Inside: Why it’s cool to decorate with maps and a collection of the best map decor and craft ideas for the home.
Are you a travel enthusiast with a keen eye for interior design? Or perhaps you appreciate the unique appeal of maps and their ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust and adventure.
Whatever the case, one of the easiest and most effective ways to stamp your individuality and personality in your home is with some map decor and crafts.
From showcasing your love for geography to creating a nostalgic ambience, map decor offers endless possibilities for expressing your style and interests. This blog post will delve into map-inspired home decoration, exploring various ideas and techniques to infuse your space with cartographic charm.
The Allure of Map Decor in Home Design
Maps have a fascinating allure that goes beyond their functional purpose of navigation. They hold stories of distant lands, hidden treasures, and unexplored territories. By incorporating maps into your home decor, you bring a touch of adventure and curiosity into your living space. Map decor adds visual interest, sparks conversations, and invites exploration.
Mapping Your Decor: Choosing the Right Maps and Sourcing Them
When decorating with maps, the type of maps you choose can significantly impact your space’s overall aesthetic and theme. Here are some considerations for selecting suitable maps and where to source them:
Maps with Personal Significance: To infuse your decor with sentimental value, consider using maps with personal significance. These could be maps of places you’ve visited, your hometown, or dream destinations. You can source maps from local tourist centres and online map retailers or create custom maps using digital mapping tools.
I keep maps from all my trips and holidays for crafting. I have a draw full of tourist maps of cities I’ve visited, out-of-date road maps and even piste maps from previous ski holidays. Now that most people use satnavs, it is easy to pick up old road maps in thrift and junk stores very cheaply. Maps do go out of date as roads get updated.
Vintage and Antique Maps: For a touch of old-world charm, vintage maps are an excellent choice. Look for local antique stores, flea markets, or specialized online platforms that offer a wide selection of vintage maps. These maps add historical flair and serve as captivating conversation starters.
If you want a map of a particular continent, country or city, Pictureboxblue is a great digital resource for maps in the Public Domain. There are some particularly impressive vintage world maps on the site.
Artistic and Illustrated Maps: If you’re looking for maps that double as artwork, consider illustrated maps or artistically designed cartographic pieces. These maps often feature creative illustrations, vibrant colours, and intricate details. You can find them in art galleries, online art marketplaces, or from independent artists who specialize in map illustrations.
Topographic and Geological Maps: Consider incorporating topographic or geological maps into your decor for a unique and visually intriguing touch. These maps showcase a specific region’s natural features and contours, adding depth and texture to your space. Geological survey offices, speciality map stores, or online map retailers are good sources for these maps.
For example, these beautiful old geological maps of the Mississippi River are like works of art and are in the Public Domain, so they are free to print.
City Maps and Transit Maps: City maps and transit maps can be excellent choices if you are strongly connected to a particular city or appreciate urban aesthetics. They capture the intricate details of a city’s streets, landmarks, and public transportation systems. Local bookstores, city tourism centres, or online map retailers often offer a variety of city maps.
Online Resources and Digital Maps: Digital maps can be a valuable decor resource besides physical maps. Online mapping platforms and apps allow you to create custom maps, generate printable versions, or even use them as digital displays. Websites like Mapbox and Google Maps offer various map customization options.
Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Map for Decor and Crafts
Remember to consider your space’s size, style, and colour palette when choosing maps. Whether you opt for vintage maps, custom designs, or artistically illustrated cartography, your selected maps will contribute to your home decor’s overall ambience and narrative.
So set sail on your map-sourcing adventure, and let the maps you select guide you towards a beautifully decorated space that reflects your personality and passions.
43 Creative Map Decor and Craft Ideas to Transform Your Space
When it comes to incorporating maps into your home decor, it's not just about hanging them on the walls as artwork.
Maps offer a versatile medium for crafting and can be transformed into unique and personalized decor pieces. The possibilities are endless, from decoupaging furniture to creating map-inspired pillows, lamps, and paper decorations. This section explores various map decor and craft ideas beyond traditional wall displays, allowing you to infuse your space with cartographic charm in imaginative and unexpected ways.
How to Make a Map Table an IKEA Hack
Transfer a boring IKEA side table with a world map to make a unique piece of furniture—a great IKEA hack for those with wanderlust.
DIY Map Art With Repurposed Road Maps
Repurpose your old road map into some cool personalized map art.
Map Personalized Placemats
Use city maps from your travels to make unique, upcycled, personalized placemats for your table. They are also great conversation starters around the diner table as you reminisce about previous vacations.
Turn a Dated Globe Into a Pair of Pendant Lights
A great fun way to repurpose an old globe for another world map-themed decor idea.
How To Hang A Map Mural
Why limit yourself to hanging maps in frames when you can learn how to cover a whole wall with a giant world map mural?
The Best Ikea Lamp Hack - Rismon Map Lampshade
An IKEA lamp hacks, with a Rismon lampshade. However, you can use any pendant lamp kit. I love looking up at the map from this lamp above my bed. I'm sure that's why I dream of far-flung places.
How To Make A Unique World Map Desk
This tutorial is for the whole hairpin desk, not just the gorgeous world map top. It also includes a free printable world map.
Map and Swallows Shadowbox
Upcycle an old picture frame into a shadow box and add more interest to the framed vacation map by adding flying birds.
Make A Personalized DIY Map Cork Board
This map cork board would look fabulous above the map desk. The best thing is you get to choose which maps to use.
Make Personalised Map Chairs
How about a map chair while working at your map desk? It's a fun way to upcycle an old wooden school chair with a map of your choice, from city maps, road maps to even a London Underground map.
Upcycled Map Magnetic Board & Pins
This is a fun magnetic pinboard for your office or a teen bedroom. There is also a tutorial for some quirky travel label magnetic pins to go with it.
