Yesterday Misty rounded up globe decor, and today we bring you maps. Decorating with maps and globes seems like just the thing to do when summer hits. Not only are maps easy to afford, they are visually stimulating and stirring to the soul. We love maps because we can see where we’ve been and dream about where we’re going.
“Map” is a general term for many types of infographics. There are traditional maps that show countries and cities, there are maps of the sea, subway maps and even maps of buildings (also known as blueprints).
We think the most important thing to remember when shopping for map décor is to remember that maps aren’t just relegated to the wall. You can find map motifs on bedding, accessories, throw pillows, furniture and more.
1) Get crafty We love this felt pillow depicting a modern map. Not all maps have to be store bought (or even accurate) to make a great visual impact.
2) Use an untraditional frame We're pretty big fans of anything framed in an embroidery hoop, and these maps great a fun wall decor item when combined with hoops.
3) Go oversized and nautical You don't have to be the captain of a ship to incorporate a giant framed nautical map into your space.
4) Choose furniture with maps This cute coffee table was a craft project featured on Craft; totally a doable do-it-yourself project.
5) Textiles make a great place to feature maps We love maps that add texture and softness like Soft-Maps by Emily Fischer.
6) Go for maps with vibrant, graphic visuals A great example is this Modern Art Metro Maps
7) Use plush maps Pillows with maps on them are both functional and informative.
8) Use maps with more maps Using the same fabric print over and over again in a room can have dynamic effects, and so can using more than one map-themed piece of decor.
9) Illuminate your maps We love the idea of using maps as a light fixture, like this great pendant lamp with map shade.
10) Remember maps can be of many things We love this post about using blueprints in decor (they count as maps!) and their bold blue backgrounds really catch the eye.
More map ideas:
Roundup: Map Decor
Always in Style: Decorate Your Walls with Maps
DIY Map Coasters
Where do you like to show off your maps in your space?











Stanley Console by ...
I really like the vintage maps in embroidery hoops & recently collected several of those just waiting to be used for an appropriate project.
Personally, I love re-purposing outdated cartography into personalized paper cut art to be used as shelf or wall decor
http://papercuthearts.wordpress.com/custom-gallery
Nautical 'maps' are called CHARTS.
I'd love to find out how to transfer maps onto fabric. It isn't mentioned on her page.
Untraditional is a nonconventional spelling of the word.
MaryWynn !!
Target sells a great world map shower curtain. It's been done, and it's far from unconventional, but even if you see it everywhere, it brightens up a small, windowless bathroom and captures the imagination (well under $20) ... And it's good to learn about major geographic features like The Great Australian Bight while taking care of business ...
I've made a few cross stitch maps, here they are:
Boston T map, Chicago El map, weather map
We got my ma 2 of these for her last birthday, and they hang in the office. She's wanted them ever since she read that the Kennedy's used to talk about world events at dinner and point out the places on the map that the events were taking place. We had to do it with a small atlas for years, until ma finally got a bigger house where she actually had room to hang one!
My honey has several nautical charts for the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands and I fell in love with their colors and undulating patterns so much that we hung one on the wall in our bedroom. We decided to go no-frame though because he might actually need to use it sometimes ;)
and I forgot to mention how awesome that light fixture is! I have several museum maps that would look great like that!
I have a nautical chart of SF Bay which I found at a garage sale for $3 and mounted on poster board. It's in hiding now, but maybe it's time to rehang.
The coolest maps I ever saw were WWI troop maps that my grandfather carried when he was in WWI in northeastern France - one of which I framed for my brother's Christmas present a few years ago. The maps had red and blue lines showing where the Germans, American, and French troops were expected to be on certain dates and looked something like this: <aref> http://www.emersonkent.com/map_archive/final_offensive.htm
I'd like to know how to make a frame for one of those big maps. I got a huuuuge map for our wall, but I can't figure out how to get it hung up without drama, tears, and swearing. It's a 110x76'' map and it's like one of those big rolled up posters... I'd like to get it hung up soon but I'm scared!! Any ideas?
I love maps and blueprints. That is why I was inspired to paint a watercolor City Map of New Orleans in an Indigo blueprint style.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50936690/new-orleans-city-map-print-4x6-ready-to
I love the idea the others have of applying the maps to an object like a table.
Thanks!