January 21, 2015 /

Framed Map Madness

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There’s something truly enchanting about a house that tells a story, isn’t there? A space filled with elements that capture your attention, draw you in, and spark curiosity. For me, one of the most delightful ways to tell a home’s story is with framed maps. What could be better than filling your walls with reminders of your favorite places or destinations that hold a special meaning?

The Merits of Maps

Maps are a perfect choice for home decor for so many reasons:

  1. Affordability: You can find maps to fit nearly any budget.
  2. Versatility: Maps come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and colors.
  3. Customizability: They can be framed in countless creative configurations.

In essence, maps are like visual storytellers, adaptable to your home’s decor and deeply personal to your journey.

I’ve recently been helping a friend inject some personality into her home, starting with a big, blank wall in her kitchen. The idea? To find the perfect map that reflects her family’s favorite places. As we dove into the world of cartography, I rediscovered just how fascinating maps can be. Who would have thought that my elementary school lessons on maps and geography would become such a treasured interest decades later?

From nautical charts to topographical displays, the variety of maps is astounding. Each type offers unique ways to decorate and celebrate memories. Let’s explore the possibilities together, shall we?

Nautical Charts

Nautical charts are navigational tools that show water depths, obstacles, distances, and coastal landforms. They make for stunning decor, blending functionality with artistic beauty.

For example, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) charts are widely available and affordable, ranging from $15 to $30. They come in various sizes and can be mounted and framed creatively. One of my favorite DIY projects involved attaching a nautical map to a sheet of insulation and framing it with corner molding—an inexpensive yet elegant solution.

If you’re looking for a ready-made option, Pottery Barn once sold a gorgeous nautical map triptych. Though it’s no longer available, you could easily recreate the look with eye hooks, nautical rope, and your choice of framed charts.

For a handcrafted touch, Etsy shops like Quail Lane Press offer nautical maps with intricate hand-drawn details and beautiful color schemes.

Topographical Charts

Topographical maps depict the shape and elevation of land and water, using contour lines to show changes in terrain. Lines close together indicate steep elevation, while those farther apart represent flatter areas.

Blown-up topographical maps can make a dramatic statement, especially when divided into panels and framed. Websites like Old-Maps.com provide high-resolution map images that are perfect for enlarging. Pair them with affordable IKEA frames for a budget-friendly masterpiece.

For something truly unique, consider 3-D wood topographical maps from Wood Chart. These stunning pieces range from $138 to $300 and offer a tactile, artistic representation of landscapes.

Typographical Maps

Typographical maps are a creative twist on traditional cartography. Instead of depicting terrain or water, these maps use words to represent regions, cities, or landmarks.

One example features all the counties of Massachusetts, available from Franny and Frankie on Etsy for $20–$25. Another standout is the Cupcakes and Cashmere typographical map, celebrated on Apartment Therapy. These designs are chic, modern, and endlessly charming.

Panoramic and Pictorial Maps

Also known as tourist maps, panoramic or pictorial maps illustrate areas through detailed illustrations rather than traditional cartographic lines.

For a whimsical touch, consider Josie Portillo’s prints on Etsy, priced between $30 and $45. These maps are delightful for a child’s room or playroom. Another great find is Sepia Lepus, whose charming pictorial maps sell for $18 to $28.

Road Atlases and Street Maps

Road atlases and street maps are practical yet nostalgic, evoking memories of past travels and adventures.

Alissa from 33 Shades of Green offers a fantastic example of using framed street maps from her trip to Italy. The colorful maps are both decorative and sentimental—a perfect pairing.

If you’re drawn to the idea of turning vintage maps into wall art, consider canvas designs made from old road atlases. One artist used pages from a 1960s atlas to create a stunning cityscape. For a more modern twist, check out street maps with sleek, wordless designs, such as those by Cartesian Studio or Michael Tompsett on AllPosters.com.

City Fabric on Etsy also sells vibrant 18×24-inch street maps in various colorways, starting at just $11. These affordable prints make a bold, graphic statement.

For antique map lovers, Restoration Hardware offers breathtaking mounted maps, though they often come with a hefty price tag. If you’re up for a DIY project, Maison de Pax has an incredible tutorial for recreating the look of Restoration Hardware’s antique maps on a budget.

Endless Possibilities

Maps offer countless ways to personalize your walls, whether you prefer political maps, climate maps, economic charts, or something entirely unique.

Do you already have framed maps in your home? If not, maybe it’s time to embrace the charm of Framed Map Madness and let your walls tell a story of the places you’ve been—or the places you dream of going.

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