Decorator magazines, internet blogs, HGTV — they are all great ways to stay abreast of what’s trending in the world of interior design. But as for me, when I want to find out what’s “hot” I head for the nearest outdoor market and watch what people are hauling to their cars. On a recent excursion to a market in northern Indiana I visited with some of the shoppers about what they had found, and what they wish they had found. The top results? Maps!
Whether it’s a stack of 1970s gas station maps for $6 or a rare 1855 pull down for $2,950, maps are in demand. A large part of their appeal is the instant ambience they bring to almost any room. Pull down maps from the 1960s and 70s with their bright colors make them perfect for a child’s room. The muted brown and grey tones of old world maps are a great way to accent your industrial or primitive decor. Or add a touch of sophistication to Dad’s home office with military or geological survey maps.
Maps cover a large area, making them an effective form of camouflage. How about a pull-down map to cover the flat screen when not in use? In most every home there is a wall with an eyesore. Got a fuse box or unused electrical outlet stuck in the middle of a wall? Try a pull-down map.
Wallpaper is making a comeback and for many, maps are the wall covering of choice. What a bold statement for one wall in a small bathroom, or on the ceiling in an entry. Small space equals a BIG statement when you add a map. On the other side of the coin, covering one wall in a large room adds warmth and eliminates that cavernous feel.
The vast selection of maps available allow you to select those that fit your personality. A friend of mine in North Jersey recently did a wall in her husband’s study with NYC subway maps. If you love the outdoors, try maps of our National Parks, for the history buff there are WWI or Civil War maps and for those of you who travel, consider maps of the countries you have visited.
Personally, hanging wallpaper is a job I would hire someone to do. But if you find yourself in full DIY mode, let me make two suggestions. First, put the maps on the wall with stick pins before you paste. This allows you to arrange and rearrange until you have the desired effect. Moreover, it lets you live with the room for a few days to see if this type of wall covering works for you. Secondly, after your wall has set up for a couple of weeks, roll on a coat of clear acrylic sealant to protect the maps from wear.
Most maps from the 1940s forward are relatively inexpensive and your main purchase concerns will be condition and aesthetic appeal. But, if you are a serious collector looking for maps to have mounted or framed, beware of reproductions.
ALWAYS carry a magnifying loupe. While I would want a certificate of authentication on any major purchase there are a few basic red flags to watch for. One, if the map has a matrix of little dots forming the image, it is most likely a reproduction. Two, original maps will usually have a fold mark down the center. Most of the antique maps larger than a sheet of standard size paper were produced for atlases and would have straddled two pages, causing the fold. Three, the majority of pre-1850s maps were copper engravings. Watch for a small ridge. called a plate mark, around the edge.
The best bargains will be tattered and worn maps from the last half of the 20th century. Since condition often dictates price, these are an easy find for a few dollars and make great decoupage for drawer fronts and lamp shades. Until next time….Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WhatsInTheAttic