Adding maps to your decor is a great way to personalize your home! However, framing those maps can be time-consuming and expensive. So, to help you save time and money, today I am going to show you how to frame old maps and share some of my favorite tips and tricks for framing maps!
How To Frame Old Maps
Before we talk about framing old maps, let’s first talk about the maps I found!
While out thrifting, I found a vintage atlas! The atlas was gorgeous, old, and had a great patina. I knew it would make for the perfect wall art, so I pulled out Tennessee and framed it up.
Atlases, in general, are a great way to create map decor, but you can use the process I’m going to show you below with any type of map that you have on hand!
NOTE: If you prefer canvas over framed pieces, check out my Map Canvas: DIY Canvas Wall Map for another home decor option!
Supplies Needed To Frame Old Maps
- Maps
- Frame (I used frames that I already owned)
- Photo Mat
- Paint (optional)
- Paintbrush
Step 1: Clean Your Frame
Whether you use a thrifted frame or one you already own, you will want to clean it up. Use soap and water to clean off any dirt from the frame, and glass cleaner to clean the glass of the frame.
Step 2: Paint Frame & Photo Mat (Optional)
Since my frame had seen better days, I decided to paint my frame and photo mat. To do that, I first removed the glass, photo mat, and the original photo. Then I painted the frame with a fresh coat of white paint and set it aside to dry.
While the frame was drying, I painted the photo mat. To paint the photo mat, all I did was use a small paintbrush along with regular acrylic paint and painted over the photo mat itself. Then I set the whole thing aside to dry.
Step 3: Add Map To Frame
Once your frame and photo mat are dry, reassemble your frame and add your map. When the map has been added to the frame, you are now ready to hang it up!
The possibilities of how you can frame old maps are endless! I love this simple version, but you could get really creative and use a different shape frame, a larger/smaller map, or a different type of map. Plus, you can skip using a photo mat altogether if you are not a fan of that look.
What are your thoughts on old maps? Do you love them as much as I do, or are they not your style? Also, I would love to know, in the comments below, if you have framed any old maps and what they are maps of!
Tips and Tricks for How To Frame Old Maps
Now that seen how to frame old maps, are you ready to frame your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible!
- Can’t Find An Old Map? No Problem! – If you can’t find old maps at your local thrift store, you can also shop eBay/Etsy or buy a printable map that you can print at home. Besides these options, you could create your own vintage map by using an updated map, then dying it with tea or ”aging it” with distress ink.
- Use Painter’s Tape On Your Photo Mat – With my photo mat, you will notice that (in the final photo) there are ”2 borders” – the inner white border and the outer light blue border. If your photo mat is similar, you can use painter’s tape to get ”straight painted lines” instead of trying to stay in the lines yourself.
- NOTE: The only thing to keep in mind is that if your photo mat is more of a paper texture vs a mat board, you may not be able to use painter’s tape because it might rip the paper.
- Skip The Acrylic Paint – If your photo mat doesn’t have 2 borders (like what I mentioned above) or if you just don’t want to paint 2 borders, you can spray paint the photo mat one color instead!
- NOTE: You can also use spray paint on your photo frame as well!
7 More Map Crafts
Did you love learning how to frame old maps, and are now looking for more map crafts? Then check out the projects below!
Oh, I love maps. They would be perfect in Ammon’s room. I just looked at your email. I’ll put your button on and sent mine to you later today. Thanks Angie. Have a great week.
You know, today, it paid to be home sick! I would not have seen this post till tomorrow otherwise! I bought the maps! Sorry ya’ll, I’ve been looking for some for ages!!! Thanks so much for listing them on your etsy store!!! Looking forward to getting them!!
HI there – Oh no – I’m too late…! I have been looking for a cool vintage map to frame for my house…love this post!! Your map looks great.
Whoops, hit the button too soon! I have been wanting to decorate my family room with old maps, all different types of old maps. I have a silverware box that I got for a buck that I wanted to mod podge some maps onto, so I could set it on a shelf and use it to store games in, then it would be useful as well as decorative! If you find more maps, put them on etsy and let us know, I’m looking for more! 🙂
Whew — didn’t know y’all loved maps like me! 🙂 Another lot is up. I will list one more in a few! 🙂
Whew — didn’t know y’all loved maps like me! 🙂 Another lot is up. I will list one more in a few! 🙂
Melissa,
I already sealed up the envie for shipment tomorrow but I am almost positive your lot has California in it. If when you get it, it does not. Let me know. The next old atlas I find I will let you know first. 🙂
Angie
No problem Angie, I was just curious. I grew up in Ca, and of course, I am a bit sentimental about it. Thanks!
That’s a great idea! I find frames ALL the time while I’m thrifting. Also, we have maps that we don’t use. I think it’s be cool to try and age them a little with some strong tea. I might have to give that a try. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Love yours and am now following.
~ The Speckled Dog
Oh wow!!! What a gorgeous idea! My husband and I have lived all across the country during our lives…what a great way to celebrate life!
I’m going to keep my eyes open at thrift stores too!
I like maps too! How did you paint the mat? Good idea to do that. 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with me. 🙂
Cute idea! And aren’t you clever to share the others in your etsy shop! Have a great weekend.
I love framed maps. We’ve got one big display of them in our family room that are all from a very old Civil War book. It would be fun to do a second display of maps of areas that we love to visit. Thanks for the inspiration!
What a great idea. Framed maps are so cool looking.
So pretty!!! Love it so much. Thanks for sharing the link.
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
Lovely blog, hope to see you at My Dream Canvas!