Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Design, etc
Repurposing maps as art and decor adds a sense of adventure and whimsy to any home.I've always been fascinated with maps and globes. Ever since childhood, I remember being drawn to the sense of adventure, travel and mystery conveyed by maps. My sister and I would take turns spinning the globe, shutting our eyes and planting a finger on a spot -- that was to be our next trip.
But one map stood out above all, and it resided at my great aunt and uncle's home in New Jersey. As travel agents, they had been all over the world, and they displayed their accomplishments in the form of a huge, stately map stuck with hundreds of pins; each one marked a visit to a particular place. China had about 12 pins, Spain had 10, even places as far off as Papua New Guinea were marked more than once!
Laura Eckstein
Maps are inexpensive (or free), have a range of colors and shapes, look fantastic on the wall and work well to update a bland piece of furniture or accessory. In addition, repurposing maps as artwork is a green choice. Since my main form of exploration these days is on my bike, I decided to use a New York City bike map -- free at any bike shop -- to cover a boring white tray (shown above).
But maps are even better when used as wall art. Here are some interesting ideas I found around the web.
Courtesy of Elledecor.com.
A whole wall of map art. Photo: Courtesy of Elle Decor.
Another great idea from the Elle Decor story -- use maps as wallpaper. Actress Julianne Moore chose this world-map mural by Hammacher Schlemmer to cover a wall in her son Caleb's bedroom. Paired with the lion and bicycle, we can only imagine the type of adventurer he's destined to become!
Courtesy of Nibs.
Martha B., author of the blog Nibs, gathered a plethora of really creative map-decor ideas. I've always yearned for a vintage pull-down map, like the ones we all had in class years ago. Why not use a few as a clever alternative to window shades? Daydreaming would be possible with the shades open, or closed.
Courtesy of Pure Green.
Another smart idea from Pure Green -- adding maps to the back of a glass paneled door. Not only does this add privacy to an office or guest room, but it makes the door infinitely more interesting!
We love maps. If you do too, don't miss:
- Map-Inspired Home Decor
- Mapping Out Good Decor: Rooms That Inspire
- Maps in the Dining Room
And of course if you're now anxious to travel, check out AOL Travel!