The Map Room

I’ve always loved maps, which would explain why I can’t get enough of them used as part of the decoration of a home. There are loads of clever ways to make use of maps other than framed. I’m thinking blown up to gargantuan proportions and used on a feature wall as wallpaper. Or layered and pasted up to make a sort of DIY wallpaper on a smaller section of wall, an arrangement that inspires dreams of travel, exploration and adventure. I also like the idea of an eclectic assortment of frames housing an equally eclectic selection of maps, from vintage to city specific to road maps and even Metro/Underground maps. Making a strong case for using maps in the home is this compilation of inspiring and ideas-laden images, starting with the guest loo belonging to my personal favourite blogger (and I know yours too): the one and only Ms Vicki Sleet. She’s a clever clogs, that one.

Vix ‘wallpapered’ her guest loo using a collection of National Geographic maps she’d been collecting for yonks. Love the colour of the vintage mirror, a nod to the iconic National Geographic yellow.

I have used this image before, but I absolutely adore it. The purple table and pops of colour (the hanging shade and objects on the table) subtly pick up on the colours in the map, which gives the whole thing a stylish cohesion.

This delightful patchwork wallpaper is called Whole Wide World and is by Mr Perswall. So cute.

This hallway is fab with its neat collage of bright vintage maps. Easy to do yourself.

Classic roadmaps in a bathroom.

Love this DIY map wallpaper surrounding the wood panelled wall.

Slubby sofa, rustic salvaged table, classic desk lamp, pared-down beach house colours and an oversized map spells effortless shabby chic perfection.

Slightly more minimalist and stylised, this map mural wallpaper has a picture book quality to it. Plus the pastel colours are ace.

In this kids’ bedroom, a giant map wallpaper plastered over two walls is bright, fun, interactive and educational.

Kids’ playrooms and giant wall maps are always a good idea.

The eclectic nature of this display is whimsical and cool. Love it.

Around the world in 80 Days with this authentic looking Old Maps wallpaper by Room 7.

Maps give a home office or study space a cool-for-school vibe. A vintage chair, globe and trestle-style table complete the picture and the framed pics on top of the hodge-podge of maps is a nice finishing touch.

If you can’t find any ready-designed map wallpaper, you could always take a map to a good print shop and have it scanned and printed to your desired dimensions: aka XXXXL!

Clearly some Gentleman’s Club inspiration going on here. Leather and an old trunk love wall map wallpaper for company.

We can’t get enough of the gorgeous patchwork-esque Mr Perswall wallpaper, used in a girl’s room.