DIY Canvas Painting Customizable with any Map Idea!
Learn how to project a map onto canvas and paint any customizable map for your wall decor.
Map Art How to Make a Unique Pet Portrait
Create unique wall art with a personalized portrait of your pet in maps. This a great step-by-step tutorial; it's easier than you think.
DIY Map Wall
If you have a lot of old maps you've saved over the years, then why not display them in one giant wall collage?
Design And Print Vintage Map Pillows
This tutorial shows you how to get any map of your choice printed onto a pillow. These would make a fabulous personalized gift.
Brilliant Vintage Map Suitcase Tutorial
It's a fun way to revamp an old vintage suitcase. As the case looks fabulous, I use this map suitcase for storage in my craft room as I don't mind having it on display.
DIY push pin travel map
Track your travels with this giant wall map DIY.
Reupholster A Footstool With A Tea Towel
It only took 15 minutes to reupholster this footstool with a map tea towel—a great way to craft with a souvenir tea towel from a favourite vacation.
Curbside Bookshelf Makeover
A great curbside upcycle, using a map to give an old bookcase a new lease of life.
Hang Maps On A Rail with DIY Frames
Learn how to make simple picture frames from old pallets and hang them on a rail.
Vintage Map Lampshade
Another map lighting idea, this time a tutorial on making a fabulous lampshade from an old road map.
DIY Map Project: Window to the World
This is such a fun way to display a vintage map in an old window frame.
Map Leaf Wreath For Fall
This gorgeous wreath is made with old road maps and brown paper. It would look fabulous on any front door for autumn.
How To Use Mapbox for An Amazing IKEA kids table hack
Another IKEA map table hack, this time, the map is printed onto the top rather than decoupage.
Make IKEA Moppe Map Drawers
This was an upcycle of some unfinished min wooden drawer chest from IKEA called Moppe. However, this tutorial can be used for any mini drawer set of any size, not just the IKEA Moppe.
Luggage Tag Burlap Map Pillows (Hessian Pillows)
These handmade unique pillows are made to look like luggage tags to add to the travel theme. The labels can be personalized by adding the gift recipient's name and favourite place.
World Map Denim Floor Cushion
This giant floor pillow map is made from upcycled denim fabric scraps. The red felt hearts mark unique places.
Pallet Printed Map Picture Frame
Maps are printed on pallet wood to create a unique photo frame for those vacation snaps.
How To Make Unique Repurposed Wood Map Ornaments
Upcycle scraps of wood with maps of your favourite places for a unique ornament for the mantle. Some people think they look like Christmas trees, to me, they look like map mountains.
Clock Hack With A World Map
Tattoo paper is used to create a vintage-looking world map upcycled clock.
How to Make a World Map Art Collage on Canvas
Do you want to make a large piece of wall decor but only have small maps? Then how about making a collage on canvas? This map decor will be a talking piece in your home.
Chest of Drawers with 1965 Map as Accents
I love the colour of this map's upcycled chest; they match the colour of the maps.
Tweaking the Entry Hall with DIY Faux Map Wallpaper
This would look great if you used maps of your favourite places.
Washi and decoupage makeover for Bekväm stool
Give an IKEA Bekvam stool a makeover with maps.
DIY Tea Towel Dining Chair Upcycle
Re-upholster a dining chair with a map tea towel to create a unique piece of furniture for your home.
Make Repurposed Map Empty Cookie Tins
Upcycle your empty cookie tins leftover from Christmas with old maps. Craft leather handles for a more sophisticated travel-themed look. These make stylish storage for your home office or craft room.
How To Make Map Paper Angel Wings Wall Decor
Another great piece of map wall decor with these giant map feather angel wings.
Upcycled Map Shelf Decor
Add unique touches to your decor by decoupaging old road maps, like with these cool upcycled plant shelves.
Easy DIY Magazine Holders From Old Cereal Boxes That Look Stylish
These are so easy to make; the old road maps make them look smart.
DIY Butterfly Wall Decoration
Old road maps make a great background when creating all art, like with this faux butterfly specimen art.
Vintage Map Decoupage Letter with Scrapbook Paper
Decouge letters with old maps and display them on your mantle. Use your initials or letters to spell out a favourite destination.
How To Make Map Paper Moths Art - Fun Faux Taxidermy
This is a creative way to decorate with maps, make them into moths and then display them like specimen wall art.
Pottery Barn Inspired New York Tiled Map diy
This post shows you how to download a super large digital map in the Public Domain and then display it Pottery Barn style.
Conclusion and More Decor Ideas
So many good map decor crafts to choose from it’s hard to pick a favourite. I know I have some in my home already, but I would love them all, especially that chest of draws.
Incorporating maps into your home decor is a creative and meaningful way to infuse your living space with a sense of adventure, wanderlust, and personal history. The possibilities are endless, whether you opt for a bold statement piece or subtle map accents. Embrace the world of map-inspired home decoration and let your space tell its captivating story.
For more fun ideas, check out these charming paper crafts for home decor, many of which can be made with maps. Or these ideas for upcycling with wallpaper.
Other themes to explore on the blog include rainbow decor ideas and mid-century modern style.
DIY gift bags are another fun thing to make out of old road maps.
Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers
Monday 12th of June 2023
Wow, so many unique ideas using maps! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty.
Claire Armstrong
Tuesday 13th of June 2023
Thank you so much, they do add a fun element to decor.
Niki | Life as a LEO Wife
Friday 9th of June 2023
These are such great ideas! Visiting from Katherine's Corner. If you get a chance, hope to have you stop by & share on Crafty Creators over at LifeasaLEOWife.com. Have a great weekend!
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 10th of June 2023
Thank you so much and thanks for the invite.