Large world maps have a variety of different uses for people from all walks of life. They can be design elements in a traditional home. They can be helpful in both an education and imagination sense for children. Maps, whether antique or reproductions, can be collector’s items. Businesses could not function without the usefulness of a good map or two. Delivery drivers could not do their job without the assistance of maps. Maps can even be used for motivational purposes. In fact, the applications are nearly limitless.
Maps come in so many variations, too. There are maps readily available of the world, individual countries, states (United States), provinces (Canada), counties and even individual city maps. They show us our world in so many different views especially the ever-changing political boundaries, such as states and countries, and the much more static physical boundaries, such as mountain chains, rivers and land masses. Another perennial favorite is a map of the earth from space, which can create a sense of awe in the young and the young at heart alike.
Framed world maps can enhance the décor of a library or study. A room lined with old world cabinetry, filled with well-read books and warmed by a roaring fire just calls out for this genre of artwork more than any other. It is artwork, too. The lovely, muted colors and detailed keys all work together beautifully to create a masterpiece. Another traditional option would be a world map tapestry hung on the wall from a brass rod for a rich and classic look. In fact, hanging tapestries has been a popular design technique since the Middle Ages when they were used to warm up drafty castles.
Some interior designers, however, prefer to think a little more out of the box. Experts know that choosing to add a surprise element can lead to unexpected solutions. If you cover a wall in an extra large world map that has been applied like wallpaper, you hide the wall’s inherent flaws, add a focal point and create a decorating stroke of genius. In fact, the popular 1970’s trend that favored oversize wall murals of birch trees, autumn leaves and passive deer is experiencing a comeback. A large world map is an interesting alternative to nature scenes and infinitely more stylish and long-lasting.
Encourage your children to study geography by displaying a large world map poster in their bedroom, playroom or, for homeschooled children, in their classroom. Maps can encourage children to use their imagination to dream of faraway lands. Read books about different countries and report what you learned back to each other. In fact, using push pins to indicate where you have been, would like to go or have studied about is a great way to turn learning about maps and geography into a fun game. They will always have a ready source for their curiosity about the places in the stories they read, although Wonderland, Gulliver’s Island and Neverland will never be found.
Many amateur map collectors (jokingly called cartomaniacs) enjoy nothing more than the hunt for an old world map at a flea market on a Saturday morning but it is possible to buy great reproductions as well. In fact, many online retailers have an amazing selection of large world maps for sale, both antique and reproduction, that you just can’t find elsewhere.
Businesses have always made good use of maps but recent printing innovations have allowed them to order custom maps of their sales territories inexpensively. Instead of framing them, many businesses laminate them and mount them directly to the wall of a conference room, which allows for the use of dry erase markers during strategy meetings. The sales staff uses these maps to motivate team members to increase sales and market share while the management staff can easily study boundary lines and transportation needs.
Where would America be without pizza delivery on Saturday night? It is a rhetorical question but the existence of oversize street maps is what ensures that your pizza arrives hot. Delivery drivers frequently consult the wall sized maps that show every street and alley within a five mile radius in precise detail to insure quick delivery.
A smaller version of a framed world map could be used as inspiration for the travel buff. Anyone who has a “bucket list” that includes travel to exotic locales can use such a piece as a visual inspiration. In fact, displaying daily, monthly and yearly goals, financial or otherwise, next to a framed map may be just the motivation one needs to meet and exceed those goals, especially if the reward is a trip somewhere warm.
In conclusion, whether you purchase your next large world map to create a new look, to solve a design dilemma, to teach your children, as a collector, for sales motivation, for pizza delivery or for inspirational needs, you will love it.
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