Whether you live in a fresh, pristine new build or a rustic, characterful cottage, vintage world maps can be a great way to create a striking contrast between modern and traditional décor.

This kind of juxtaposition is a hot trend right now, even if you don’t clock it immediately in your head. Just picture a modern, angular vase on a gorgeously worn dining table. A rustic, weathered terracotta pot on a brand-new windowsill, light pouring through the window. Or a vintage map of the world in a minimalist, Scandi-style frame. The beauty lies in the contrast.

So many of today’s home trends focus on the contradiction of old vs. new, from shabby chic interiors featuring rough, worn paintwork, to modern retro looks featuring vintage Ercol furniture within contemporary settings.

Whether your space benefits from charming, quirky features or state-of-the-art modern-day design a world map, vintage or otherwise, is a great addition to your home.

Vintage world maps are an excellent way to create a stylish yet ‘lived-in’ vibe and sense of nostalgia in your home. Try mounting yours on a wall, or standing it up on a piece of statement furniture and leaning it against the wall. Not only will they look amazing and bring a touch of nostalgia to your home, but they’ll also be a talking point among interested guests.

Here are some ideas on how to style a vintage map of the world in your home.

For a Victorian terrace, filled with original features

Vintage world map - double hemispher world map 1689

The best vintage map to choose for this style would be the Vintage Double Hemisphere World Map 1689. Choose a deep teal for your walls, such as the current favourite of many an Instagrammer, Farrow and Ball Hague Blue. Sit your map on your original fireplace mantle, in a ultra-modern frame, for the ultimate striking contrast of old and new.

For the Bohemian-inspired shabby chic home

Vintage world map - Bartholomew world map 1914

A Vintage Bartholomew Political World Map 1914 would be absolutely perfect here. With its pretty pastel hues, this beauty would look perfect in a home filled with soft, feminine colours, amongst a mix of new and well-loved décor, to achieve a lived-in feel.

For the mega modern abode

Vintage world map - mercators projection world map 1858

You can certainly add a depth to this home decor style by choosing a Vintage Mercator’s Projection World Map 1858. With its vintage tones, this beauty hints to the world that came before, in even the most modern of settings.

Check out our full collection of vintage world maps here and start contrasting old treasure with new, on-trend design in your home right away.