How to Use Maps as Wallpaper

Learn how to use maps as wallpaper with this simple DIY tutorial. Discover creative ways to refresh your walls using vintage, modern, or custom maps for a unique and personalized home decor.

Every now and then, I see something in our home with fresh eyes.

You might remember our map wall. It's located right as you enter the home, directly across from the front door. An antique dresser sits against that wall and the combination of the two really sets the tone of our home. We love to travel and embrace pieces that have a history and tell a story. It's a wall treatment that catches the attention of our guests' and becomes a conversation piece.

Disclosure: This page includes affiliate links.

If you are visiting from Design Asylum, I'm so glad that you are here! Take a look around, read about how I'm creating a home and check out the Home Tour. I love the theme that Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof chose for this blog hop: Wall Treatments that aren't Shiplap. I mean, I love the shiplap trend, but I also feel like I've been on shiplap overload since Fixer Upper exploded on HGTV. This blog hop will inspire you to get creative with your walls and think beyond shiplap.

So, back to my entry. Something about the map wall felt "off." At first, I couldn't pinpoint it...

... then one day, it clicked. Do you ever have those "ah-ha" moments in your own home? When I originally cut the atlas pages out for our map wall, I left the white border on the map and it felt choppy.

So, it was time for a refresh. Don't be afraid to tweak and update projects. You might complete a space and realize its not what you envisioned. That's okay... because creating a home takes time.

Luckily, this tweak was a simple one. In less than a ½ hour, I had new map wallpaper for our entryway.

How is it so quick and simple? Let me share.

How to Use Maps as Wallpaper

Tools & Supplies

• Atlas : thrifted, similar on Amazon
• Paper Trimmer : Tonic 12" Guillotine Trimmer, similar on Amazon
• Utility or Craft Knife
• Ruler
• Adhesive Putty  

Instructions

I used a vintage world atlas for this project. I know that some book-lovers just gasped. Yes, it kind of hurt to cut into this gorgeous book. But, let's be honest, we get so much more enjoyment from seeing this wall every day, than if the book was collecting dust on a shelf.

Cut the pages out along the binding, use the ruler as a guide. It will help keep the cuts straight. If you end up with a crooked cut, tidy it up with a paper trimmer. Since I was going for a more seamless look in this map wall refresh, I also used the paper trimmer to remove the white borders.

 

Use adhesive putty to attach each map to the wall. If you are a renter -- or just indecisive when it comes to decor -- this is the perfect project. It's temporary, doesn't damage the walls, yet makes a big impact.

There isn't a formula to placement, but I did mix the orientation. Some maps are hung vertical and others are horizontal, overlapping each other along the edges. Again, this doesn't damage walls, so you can adjust the maps easily to achieve the look you desire.

Not a map fan? Do you love botanicals? Buy this book. Maybe you want to fill a nursery with animals? Buy this book. Fill a special wall in your home with a temporary, unique wall treatment that reflects your family.

Accent Wall Ideas

Interested in more accent wall ideas? Try colorful peel-and-stick wallpaper in a hallway or a natural grasscloth accent wall. Add a bold wallpaper - such as jungle wallpaper - above board and batten. Or, select a playful pink wallpaper for the focus wall in a girl's bedroom. Skip wallpaper altogether and paint an archway as an accent wall.

Next, you'll be heading over to The Happy Housie to see several accent walls in her home (including another lovely map wall!). Check out all the other Wall Treatments that aren't Shiplap, by following the links below:

Wall Treatments (that aren't Shiplap!) Blog Hop

Monday, September 19th

• Rain on a Tin Roof
• Cassie Bustamante
• Up to Date Interiors
• Two Thirty-Five Designs
• Suburban Bitches

Tuesday, September 20th

• Place of My Taste
• Erin Spain
• Bright Green Door
• Polished Habitat
• Casa Watkins Living

Wednesday, September 21st

House by Hoff

• Monica Wants It
• The Happy Housie
• Design Asylum
• Craftivity Designs (you are here!)

Thursday, September 22nd

• This is Our Bliss
• Sharon Joyce Interiors
• PMQ for Two
• Domicile 37
• Amber Oliver