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DIY Map Wallpaper : A Refresh

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

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

**Amazon Affilitate Links included in this post.

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.

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.

[Tweet “16 Wall treatments that AREN’T shiplap…”]

So, back to my entry. Something about the map wall felt “off.” At first, I couldn’t pinpoint it…

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

… 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.

map-wall-6

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.

[Tweet “Don’t be afraid to update “finished” projects… creating a home takes time.”]

Luckily, this tweak was a simple one. In less than a 1/2 hour, I had new map wallpaper for our entryway.

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

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


DIY MAP WALLPAPER : SUPPLIES

Atlas : thrifted, similar on Amazon
Paper Trimmer : Tonic 12″ Guillotine Trimmer, similar on Amazon
Utility or Craft Knife
Ruler

Adhesive Putty  

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD


DIY MAP WALLPAPER : 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.

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

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.

 

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

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.

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

[Tweet “A renter-friendly wallpaper, that is also incredibly affordable. #DIY”]

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.

DIY Map Wallpaper, Wall Treatment, Renter-Friendly, Temporary, Map Wall by @CraftivityD

Next, you’ll be heading over to The Happy Housie to see several wall treatments 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
Tuesday, September 20th
Wednesday, September 21st
Thursday, September 22nd

Kevin E. Brown

Tuesday 11th of October 2016

I love the idea of " Don’t be afraid to tweak and update projects." Sometimes I get lazy to update things but just think about how cool they would turn out I have motivation. Thanks for sharing this useful project :)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 11th of October 2016

You're welcome!

Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins

Friday 30th of September 2016

What a fun idea! I love that you were able to incorporate something that really shows your personality into your home in such a creative way. Plus, it's temporary so that just increases the awesomeness. ;)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 3rd of October 2016

Yes! Big impact with no commitment, lol :)

Colette @ restyle it wright

Sunday 25th of September 2016

Such a great idea! Especially for renters and those who are afraid to commit!

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 26th of September 2016

Yep, great for renters!

Krista

Sunday 25th of September 2016

Of course I absolutely love this Lora!! You can never go wrong with maps, in my mind!! Such pretty character and adds so much fun interest to your entry:)

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 26th of September 2016

Thanks, Krista!

Kathy

Sunday 25th of September 2016

Such a pretty wall treatment that goes with so many different styles. Beautiful job.

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Monday 26th of September 2016

Yes, very flexible!