Going Old School in the Library: A Map Wall
Once upon a time, we had a plan to put floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in our library.
Then, time went on and I found a rickety ladder in the basement and called it a bookshelf.
And then we kept finding better things to spend money on, like straight teeth for the kids and a family vaca to California.
Until one day not long ago, I finally realized that maybe I’d like it better without the bookshelves anyway.
I mentioned to Dave that maybe we should go with some map canvases like these I’ve always liked at Ballard.
And then we hit the jackpot just before Christmas on our little trip to Asheville I told you about. We stopped into our favorite Tobacco Barn Antiques and found some authentic old school maps in all their vintage glory.
They’re not all dated, but we estimate they’re from the early 40’s. We actually bought 4 of them, not sure how many we could actually fit on the wall. And since only 3 did fit, the 4th is going to a friend of mine who will definitely give it a good home.
So, with a little twine and my husband’s mad hanging skills, we now have a map wall in the library, looking’ like it was meant to be.
I wish I could capture the vibrancy of the colors on camera, but trust me, it’s just what the big blank sea of green needed.
They’re eclectically charming, yet classic and interesting.
Oh–and you can actually learn something from them, too.
So the design plan may have changed, but sometimes change is good. What do you think?
Click here if you’d like to see the evolution of this room andthe differentprojects we’ve done.
I’ve got a couple more projects going on in the library right now that I’ll share with you soon. What are you working on?
Related Posts
15 Comments
Leave a Reply to Formerly known as Frau Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
January 10, 2014 @ 1:15 pm
Love those!!
January 10, 2014 @ 2:20 pm
Thank you, Trish!
January 10, 2014 @ 1:46 pm
I love your vintage maps, Julie, and your old ladder/bookshelf. What a great idea!
January 10, 2014 @ 2:20 pm
Yay–glad you like them 🙂
January 10, 2014 @ 1:59 pm
I think they look great especially on the greenish walls. Love the colors. As a teacher, it pains me that I didn't realize what a treasure those maps were when they were being removed from classrooms. Now everything is digital and on SmartBoards. There aren't many maps hanging around now.
January 10, 2014 @ 2:21 pm
I know! I love imagining these in a classroom years ago & wish I knew the stories behind them!
January 10, 2014 @ 5:04 pm
I love it! I have wanted to do something similar in my kids playroom. I actually got super excited and got an old school map off etsy- not reading the entire listing, and when it arrived I discovered its a laminated version. Oh well! I still like the look of it (though I had planned to glue it onto a roller shade and use it as a window covering.)
January 10, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
Thanks, Andrea! I'm sure you'll find a great use for your map! Don't forget–when you're forced to go with Plan B, things can still turn out great!
January 10, 2014 @ 11:11 pm
love it!
January 11, 2014 @ 1:38 am
Thank you!
January 11, 2014 @ 1:25 am
Ha ha…love the pic of your husband and daughter…funny.
Ahh maps. Love them…you have a good eye!
January 11, 2014 @ 2:22 am
I know! She couldn't figure out why it said "Turkey" on the map. lol thanks!
January 13, 2014 @ 4:01 am
haha i was there last week and found one map (africa) and another that was ripped. I was wishin' there were more but you took them all!! 😉
xo ellie
January 13, 2014 @ 12:39 pm
Ooops! Sorry 🙂 We found them in a booth along the far left wall. They were all rolled up and sort-of hidden. Is that where you were?
January 23, 2014 @ 2:54 pm
yes 🙁 i almost bought africa because it was really cool. i'm glad you got some that you love! i would love europe, china or australia since we have lived or have children from those areas! i love your blog – thanks for sharing your beautiful home and ideas!