How to Make DIY Map Wallpaper

Transform your space with this easy DIY map wallpaper tutorial. Learn how to use maps as wallpaper to create a unique, personal touch in any room. Plus, it won’t damage walls and is perfect for renting!

Since we moved into this house I’ve been removing wallpaper; but last week I hung some wallpaper. Well, sort of.

I’ve long admired map walls and have been itching to do something dramatic and daring in this home. The farmhouse style dining room is beautiful; but the color palette is neutral and simple. I wanted that for our dining room since it is the place we’ll decorate for parties and holidays. It needs to be flexible. Our entryway, however, does not have to be so simple.

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The entryway can be bold. It can say…

“Hello!”… “Welcome to the Green household”… “This is our style and personality.”

I love making small spaces pop. It completely contradicts that old way of thinking which says “don’t do anything bold in a small space, it will only make it feel smaller.” Instead — a small space is the perfect place to try something bold, because its unexpected.

So how did this map wall come together? This “wallpaper” requires no messy wallpaper paste, tedious seams or expensive roles of paper AND I finished this project in about 30 minutes tops.

How to Make DIY Map Wallpaper

Supplies & Tools

• Old Atlas (or old maps)
• Straight Edge
• Utility Knife
• Sticky Tac

Instructions

First, cut out a bunch of the maps. I chose maps that had plenty of blues and greens; but, besides that, there was no method to picking them out. Cut the maps with a straight edge and utility knife, just like I did here.

Next, hang the maps. This can be done somewhat randomly, there is little method to hanging the maps. I just started in one corner and kept adding the maps both to the side and up the wall. I tried to mix up the direction and overlap them to keep it interesting and give it some depth.

Note: I know this “unorganized method” might stress some of you out; and that’s totally okay! You could be much more structured in both choosing your maps and lining them up. Like my husband said “I’ll have to get used to the fact that it’s not a grid.” You might guess that he would have gone about this project differently…

I read different blog posts about how to attach the maps and saw everything from pins to tacks to glue. Glue was too permanent, messy and tedious for me. Pins or tacks would result in a bunch of tiny holes in the drywall… and due to ALL THE WALLPAPER in this house, I already do tons of wall patching. So, I finally settled on this sticky tac.

It was definitely the right choice. So easy. I didn’t have to worry about hanging the map perfectly because I could pull it back off and adjust it. Plus, it’s temporary. If I change my mind about a map wall, it will take all of 5 minutes to pull it down. I really don’t expect to change my mind anytime soon; but having that freedom let me be bold in a choice for our walls.

Temporary, Damage-Free Wallpaper for Renters

If you are renting, this map wallpaper is a great option because it is temporary and damage-free. A bold statement without risk of losing that deposit? Yes, please! Even if maps aren’t your thing, there are tons of great peel-and-stick wallpapers like this blue grasscloth we used in our hallway.

So, renter or not, what would you try on your walls if it could be temporary and damage-free? Is there a small space in your home in which you’d like to make a bold decor choice? What would that bold choice be?