9 Chic ways to decorate with maps

1. CHOOSE ONE STYLE OF FRAME FOR MANY MAPS.

About the space: Maps from London’s Portobello Market hang above a bed by Ralph Lauren Home in the master bedroom of a Long Island, New York, home.

2. HANG MAPS FLOOR-TO-CEILING

3. Choose Maps With The Same Theme—in this case, 19th-century military maps of France.

About the space: In the living room of designers John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross, 19th-century military maps of France were commissioned by Napoléon III, and the daybed is Charles X; Regency-style armchairs upholstered in leather flank a 1940s galvanized-tole table.

4. MAKE ONE MAP THE CENTERPIECE.

5. Choose a color from the map to showcase elsewhere in the room.

About the space: The wicker armchairs in the dining room of designer Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Manhattan apartment are late 19th century, the 1930s U.S. map belonged to his great-aunt, and the chandelier is from Italy; a B. Berger gingham covers the walls and table, and the jute floor covering is by Stark Carpet.

6. DISPLAY AN ENTIRE COLLECTION.

About the space: In the upstairs family room of Cristine and Craig Gillespie’s California home, Cristine’s collection of antique and vintage globes; the Francesco throw is by Missoni, and the map is vintage.

7. INCORPORATE MAP WALLPAPER.

About the space: The boys’ playroom of a Florida house is given a global perspective with a map of the world used as wallpaper.

8. HANG A MAP WITHOUT A FRAME.

About the space: In the living room of interior designer Steven Shailer’s Manhattan apartment, a 1734 parchment map of Paris hangs above a blackened-steel console by Katz; the leather club chairs date from the 1930s and ’40s, and the paper lamp is by Noguchi.

9. USE CLASSIC ROAD MAPS TO MAKE A STATEMENT.

About the space: A Duravit sink with Dornbracht fittings in a guest cottage bath, which is papered with old AAA maps; the wainscoting is painted in Farrow & Ball's Cornforth White.

Source: Elle Deco