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Decorating with Maps & Globes

Written on August 11, 2012 at 8:00 pm , by

This week more than ever maps are front and center in my world as we travel on a family vacation to new cities we’ve never visited before.  Both maps and globes make fantastic home décor because they remind us of our past travels, or places we seek to visit when given the opportunity. 

Modern maps can be found in coffee table books or atlases, and a variety of framed prints are readily available online.  Old World maps are intriguing for their historical references, and vintage or limited edition maps are cherished by collectors.   Maps and globes are universally appealing in decorating, and one of the simplest ways to bring graphic, colorful art into your home. 

Here, a large scale wall map acts like a mural in a space designed to keep kids both organized and inspired.  

 

background wall map bhg

 

Suspend a map behind glass to add visual appeal to an entry door that has the added benefit of privacy when closed.  

 

 map french door bhg

 

Frame a map of a favorite place and pair it with complementary collectibles for a pulled together vignette. 

 

framed blue map bhg

 

 

Hang vintage maps in unexpected ways like this version layered on top of a pull down screen.  Place maps in places where the family lingers and they’ll be sure to spark conversation.   

 

vintage map in breakfast nook

 

A mounted or matted map that casually leans up against a wall adds interest to a shelf in a bedroom or office space. 

 

leaning mounted map bhg

map on desk bhg

 

Use a map to transform furniture into a statement piece with decoupage medium. 

 

mapquest headboard bhg

 

A pretty-in-pink map of Paris adds feminine flair to a petite office space tucked into a corner. 

 

pink paris map bhg

 

Map posters suspended in children’s rooms inspire young minds to dream of traveling the world on big adventures, whether real or imaginary.

 

map on orange wall bhg

 

Trim a map to fit a roller shade for a custom window treatment in a space that’s sure to inspire imagination.        

 

map shade bhg

 

Cut a globe cut in half and fasten basic clock parts (found at most craft stores) for a unique piece of wall art that conveniently tells time!

 

globe clock bhg

 

Collections gathered together are more dynamic than collections scattered around a room.  Take a cue from these globes of various sizes cleverly displayed above furniture.      

 

globe collection above expedit bhg

globe collection bhg

 

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or simply dreaming of a faraway destination, using graphic maps or globes at home will infuse any of your spaces with worldly appeal. 

Do you have a sentimental map or globe collection on display in your home? 

 

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15 Responses to “Decorating with Maps & Globes”

  1. August 12, 2012 at 8:56 am, by Casey @wafflingdesign

    Love it! I framed the walking maps from all of my travels and I made a gallery wall of them. I find maps just draw people in and start conversations on travels and travel wishes.

    http://wafflingdesign.blogspot.ca/2012/04/travelling-to-hallway.html

  2. August 12, 2012 at 10:02 pm, by Jessica Cramer

    I love maps! I have used them for lots of things, wallpaper, framing, placemats, both new and vintage. I love the clock made from a globe, great ideas!

  3. August 13, 2012 at 6:00 am, by Meaningful Nest

    Absolutely beautiful representation of how to decorate with maps! They are timeless, and as you have shown, can be used in a variety of ways and are inspiring to all ages!!! Love it!

  4. August 13, 2012 at 6:39 am, by Elaine

    Great ideas! Now to rummage around to find all of mine!

  5. August 13, 2012 at 10:54 am, by Pat

    I love all of these great ideas and love maps too. I covered a small dresser with maps for my bathroom and covering a storage box/end table with tourist brochure maps.

  6. August 13, 2012 at 11:02 am, by Jean

    I am in the process of hanging a gallery wall with maps. Only question I have is where the best place to buy them.

  7. August 13, 2012 at 11:30 am, by Jenni

    My daughter’s friend has a globe collection on top of bookcases with twinkle lights strung around and through them… I’m collecting globes now to copy her fun and creative usage.

  8. August 13, 2012 at 11:17 pm, by Kate

    Hi Jean, there are a lot of places to find maps, for me I prefer the smaller quirky versions on Etsy and the National Geographic online store is a great resouce for medium to large maps.
    Kate

  9. August 13, 2012 at 11:19 pm, by Kate

    Thanks so much Meaningful Nest, I agree!

  10. August 14, 2012 at 5:40 pm, by Personal Creations

    These are some really good ideas to decorate with maps. We loved the mural, in particular. We’d take it a step further by getting a map that captured the travails of your favorite trip to memorialize all of the sites that you saw.

  11. August 29, 2012 at 3:32 pm, by Decorating With Maps and Globes | Interior Complex

    [...] credit: Etsy, Midwest Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and Elle Decor « A Bit of Clarity: The Clear Outdoor Bubble [...]

  12. September 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm, by Bedroom Design: Mapping It Out | Charles P. Rogers Bed Blog

    [...] Source: http://www.bhg.com/blogs/centsational-style/2012/08/11/decorating-with-maps-globes/ [...]

  13. October 29, 2012 at 3:32 pm, by Infinity Team

    Thanks for these awesome ideas and inspiration! In case you’re ever searching for a globe to purchase, feel free to visit our site!

  14. January 14, 2013 at 2:06 am, by A cartografía como motivo decorativo | disquecool

    [...] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Print PDF 0000 Etiquetas: decoración DIY mapas Autor(a): Cris Podes contactar [...]

  15. January 17, 2013 at 11:02 am, by Julie

    Do you have any idea where the Cape Cod map came from? I have tried finding it everywhere and I want to frame one for my house!