Antique maps and globes are not just decorative accents—they are windows into history, art, and adventure. Their timeless appeal brings a sense of exploration, nostalgia, and sophistication to any space. Whether it’s a vintage world map from the 1800s or a classic globe from the mid-20th century, these pieces can be the focal point of a room or simply a charming addition to your décor.
Here are some creative ways to incorporate antique maps and globes into your home’s design, enhancing both the aesthetic and the sense of storytelling.
1. Create a Focal Point with Large Antique Maps
A large vintage map can be the perfect statement piece for a living room, office, or entryway. These maps often have an aged, rustic quality, with intricate cartography that adds texture and depth to the room.
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Framed Maps: If you have a vintage map with rich colors or interesting details, frame it for a polished look. Consider using a wooden frame for a more classic touch or a metal frame for a slightly industrial feel. Choose a frame that complements your room’s existing style—antique gold for a luxurious touch or dark wood for a more traditional look.
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Wall Mural or Wallpaper: For an adventurous twist, you can use an antique map as wallpaper or a wall mural. This works especially well in spaces like libraries, home offices, or even children’s bedrooms. An oversized map mural will create a dramatic impact and immerse the space in a sense of wanderlust.
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Map as Background Art: For a more subtle effect, consider hanging the map behind furniture or within a gallery wall of framed pictures. This way, it complements other decor without being the sole focus.
Pro Tip: Look for historical maps—those that show how countries were divided in past centuries or even pre-modern maps with antique colors and styles. They add an element of storytelling and depth.
2. Use Globes as Centerpieces or Accents
Antique globes bring a sense of exploration and global sophistication. Whether they are small desk globes or large, floor-standing models, globes are both functional and aesthetic objects that elevate any space.
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Globes on a Stand: A vintage globe on a stand can act as a beautiful centerpiece on a console table, coffee table, or bookshelf. The globe’s rotating feature adds movement and interest to your decor.
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Mini Globes: Small, antique globes work well on a desk, side table, or mantle. Their compact size makes them versatile and easy to place alongside other items like books, clocks, or plants.
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Floating Globes: For a more modern twist, look for levitating or magnetic globes that float in mid-air. They give a futuristic feel but still retain the vintage charm of globes from the past.
Pro Tip: Consider a globe with unusual colors or vintage finishes, such as aged brass, wooden bases, or ceramic globes that have a distinctive, antique character.
3. Combine Maps and Globes in a Travel-Inspired Nook
Create a travel-inspired corner in your home using both antique maps and globes to set the theme. This works well in a reading nook, study, or even as part of an entryway.
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Themed Decor: Combine a vintage world map with a globe, travel books, and a cozy armchair. Add a few vintage suitcases or travel accessories, such as old compasses, binoculars, or vintage luggage tags, to complete the look.
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Matching Elements: Use a set of small globes or maps of different regions to evoke the idea of global exploration. For example, hang a map of Europe next to a globe showing North America, or display one globe with a map of Africa and another featuring Asia.
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Travel Journals and Artifacts: To further the theme, include some antique travel journals, postcards, or vintage photographs on nearby shelves or hanging frames. These items will give the space a rich, historical feel.
Pro Tip: Select maps and globes that feature different colors and textures, but make sure they share the same era or style for cohesiveness.
4. Hang Maps in Unexpected Places
Maps don’t just belong on walls—they can be hung in unconventional places or used creatively to frame or cover other items.
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Cover a Door: An old map can be used to cover a door for an unexpected touch of vintage charm. This works particularly well with an oversized, historical map.
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Use Maps as Table Linens: Consider using a map as a tablecloth or table runner for a dining room, especially if you’re hosting a travel-themed dinner party. It’ll add a vintage, world-traveling vibe to your setting.
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Framed Maps for the Kitchen or Dining Room: Hang vintage maps near your dining area to create a themed environment. A map of the world or a specific region will give your space an adventurous atmosphere, encouraging conversation about past travels and future adventures.
5. Create a Gallery Wall with Vintage Maps and Globes
Gallery walls are a fantastic way to mix vintage maps and globes with other art and décor, giving your home a personalized, eclectic look.
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Mix Maps with Photographs: Combine vintage maps with black-and-white travel photographs or antique portraits. For example, a framed map of Paris paired with sepia-toned images of the Eiffel Tower or historic landmarks adds an artistic touch to the room.
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Add Other Vintage Items: In addition to maps and globes, mix in other vintage items, such as old travel posters, postcards, or antique compasses. The combination will give your gallery wall a curated, world-travel feel.
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Harmonize the Frames: To avoid a chaotic look, use similar frames or at least consistent frame colors. If your maps are very detailed or colorful, you might want to go for a more neutral frame color, like black, gold, or wood.
Pro Tip: If your maps are quite large, create a symmetrical layout with matching globes or framed photographs on either side to balance the visual weight.
6. Map-Inspired DIY Projects
If you’re crafty, consider incorporating maps into DIY projects for an affordable and personal touch.
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Map Lampshades: Turn an old map into a unique lampshade. Simply cut and glue the map to the outside of a plain lampshade for a one-of-a-kind piece of decor.
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Map-Coated Furniture: You can decoupage or laminate old maps onto furniture pieces, such as tabletops, trays, or even a dresser, creating a functional and decorative travel-inspired piece.
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Map Coasters and Trays: Cut out sections of vintage maps and decoupage them onto coasters or serving trays for a practical yet stylish accessory.
7. Add Maps and Globes to Your Home Office
For a more personalized and creative office or study, incorporate maps and globes as both décor and inspiration. Whether you’re an avid traveler or just want to evoke a sense of adventure, these items work well as both focal points and conversation starters.
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Desk Globe: Place a small, vintage globe on your desk or work surface. It’s both decorative and functional when you need to check locations, and it adds a classic, scholarly vibe.
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Map of Personal Significance: Hang a map of a place that holds personal meaning—perhaps the location where you grew up, a favorite travel destination, or a place you dream of visiting.
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Vintage Travel Posters: Pair your maps with vintage travel posters for a cohesive design. This combination can create a stimulating and inspiring workspace.
Conclusion
Antique maps and globes have an incredible ability to enhance any room with their historical richness and visual appeal. By incorporating these timeless pieces into your home, you’re not just adding décor—you’re adding a story, an adventure, and a sense of connection to the past. Whether you’re framing maps, styling globes, or incorporating them into DIY projects, these vintage items bring a global and exploratory feel that’s perfect for any space.