
I love this post (and that you used two of my photos - thx). I adore maps and globes.... must be because we love to travel. Great job - I love reading all of your comments.
3 years ago ·
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HERMOGENO DESIGNS says:
I've always wanted the opportunity to place an oversized world map like the one in the Dufner Heighes Inc project. Great impact.
3 years ago ·
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victoria_d says:
I love the idea of Maps and Globes Decoration! I have to add two great ones to this unique collection:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/22456/designsponge-playroom-traditional-kids-
http://www.houzz.com/photos/21161/eclectic-kids--cookiemag-eclectic-kids-
http://www.houzz.com/photos/22456/designsponge-playroom-traditional-kids-
http://www.houzz.com/photos/21161/eclectic-kids--cookiemag-eclectic-kids-
3 years ago ·
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Karen Jaffe says:
I too am a big fan of using maps and globes in decorating so thank you for this ideabook.
Yesterday I picked up a map-of-the-world shower curtain from target.
It's cute, colorful, and adds quirkyness to the bathroom!
Yesterday I picked up a map-of-the-world shower curtain from target.
It's cute, colorful, and adds quirkyness to the bathroom!
16 months ago ·
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