Incorporating vintage maps into home decor is a timeless way to blend history, art, and personal style. These maps bring character and a sense of adventure to any space, turning walls, furniture, or even smaller accents into conversation pieces. Whether framed as a centerpiece in the living room, used as wallpaper in a study, or decoupaged onto tabletops, vintage maps add depth, texture, and a nostalgic charm.
They work beautifully with both modern and traditional interiors, complementing neutral tones or adding contrast to colorful decor. Beyond aesthetics, maps can also reflect personal stories—highlighting travel destinations, hometowns, or dream journeys—making them uniquely meaningful.
From bold antique prints to subtle faded cartography, using vintage maps creatively can elevate your home with elegance, curiosity, and a touch of wanderlust. It’s a simple way to make every corner of your home tell a story.
1. Framed Wall Art
A sunlit living room with a cozy leather sofa instantly draws you in, but adding a framed vintage map elevates the space by blending style with a sense of adventure. Framed map art is a timeless way to introduce history, curiosity, and a conversational focal point into your home. Its presence can tie together a neutral palette or add character to a modern, minimalist space.
How to Recreate: Select a map that holds personal meaning—maybe your hometown, a favorite travel spot, or a historical map. Choose a frame that complements your decor, such as rustic wood for a cozy look or sleek metal for a modern aesthetic.
Picture This: A carefully framed vintage map in a matte black frame hanging above a neutral sofa, serving as the centerpiece of a living room that invites exploration and conversation.
Where to Shop: Etsy and local flea markets are great sources for unique vintage maps ready for framing.
2. Custom Wallpaper
Why limit your map decor to a small print when you can transform an entire wall? Vintage map wallpaper brings personality, depth, and a sense of discovery to any room, making it perfect for accent walls in bedrooms, studies, or entryways. Its bold patterns can turn a simple space into a visual journey.
How to Recreate: Opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper for a renter-friendly solution. Apply it to a single accent wall to create a focal point without overwhelming the room. Neutral furniture and soft textiles balance the boldness of the pattern.
Picture This: A bedroom where a vintage map accent wall serves as a backdrop to crisp white bedding and brass accents, blending a sense of wanderlust with warmth.
Where to Shop: Society6 and Wayfair offer a wide selection of map-themed wallpaper suitable for any home style.
3. Map-Covered Furniture
Turn ordinary furniture into statement pieces by incorporating vintage maps. Covering a dresser, side table, or cabinet with map designs adds both visual intrigue and a personal touch to your decor. This approach works especially well in eclectic or travel-themed interiors.
How to Recreate: Use decoupage techniques to adhere vintage maps to furniture surfaces, finishing with a protective sealant to ensure durability and easy cleaning.
Picture This: A round side table adorned with maps, sitting next to a globe and stacks of books, becoming a functional art piece in a living area.
Where to Shop: Thrift stores are perfect for finding pieces to upcycle, while Michaels or other craft stores carry all the supplies you need for decoupage projects.
4. DIY Map Lampshades
Add a soft glow and whimsical charm to any space with a lampshade wrapped in vintage maps. This project creates personalized lighting while subtly integrating travel-inspired decor into your home.
How to Recreate: Select a drum-style lampshade and carefully wrap it with a cut-to-size vintage map, securing the paper with adhesive spray or mod podge.
Picture This: A reading nook featuring a comfy armchair and a lamp adorned with a map lampshade, casting warm light over your favorite books and adding personality to the corner.
Where to Shop: Ikea and other home stores carry basic lampshades, while Etsy is a reliable source for unique vintage maps.
5. Map Coasters
Small accessories can make a big impression. Vintage map coasters add subtle wanderlust to your coffee table while serving a practical purpose—protecting surfaces from cups and glasses. They’re ideal for both home entertaining and everyday use.
How to Recreate: Cut maps to fit the dimensions of blank coasters, then seal with resin or a waterproof coating for durability.
Picture This: A set of map coasters arranged next to a latte or a teacup, blending seamlessly with your living room decor while evoking a sense of adventure.
Where to Shop: Craft stores and Amazon offer blank coasters and resin supplies to bring this project to life.
6. Gallery Wall with Maps
Create an eclectic display by combining vintage maps with art, photographs, and other wall decor. A gallery wall featuring maps adds visual interest, depth, and personality, making any hallway or nook feel curated and inviting.
How to Recreate: Mix map prints of varying sizes with family photos or complementary artwork. Arrange the pieces before hanging to ensure balance and cohesion.
Picture This: A hallway featuring a mix of framed maps and photographs, creating a layered, personal gallery that tells stories of travel and heritage.
Where to Shop: Minted and local antique shops provide unique artwork options for curating gallery walls.
7. Map-Inspired Throw Pillows
Add a global flair to your seating with throw pillows that feature vintage map designs. This simple addition brings warmth, comfort, and character to living spaces, while allowing you to switch out accents easily.
How to Recreate: Buy pre-made pillow covers with map prints, or create custom covers using fabric and a sewing machine for a one-of-a-kind look.
Picture This: A neutral-toned sofa layered with pillows featuring subtle vintage maps, complemented by a cozy knit throw and natural light streaming in from nearby windows.
Where to Shop: Home decor stores or online marketplaces like Etsy offer a wide range of map-themed pillows.
8. Map-Covered Planters
Wrap your plant pots in vintage maps to add adventure to your greenery. This technique works well with succulents, ferns, and trailing vines, creating an indoor garden that doubles as a conversation starter.
How to Recreate: Cut maps to size and attach them to planters using a clear waterproof sealant to protect the paper and the plants.
Picture This: A group of small planters lined on a sunny windowsill, covered with vintage maps, showcasing lush green plants while adding charm and character to your home.
9. Framed Map Headboard
Transform your bedroom into a travel-inspired retreat by using framed vintage maps as a headboard. This unexpected design choice provides both visual interest and a personal touch.
How to Recreate: Arrange several framed maps side by side to cover the width of your bed. Select frames that harmonize with your bedroom style for a cohesive look.
Picture This: A serene bedroom with white bedding and a gallery of maps forming a headboard, creating a cozy yet adventurous ambiance that encourages relaxation.
10. Map-Wrapped Books
Give your bookshelves a unique makeover by wrapping books in vintage maps. This subtle approach unifies your decor while providing texture, color, and a sense of exploration.
How to Recreate: Fold and secure vintage maps around books to use as decorative covers. Combine them with your regular books for a layered, curated effect.
Picture This: A bookshelf adorned with books wrapped in maps, arranged alongside a retro camera or globe, creating a stylish and nostalgic vignette.
Where to Shop: Use thrift store books or old paperbacks from your collection, paired with maps sourced from Etsy or craft stores.
