This post has 11 stunning map ideas to show you ways to display in your home. Showing that with a little creativity and thinking outside the box, you can bring the world of maps stylishly into your home.
Maps have been gracing the walls of homes, offices, and libraries for centuries. But in the search for fresh new artwork, they often get overlooked. Maps are an incredible decorative choice that is rich in personal stories and history.
The world of maps is incredibly vast and varied. From a simple, elegantly hung map of the world to a bold do-it-yourself mural. There are so many map art ideas perfect for any space and style.
The best thing about these map ideas is their accessibility. Maps come in a stunning array of styles, from vintage cartography to minimalist topography to colorful illustrated maps. Best of all, they are readily available at almost every price point from free finds to investment pieces.
- Navigating Your Options: Types Of Maps
- Where To Get Maps (Affordably & Easy)
- 11 Map Ideas For Your Home
- 1. The Bookshelf Backdrop
- 2. Stentimental Statement: Giant Push Pin Map
- 3. A Functional Desktop
- 4. The Bold & Colorful Fantasy Map
- 5. The Curated Gallery Wall
- 6. The Personal Destination Art
- 7. Local Love: A Rustic State Map
- 8. Divided Maps Idea
- 9. A Map Mural
- 10. Map Curtains
- 11. Monochromatic Old World Maps
Navigating Your Options: Types Of Maps
- Road & Tourist Maps
- A graphic and linear option that has a minimalist and modern touch.
- World Maps & Classic Cartography
- A Timeless staple. From ancient maps of the world designs to modern political style maps.
- Tourist & Park Maps
- Often colorful and illustrated. Filled with lovely character and points of interest.
- Topographic & Nautical Charts
- A stunning and abstract piece of decor with visual texture.
Where To Get Maps (Affordably & Easy)
- Thrift Shops & Library Sales
- A treasure trove for old school style maps, atleases and vintage style antique world map prints, usually for only a few dollars.
- Ebay & Etsy
- Great online resources, especially for specific styles or vintage finds. Custom personalized push pin maps and stunning prints.
- Tourist Office & Town Halls
- Often given away for free or very inexpensively. Maps of local areas or park map perfect for a personal display.
- On Your Travels
- Make a habit of picking up a transit or city map as a souvenir. They’re free, authentic and tell a story.
- Amazon & Retailers
- An easy place to find a huge range of new prints, tapestries and canvases.
11 Map Ideas For Your Home
1. The Bookshelf Backdrop
Applying a map to the rear of your bookshelves is one of the cleverest map ideas for adding a fun pop of color and interest.
2. Stentimental Statement: Giant Push Pin Map
This is the ultimate personalized pushpin map display. Pin the places you’ve been and dream of going. It becomes more than decor but a visual travel diary.
It tells your unique story. It is one of the most versatile of the map ideas, as it fits well in any space from a hallway to a living room.
3. A Functional Desktop
A map of the world or a detailed region chart under glass feels scholarly and timeless.
One of the more practical and stylish map ideas is to use a large map under glass as a desktop. This works perfectly for a vintage desk makeover or even a custom piece.
Protecting the map while allowing you to admire it every day.
4. The Bold & Colorful Fantasy Map
Maps don’t have to be accurate to be captivating and eye-catching. A bold, colorful fantasy or illustrated map is a great addition to any room.
The key is to find a map with colors that complement your existing palette. This map idea proves that map art can be a playful and artistic way to inject personality and adventure into a modern space.
5. The Curated Gallery Wall
A map gallery wall offers a fresh and intellectual twist on a popular home decor trend. The beauty of this map idea is that it can grow and evolve, as you collect new maps over time. Mix antique world map prints with modern transit maps.
Unlock more clever ways style you staircase with these 8 Creative & Budget-Friendly Ideas
6. The Personal Destination Art
Some of the best map ideas are the most personal. Cut out destinations that hold special memories. Frame these pieces individually or together in a single frame. This transforms a common map into a one-of-a-kind piece of map art full of meaning. It’s an affordable and deeply sentimental project that creates a unique map wall decor.
7. Local Love: A Rustic State Map
Instead of a map of the world, go more local, from a zoomed out state map to a local topography chart.
Framing a map for your home state, county, or favorite holiday destiniation add charm and a personal connection to your artwork.
Frame in a simple wood or classic frame, this map idea creates a timelessn grounder focal point that speaks to your roots or favorite memories.
A map can also become a charming focal point in a cozy cottage living room.
8. Divided Maps Idea
With a large map of the world and several frames your have a stunning map idea that will create a grand and bold display.
For a DIY solution, take an overly large map and cut it into sections
9. A Map Mural
For maximum impact, commit fully with a map wallpaper or mural. This could be a bold map of the world as a dramatic accent wall or go for a more subtle and artistic vibe like this 1700’s London street map.
This map idea completely transforms a wall into an immersive display. It looks like intricate, patterned wallpaper from afar but up close reveals amazing cartographic details.
10. Map Curtains
Take these map ideas off the wall and give window trims a go. Using fabric with a map design, create curtains for a whimsical and cool touch.
11. Monochromatic Old World Maps
If you love the idea of decorating your space with maps but worry about color clashes, an old-world map is a great option. They are generally in monochromatic colors, classic black and white, sepia and blue tones.
On a bold colored wall, they pop, in a neutral room the give subtle depth. It’s a foolproof way to include more map art.
One of the best places to use these map ideas is in you entryway, discover 8 Small Entryway Ideas For A Welcoming Space
Add These Map Ideas To Your Home
The world of map ideas is endless. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic vibe of an antique world map print or the personalized feel of a pushpin travel map. There’s map wall decor for everyone.
These map ideas prove that with a little creativity, you can use maps to create a home styling that reflects your curiosity, memories and aesthetic. So start exploring, your perfect piece of map art is out there waiting for you.