Map Decor for Every Room in Your House

The world has so much to offer: mountains that stretch beyond the clouds; beaches that span as far as the eye can see; green fields dotted with wildflowers; dry deserts overcome with sand; dark forests with ancient trees; and winding rivers cut through the landscape.

Other than embarking on a world-wide adventure, I love to admire maps.

First of all, geography was never my choice subject and I find that a map has a lot to teach me.

It’s shading depicts altitude, coloring shows land or ice or water, squiggly lines reveal country borders, and many dots mark cities.

I could  genuinely ponder a map for hours at a time.

Then the thought struck me…why don’t I decorate my home with maps?

After a bit of research, I’ve discovered a multitude of ways that you, too, and use maps to add distinct style to your home!

On The Wall

Traditionally maps are hung on walls. Their expansive shape is perfect to fit in a frame and fill a blank space. Add a modern twist, and you can do more than simply tack a map up on your wall.

Why hang a small map on the wall when you can cover the entire wall with a map?

If you can cover a wall, then you can also cover a ceiling. Imagine a charming office with an old world map on the ceiling. Curl up in a comfy chair and dream about the ends of the earth.

But no worries if you can’t find wallpaper large enough for your accent wall. Overlapping regular maps still offers a cozy yet eclectic feel.

If a wall or ceiling feels too daunting, perhaps a simple frame or an old window will suit your wanderlust needs.

 

Furniture

Want to display your love for the world in a nontraditional way? Get crafty with modge podge and apply maps to your household furniture!

A wooden chair covered with the print of the world map is perfect for an office or home school room.

Transform a plain end table into a piece of art! Is your end table a different shape? No worries, this can be modified to suit your table, too.

Here’s another take on a side table map. This would be perfect near your favorite lounge chair!

Line the back of bookcase with your favorite map, and paint the rest of the shelf to match!

 

Accessories

Maps are a means to so many ends: to chart where you’ve been, to track where you will one-day visit, and to hear the tales of your friend’s journeys. Having a map in your home will surely encourage conversations and memories for a lifetime!

Welcome your guests to your home with a homemade wreath, sure to inspire conversations about travels, adventures, and journeys abroad.

 

Have an old map? Instead of throwing it away, recycle it onto tiles for unique (and easy) drink coasters. This would make an excellent gift for a friend about to embark on a new journey through life.

Decorate for your next party with an extra dash of adventure using this map bunting.

Roll the dice and see where your travels may take you next. Or, display them in your living room. Every child who comes to visit will greatly adore your playful blocks!

Maps don’t seem to “fit” with kitchen decor. But adding a map on a tray definitely does.

Shine the light on your travels with a lampshade featuring a map of your favorite destination.

 

Maps can be worked into your design throughout your home: bedroom walls, office ceilings, kitchen trays, living room tables, and as accents everywhere else. Find some maps – new or old – and create simple statement pieces throughout your home. Hopefully the world will inspire you to new adventures and your friends to share their stories as well.

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