Mapped out

Just how good is your geography? I always thought I pretty much knew exactly who lived where. But watching the athletes' parade at the Olympic Games - all 204 teams -  made me realise I was wrong. There were several countries I had no clue where to find on a map - and worse, that I never even knew existed! For instance, did you know where Vanuatu was or Guinea Bissau? Have you ever been to Sao Tome and Principe? How about Timor Leste?

Having spent some time on Google Maps to brush up on my knowledge, I decided to look at the use of maps in interior design. Over the centuries, printed and framed maps have frequently featured in decor, particularly in studies and libraries.

Here's how some creative souls have used it in bedrooms:

Boys' bedrooms are the most obvious setting. The bold colours are lively and energising:

Source: swiftsorchids.com

Map wallpaper forms a subtle backdrop to the boldly striped bedlinen:

Source: meggielyn.net

A more sophisticated application of a sepia coloured Paris street map forms an interesting backdrop to this neutral bedroom setting.

Source: bedroomdecoratingideas.blogspot

It does not have to be printed - this one is shaped out of wire in a contemporary setting:

Source: designshuffle

Give furniture the map treatment:



Chest of drawers via Elle Decor. Chair: Design Team

Bring the map theme in in small doses with these cute wall decorations:

Source: imagefave and nordicrooms.net