Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
A World View: Decorating With Maps
Fill Your Empty Walls With Graphic Art and Geography
Houzz Contributor. 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.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... 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.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Remember these roll-down hanging maps from elementary school? This one is enhanced by the butter yellow walls and the vintage-style pendant light.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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!'" |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A map of the U.K. brings both geography and typography into the room.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
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.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A dark wall lets this black and white map stand out.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This large map fits in with the nautical theme of this bedroom. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Maps also make great decor for nurseries. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 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. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Similarly, this print of the Americas makes a big statement in a small powder room.
|
by Bunker Workshop
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| In this minimal white-box kitchen, the graphic design of the map grabs attention. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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.
See more map-related products.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
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
More:
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangements
Art: The Unexpected
What to Look for at the Flea Market Now
Ideabook updated on July 25, 2011.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
My husband's cousin has an entire wall wallpapered with a huge National Geographic world map that she put up with Elmers glue!! After all these years, it's still there...and still in good shape. A few touch ups over the years, but it still looks great.