How to Frame a Map: Display Your Favorite Places with Style

Looking to frame a map print, vintage atlas page, or custom travel map? Whether it’s a cherished keepsake or a bold statement piece, framing a map is a meaningful way to celebrate the places that matter most.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to frame a map plus tips on picking the perfect custom frame, matting, and more.

Why Frame a Map?

Framed maps are more than just wall décor, they’re conversation starters, memory keepers, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Framing a map is a great idea for many reasons such as:

• Highlighting travel memories

• Celebrating hometown pride or heritage

• Decorating a home office or library

• Preserving vintage or antique maps

• Displaying fictional maps from books, games, or movies

Whether it’s a world map, city street map, nautical chart, or topographic trail, framing your map protects it and elevates it into artwork.

Step 1: Choose the Right Map to Frame

Start with a map that means something to you. Some popular ideas include:

• A travel map with places you've visited

• A custom city map of where you got engaged, married, or bought a home

• A vintage map of a state, country, or globe

• A nautical or topographic map of favorite hiking or boating routes

• A fantasy or fictional map from a favorite story or game

Framing a map with personal meaning turns it into a permanent reminder of your journey.

Step 2: Flatten and Prepare Your Map

Before framing your map print, make sure it’s clean and flat:

• Gently unroll or unfold your map if it's been stored

• Use weights or press under heavy books for a few days

• For stubborn creases, lightly iron on the back with a barrier cloth

• Measure your map carefully, especially if you’re ordering a custom frame for a map print

Tip: If your map is oversized, oddly shaped, or especially delicate, custom framing is your best option.

Step 3: Pick a Mat (Optional)

Using a mat around your map can:

• Add visual space and balance

• Draw attention to a specific area (like a marked city)

• Prevent the map from touching the glass

White or neutral mats work well with most maps. You can also choose colored or double mats to enhance contrast or highlight tones in the map.

Step 4: Select a Custom Frame for Your Map

Choosing the right frame style is key to complementing your map’s style and era:

• Rustic wood frames pair beautifully with vintage or explorer-style maps

• Metal and black wood frames offer a clean, modern look for travel or city maps

• Gold or ornate frames enhance antique or globe maps

• Floating frames give a contemporary, gallery-style feel to maps printed on canvas

For full flexibility, use our online framing tool that lets you preview your style, size, and mat choices together.

Step 5: Protect Your Map with UV Glazing

Maps printed on paper or antique materials can fade or yellow over time. To preserve your framed map:

• Choose UV-protective acrylic

• Avoid placing the map in direct sunlight

• Protective glazing keeps your map looking vibrant for years to come.

Step 6: Hang and Enjoy

Once framed, choose a place where your map can shine:

• Entryways or living rooms for a bold focal point

• Offices or studies for a refined and personal touch

• Hallways or stairwells for gallery-style displays

• Nurseries or kids’ rooms for educational and fun decor.

Final Thoughts: Custom Map Framing Made Easy

Framing a map is a creative way to capture your travels, memories, and favorite places and it’s easier than you think. With custom framing you can upload your map, choose your frame style and mat, and preview the final design before you buy.

At Pictureframes.com, we offer custom frames for maps of all sizes plus UV protection to help your story last. Whether you're framing a paper map, a canvas print, or something else, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to Frame Your Map?

Explore our wide selection of custom frames or get started with our easy frame designer tool. Your adventure deserves to be framed.