Map Wallpaper For Walls: The DIY Way!
So remember that map wall you’ve seen in photos of my home but I never officially posted about? The one many readers have searched for on the blog? Today I’m finally sharing the story and how I made it.
After receiving lots of questions about the maps, I decided to gather everything into one post. I delayed writing about it because the project had some hiccups and I wasn’t fully satisfied with the result for a while. I even considered removing it entirely.
DIY projects rarely go perfectly the first time, and this one was no exception. I had a few failures and learning moments, but those are part of the process. You tweak, you redo, and you learn what works best.
I actually started the map wall before installing wainscoting and long before my kitchen remodel. It was a spontaneous decision—sometimes acting on a whim is great for creativity, though other times planning ahead would have helped.
Despite the problems along the way, I’m happy with the final map wall. Here’s what happened.
My plan was to use heavy-weight map wrapping paper I already owned and apply wallpaper paste. I had an old tub of paste, so I dove in one evening. I’ve done wallpaper before and thought this would be manageable.
That assumption turned out to be optimistic. I ran into a number of issues as I worked, which led to multiple attempts and some frustration.
After taking down and reapplying sections several times, I gave up on paste for the remaining pieces. Instead, I switched to using simple metal push pins to tack the maps to the drywall. That turned out to be so much easier and is the method I recommend for a quick, low-fuss installation.
Sometimes the simplest approach is the best.
I didn’t follow a strict pattern when hanging the maps—just trial and error until the layout felt right. Because these are individual sheets rather than continuous rolls of wallpaper, the seams and edges are naturally imperfect. You need to accept some irregularity where pieces meet or where they end at corners and trim.
When the kitchen remodel happened, I almost removed the maps to start fresh, but I decided to leave them. The walls will eventually need trim and a few repairs, but that can wait. My home is always evolving, and that’s fine with me.
This map wall is quirky and imperfect, and that charm adds personality to the hallway.
I enjoy glancing at the maps and remembering trips and places I love. That personal connection is what makes the wall meaningful and, to me, a success.
Practical advice: use push pins with heavy wrapping paper for an easy, no-fuss DIY. As long as small children can’t remove the pins, this method works well and is renter-friendly.
I’ve also used wrapping paper and scrapbook paper inside bookcases, held in place with tape, which worked fine for that purpose.
If you prefer paste because you want a more seamless, wallpaper-like finish, research adhesive options carefully. There are removable pastes and less-aggressive adhesives that might perform better than the old paste I used. I don’t have personal experience with all alternatives, so I can’t recommend a specific product, but a little research will pay off.
I’m still a fan of real wallpaper for major impact and wouldn’t hesitate to use it, possibly with professional help for a flawless result.
Recap and tips for your own map wall:
1. I used heavy map wrapping paper rather than traditional wallpaper.
2. After wallpaper paste proved difficult, I opted to hang most pieces with metal push pins that project from the wall (not flat tacks).
3. Overlap and wrap pieces as needed, but expect some imperfections since these are discrete sheets rather than continuous wallpaper rolls.
Have you ever papered a wall with gift wrap or scrap paper?
Share your experience and tips!
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