Incorporating old maps into your decor is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your home! These vintage treasures can tell stories of places you’ve been or dream of visiting. However, framing these maps can often be time-consuming and costly. But don’t worry—I’m here to share some of my favorite tips and tricks to make framing old maps both easy and budget-friendly. Let’s turn those vintage maps into stunning decor!
How To Frame Old Maps
Before we discuss framing old maps, let’s first look at the maps I found.
While thrifting, I found a vintage atlas that was gorgeous, old, and had a lovely patina. I knew it would make the perfect wall art, so I pulled out the Tennessee map and framed it.
Atlases are an excellent way to create map decor, but you can apply the process I will demonstrate with any type of map you have available!
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. Thrift stores are a great place to find frames)
- 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 use a little soap and water to clean any dirt from the frame, and glass cleaner to clean the glass.
Step 2: Paint Frame & Photo Mat (Optional)
Since my frame had seen better days, I decided to repaint both the frame and the photo mat. First, I removed the glass, photo mat, and the original photo. Next, I applied a fresh coat of white paint to the frame and set it aside to dry.
While the frame was drying, I painted the photo mat. I used a small paintbrush and regular acrylic paint to cover the entire photo mat. Once I finished painting, I set it aside to dry.
Step 3: Add Map To Frame
After your frame and photo mat are dry, reassemble the frame and insert your map. Once the map is in place, you are ready to hang it up!
There are countless ways to frame old maps! I enjoy this straightforward approach, but you can get really creative by choosing a different shape for the frame, a larger or smaller map, or even a different type of map entirely. And, if you’re not a fan of the photo mat look, you can skip that step altogether.
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 you’ve seen how to frame old maps, are you ready to frame your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to help!
- Can’t Find An Old Map? No Problem! – If you can’t find old maps at your local thrift store, you can also search eBay or Etsy, or purchase printable maps that you can print at home. You could also create your own vintage-style map by starting with a modern map and then aging it using tea or 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, consider using painter’s tape to achieve straight painted lines instead of trying to paint freehand.
- NOTE: The only thing to keep in mind is that if your photo mat has a paper texture rather than 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 two borders (as mentioned above) or if you prefer not to paint two borders, you can spray paint the photo mat one color instead.
- NOTE: You can also spray paint your photo frame!
7 More Map Crafts
Did you love learning how to frame old maps, and want 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!