5 Ways To Hang a Map
So, you've got a map. Now how do you get it onto the wall?
Framing might be the obvious answer, but it's certainly not the only one. Depending on the size, weight and finish of your map — and how permanent you want it to be — there are several ways to go about it.
Here are five of our favourites.
1. Frame it
Let's start with the classic.
A frame turns a map into a proper piece of wall art. Every framed map is framed by hand, to order, in our Somerset studio.
We put a lot into the surface of our maps. They're lithographically printed using specialist inks, including metallics and fluorescents, with screen-printed gloss varnishes adding another layer of contrast. Each map is then sealed to protect the printed surface and allow for gentle cleaning.
So we generally frame without glass.
It's not such an unusual idea — you wouldn't normally put an oil painting behind glass either. It means no reflections or glare, and nothing between you and the inks, varnishes and tiny printed details that make up the surface of the map.
If your map is destined for a kitchen, busy family space or somewhere sticky fingers are likely, we can also add a fully wipeable protective coating. It also turns the map into a write-on, wipe-off surface.
2. Hang it from wooden rails
A little less frame. A little more chart.
We make our wooden map hanging rails from scratch in the studio. They're a more affordable alternative to framing and give the map a distinctive hanging-chart feel — simple, graphic and a little more relaxed.
Available in oak or white, each rail comes in two parts with magnets concealed inside. The map is clasped between the wooden strips, so there are no holes, clips or adhesives touching the print — and changing your map takes seconds.
Better still, the same rails work with all three of our finishes: paper, plastic-coated and magnetic.
The back of the top rail screws directly to the wall, while the bottom rail hangs freely, adding just enough weight to keep the map straight.
Simple, rather nifty, and considerably less commitment than a frame.
Take a look at our wooden hanging rails →
Buy now from £36
3. Go magnetic
No frame. No rails. Almost no visible fixing.
Our magnetic maps come with their own magnetic hanging strips. Peel off the backing, fix the strips to the wall and the map simply clings to them, sitting flat and close to the surface.
There's a clever bit hidden behind the map too. The map itself isn't actually magnetic. We mount the print onto a flexible recycled rubber backing containing metal filaments — it's the hanging strips that contain the magnets.
That means that rather than mounting the map onto a rigid sheet of steel, it remains flexible enough to roll up and travel in a tube.
Once it's on the wall, the magnetic strips are hidden behind it and hold everything neatly in place.
And, of course, there's another reason for making a map magnetic: you can use it. Add magnets to mark where you've been or where you're going, use our larger cylinder magnets to pin up photographs and postcards, or write directly onto the protective write-on, wipe-off surface.
Part map. Part noticeboard. Something you can actually interact with.
See how our magnetic maps work →
4. Raid the stationery drawer
Sometimes two bulldog clips and a couple of nails will do the job perfectly well.
Clip them onto the top edge of the map and hang them directly from two small nails or hooks. For a larger map, add another clip or two to spread the weight.
It's cheap, immediate and gives the map a deliberately informal look. And if you change your mind about where it lives, there isn't much to undo.
Just remember that the print is completely exposed — and we'd keep sticky tape and Blu Tack well away from the paper.
Not everything needs a bespoke hanging system.
5. Forget hanging it. Cover the wall.
Okay, so technically this isn't another way to hang a map.
But if you've got a whole wall to play with, why stop at a print?
Create a statement with a full-wall map mural.
We can scale our map designs to fit your wall, turning the map into part of the room rather than something simply hanging within it.
Our map wallpaper is made for real-world use. It's scuff-resistant and wipeable, making it particularly well suited to busy homes, offices and commercial spaces — or anywhere a map is likely to attract curious fingers.
Each mural is made to fit your wall and supplied in traditional wallpaper drops ready for installation.
Sometimes a map deserves the whole wall.
How high should you hang a map?
There's no perfect height, but eye level is a good place to start.
For a large map, think about the room rather than reaching for the tape measure immediately. Its relationship with a sofa, desk or other furniture is usually more important than following a rigid rule.
And before drilling anything, stand back and have a look. A second pair of eyes isn't a bad idea either.