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How to Make a Map Table an IKEA Hack

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A Simple but really effective IKEA Hack – Map Table

A few weeks ago I posted about how I had personalised some old wooden chairs by covering them in maps. I decided to expand on this IKEA map table hack.

After reading this post my friend Leonie was inspired to make her own map table project. She was in the process of revamping her teenage sons room, ready for his return from travelling around Australia and Asia. In his room was an old IKEA side table which she upcycled with a world map. Creating a gorgeous map table.

This was a really simple and quick way to transform a boring old side table into something with the wow factor. On his return, her son Jack loved his new map table and looking at all the countries he had visited on the map.

IKEA Map Table Hack


This post contains amazon affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to see my disclosure policy.
 

What you need to make a Map Table

  • Old Table – the table used here was and IKEA Hemnes table
    Hemma table ikea
  • Grey chalk paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Mod Podge or PVA Glue
  • Acrylic Varnish or Waterproof Glue
  • Glue brush
  • Map – Map used here was a cavallini world map wrapping paper. There are lots of different world maps to download for free here.
  • Craft Knife
    • paint

    How to make a Map Table

    1. The first thing you need to do is to clean and paint the aide table in the desired colour. If you use a chalk paint there is no need to sand and prep the table first.

    2. Next, carefully measure the top of the table. Then, roll out your Map and cut out the section that you need using these measurements. If you use a downloaded map you can print it to size.

    3. When the paint is fully dried. Cover the table top with a layer of PVA glue. Leave to dry slightly about 1-2 minutes so that it feels tacky to the touch.

    4. Next, carefully place the cut-out map on top of the glue covered table. Then, using a ruler or credit card gently squeeze out any air bubbles.

    Ikea Hack Map Table

    5. Then brush a layer of PVA glue (mod podge) over the top of the map, leave to dry overnight. This will act as a protective varnish.

    6. Finally, I suggest to protect the table even further that you cover it with another layer of waterproof glue or waterproof varnish. This will help protect the map from drink spills and coffee cup ring marks.

    Map table
    Map table & chair pillarboxblue.com

     
    It is really that simple!

    IKEA Map Table Hack – Using Image Transfer

    Create a free map in mapbox and transfert he image onto an IKEA kids table for a unique hack.

    Another way to transfer a map to a table is with Mod Podge image transfer. Using Mapbox, I created a map of my favourite city, Hong Kong.

    However, with this map table rather than decoupage, I transferred the image to a tabletop using Mod Podge. You can see how I did it here.

    I’m really chuffed that Leonie was inspired to make her map table after reading my post and I am grateful to her for sharing her project with me. If you have any map projects I would love to hear from you. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to Map projects.

    Collection of large free maps to download. World maps, country maps and popular cities.

    Free vintage maps

    Further Free Vintage Maps to Download

     
    If you liked this post you will also like some of my other map posts:
    Simple Ikea Moppe Map Hack
    Easy Map Place Mats
    Upcycled Map Magnetic Board and Pins
    Brilliant Vintage Map Suitcase

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    2. Tim

      I think “gallery wrapped” edges (like that which is done to painting canvases), rather than the flat table-top only covering would improve the final product even more.

      Reply

    3. Paul

      Claire- Thank you for this tutorial. We have a 243x 110cm dining table that I’d like to do this with. Would you suggest using Mapbox for a table this big? Also, the edges of the table are heavily rounded (think conference table). How would you suggest working with rounded edges? I really want to do this, but I’m a bit intimidated by the project. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

      Reply

      • Claire Armstrong

        For a table that big I would suggest using map wallpaper. If you google you should find a company that will deliver map wallpaper to you. Some have pre printed designs with others they can print you a map of anywhere you want. I’ve done a post on how to wallpaper a table https://www.pillarboxblue.com/wallpaper-decoupage-table-top/. A rounded edge won’t be easy, Before pasting the paper I suggest you lay it on to the table and cut to size. Then paste and stick. Good luck with it, I’d love to see a photo when you are finished.

        Reply

    10. Rebecca West

      Cool! I did a modpodged map onto my son’s IKEA dresser years ago, it’s such a fun craft. I think the table top you did is a way cuter idea! Tahnks for linking up with us at Welcome Home Wednesdays, hope you’ll link up again this week!

      Reply

    12. Stacey

      The table and the chairs turned out great!! Maps are so cool and when you find a fun way like this to incorporate them into decor it’s a bonus.

      So thankful to you for being a faithful friend at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

      Now I’m off to find out what “chuffed” means. 🙂

      Reply

    14. Pili

      I love maps so much and your table turned out beautiful! No one would ever think it was a plain Ikea table before. The chairs are gorgeous too, the underground one is so cool!

      Thanks for sharing with us at Sweet Inspiration, hope you have a lovely weekend Claire!

      Reply

    22. Havok

      Oh man, that table is awesome! I think that’s one of the big pulls of IKEA furniture (at least in the online-blogging-world), is that it just screams to be customized in some way or another! 😀

      Reply

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