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A World View: Decorating With Maps
Fill Your Empty Walls With Graphic Art and Geography
Looking for and easy and inexpensive way to adorn your walls? Consider maps. Whether it's a topographical map from USGS, a nautical chart, a collection of National Parks maps, a subway map, a map of the entire world or an historic map, they are fascinating to study. From small framed maps to rolling relics from primary school, and from oversized maps to wallpaper, the world is at your design fingertips. Perhaps you'll find an old one in the attic or frame the one from the MTA. Here's a look at maps that run the gamut and how designers are using them.
This oversized map from IKEA serves as a large and worldly headboard. The mother of the boy who sleeps in this room, Interior Designer Jeanette Van Wicklin, says "Whenever we're stumped by a geography question, we say, 'let's go look at the big map!'"
A map of the U.K. brings both geography and typography into the room.
A collage applied to the walls becomes a unique wallpaper here, and the globe on the dresser plays off it nicely.
Tip: Look for vintage atlases at flea markets, antique shows and online. They are a great source for beautiful maps and will yield enough of them to create a wall like this.
Tip: Look for vintage atlases at flea markets, antique shows and online. They are a great source for beautiful maps and will yield enough of them to create a wall like this.
A dark wall lets this black and white map stand out.
This large map fits in with the nautical theme of this bedroom.
Maps also make great decor for nurseries.
Tip: Make a big move in a small space. This map covers and entire wall and its size draws attention away from the fact that the room is only as wide as the bed is long.
In this minimal white-box kitchen, the graphic design of the map grabs attention.
New York City Map Poster
To get the previous look, try this reproduction of an old NYC subway map. It has the usual bright colors and great design we've come to expect of these iconic transit maps.
See more map-related products.
See more map-related products.
Tip: Go local to celebrate your part of the world. This beautifully rendered triptych lets guests learn more about the geography and ecology of the region they are visiting.
More:
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Art: The Unexpected
What to Look for at the Flea Market Now
More:
Easy Decorating: Great Plate Arrangements
Art: The Unexpected
What to Look for at the Flea Market Now