A World View: Decorating With Maps
Fill Your Empty Walls With Graphic Art and Geography
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More »
Looking for and easy and inexpensive way to adorn your walls? Consider maps. Whether it's a topographical map from USGS, a nautical chart, a collection of National Parks maps, a subway map, a map of the entire world or an historic map, they are fascinating to study. From small framed maps to rolling relics from primary school, and from oversized maps to wallpaper, the world is at your design fingertips. Perhaps you'll find an old one in the attic or frame the one from the MTA. Here's a look at maps that run the gamut and how designers are using them.
Remember these roll-down hanging maps from elementary school? This one is enhanced by the butter yellow walls and the vintage-style pendant light.
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| This oversized map from IKEA serves as a large and worldly headboard. The mother of the boy who sleeps in this room, Interior Designer Jeanette Van Wicklin, says "Whenever we're stumped by a geography question, we say, 'let's go look at the big map!'" Private Comment
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A map of the U.K. brings both geography and typography into the room.
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A collage applied to the walls becomes a unique wallpaper here, and the globe on the dresser plays off it nicely.
Tip: Look for vintage atlases at flea markets, antique shows and online. They are a great source for beautiful maps and will yield enough of them to create a wall like this.
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Tip: Look for vintage atlases at flea markets, antique shows and online. They are a great source for beautiful maps and will yield enough of them to create a wall like this.
A dark wall lets this black and white map stand out.
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| This large map fits in with the nautical theme of this bedroom. Private Comment
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| Maps also make great decor for nurseries. Private Comment
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| Tip: Make a big move in a small space. This map covers and entire wall and its size draws attention away from the fact that the room is only as wide as the bed is long. Private Comment
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Similarly, this print of the Americas makes a big statement in a small powder room.
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| In this minimal white-box kitchen, the graphic design of the map grabs attention. Private Comment
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To get the previous look, try this reproduction of an old NYC subway map. It has the usual bright colors and great design we've come to expect of these iconic transit maps.
See more map-related products.
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See more map-related products.
Tip: Go local to celebrate your part of the world. This beautifully rendered triptych lets guests learn more about the geography and ecology of the region they are visiting.
More:
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangements
Art: The Unexpected
What to Look for at the Flea Market Now
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More:
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangements
Art: The Unexpected
What to Look for at the Flea Market Now
Comments

Tricia Rose says:
I have had the hardest time finding nautical charts Becky, any clues? I know there is a Ralph Lauren (?) map wallpaper, but I'd hold out for the real thing.
10 months ago ·
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midmodfan says:
I've always been fascinated by maps and we already decorated with maps. But I can't just hang a map, I need maps of areas I know well and am attached to. So it's no wonder that I especially love the last example, because coastal South Carolina is one of my favorite (vacation) places ever and Fripp Island, in the middle, is really otherworldly.
10 months ago ·
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John Hill says:
One of my favorite shower curtains is the MTA Subway map (not mine):

10 months ago ·
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Christy Kim says:
What a great idea! I love globes and maps, so this is very creative idea!
10 months ago ·
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Sal says:
I've purchased some out of date nautical maps on eBay for my kitchen wall!
10 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
John I've always had my eye on that shower curtain. I had an NYC subway map tacked to a wall for years; unfortunately, I've lost track of it.
10 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
TriciaRose, our friends got us one at a marina - think boating supply I suppose!
10 months ago ·
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lara_jane says:
I bought this chalkboard (or "slated") map for my son about 7 years ago after seeing one in a Country Living article. It's two-sided, with the world map shown and a U.S. map on the back. He also collects vintage globes and I think is up to 15 or 16. In addition, he has a collection of vintage pennants that we add to after visiting somewhere new, as well as some other travel-related "whatnots." It sounds super "themey" when I spell it out like this, but it's well-balanced with his other collections & decor, from rock posters to Boy Scouts to Star Wars. :)

10 months ago ·
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dancingfish says:
Love seeing maps on the wall! As a child I had a huge US map that hung in my bedroom. I dreamed of visiting all the towns on it-- I think maybe its time to frame one for the guest bedroom!
10 months ago ·
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Mary Little says:
I love maps in decorating too and they really go great in my coastal/nautical theme I use in my home. Since living on the gulf coast of Mississippi now, and being homesick for my coastal Virginia, I've decorated my whole house to remind me of the Chesapeake Bay I miss. While decorating, I found a beautiful map of the Chesapeake Bay and my hometown area Tidewater Virginia. I had it framed and hung in my study/office and it gives me a smile everytime I look at it! So maps are also a great way to bring us home no matter where we live.
10 months ago ·
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This bathroom update I did over the winter for my 10 year old son includes a world map shower curtain. My hope is that he might learn some geography a little sooner than his peers because of this! It made going bold with color on the walls & ceiling even easier & more fun!

10 months ago ·
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wandm says:
We have collected maps of countries (off ebay) and I keep meaning to frame them and arrange in a groupings in a long hallway. You have inspired me to get to it! Thanks! (off topic, I would hate to have to make the bed in #8!)
10 months ago ·
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nessadee says:
I love maps, as does my son. We had a hard time deciding whether or not to just hang maps in his room, or paint one. We finally decided to paint a simple silhouette map of the world along a prominent wall in his room. Though it's not quite accurate, it's perfect for a 5 yr. old boy!

10 months ago ·
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Kathryn Peltier says:
Well, this was a timely ideabook for me since I just scored about 50 1960s vintage maps and scientific charts at a barn sale this weekend for about 50 cents apiece!
10 months ago ·
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jsabel says:
You can order paper nautical charts by mail here: http://www.oceangrafix.com/o.g/search-nautical-charts.html
10 months ago ·
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Beth says:
I placed a wanted ad on Craigslist and got several old state maps and atlases FREE!! I'm planning on "wallpapering" my son's bedroom when he leaves for college and make it into an office. I want to somehow "antique" them but not sure how. Should I do it before I hang them or once I have them all up? What to use?
10 months ago ·
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ShaunanetS Rouse says:
My husband is a private pilot, so we ripped up old airport navigation maps and put on ceiling of my baby boy's room. Its my favorite room in the house!


10 months ago ·
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belambery says:
The baby's room ^^ LOVE! What a fabulous idea! My dad has been a pilot for over 25 years. I love aeronautical maps. I will have to keep this in mind for something. (I usually wrap Christmas presents with the old maps... I may save them this year!)
10 months ago ·
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Becky Harris says:
It is so much fun to see everyones' maps - please keep them coming!
10 months ago ·
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Joyce Brown says:
Triptych WOW what a great idea. We live on the lake and I have been struggling on how to display the map in my home. Thank you Becky
10 months ago ·
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