Most rooms you step into have large blank walls, and those walls can be the biggest design choice in the room. As architects know, interior designers use proportion, sightlines and focal points to create the right atmosphere. Adding a bespoke map to a room gives you the chance to add your own story.
This idea sits at the heart of the architecture of spatial art. A wall map is not just a decorative feature. It acts as a structural element in the room. It balances the sofa, brings equilibrium to the window and gives the room a purpose.
Why bespoke maps are changing room design
Ready-made artworks are made for everyone, while a bespoke map is personal. You can include a map of where you met your partner, where you grew up, where you moved for work, or the place you still find yourself thinking about on a Sunday morning. Every time someone asks about your map, you have a story to tell.
This is what makes bespoke maps work so well in both homes and offices. A map of the place where your team built your company will carry more meaning in your meeting room. A map of your first apartment’s neighborhood can become the focal point of your living room.
Our bespoke maps use OpenStreetMap data, built with ArcGIS Pro, so the roads, parks and waterways appear where the community has mapped them.
How to get the perfect map
Before you choose your favorite map, take measurements. Three main factors will help the map look right in your space.
- Width of wall in relation to furniture: A map about two-thirds the width of your sofa or bed often creates a balanced look. If the map is too small, it can appear lost. If it is too big, it can overpower the space.
- Eye level: The center of the map should sit at eye level. See our guide on how to create a three-map gallery wall for more information. If the map hangs too high, it won’t feel like it belongs in the space.
- Sightline: Stand in the doorway and look at the room. The map should be the first thing you see, or intentionally the second thing after the window or fireplace. Position your map based on what people notice first.
This is the same process used to create great architecture: placing a strong feature that creates balance.
Choose the right style
The style of the room decides which map fits best. A lighter, simpler map works well in a bright, airy room, while a darker, richer map suits a reading nook or study. See our blog on how to match city map art to your interior design style for more information.
Your paper choice also affects the result. Matte paper keeps intricate roads easy to see in bright light. Glossy paper adds contrast but can cause glare in some rooms. See our guide on matte vs satin vs glossy.
Bespoke maps for your office, studio or shared space
Bespoke maps can bring your office to life. A map of your city or your client’s region gives your meeting room a clear identity. It sparks conversation, helps visitors get their bearings and gives a shared space a sense of purpose. They also work well in lobbies, studios and cafes, where people spend time looking at the walls.
The license for our maps is different for an office or commercial space. Our digital PDFs are for personal prints only. Please contact us at info@mapbakes.com so we can confirm the best option for your space.
Need a map of somewhere unique?
Sometimes you may need a map of a place that isn’t in our range. This could be a research site, a project area, a neighborhood you helped plan, or a region that matters to a specific client. Our Cartobakes service creates bespoke research maps, starting at $99.99 (Basic), $299.99 (Standard) and $999.99 (Premium). Your plan can be tailored to the level of detail you need.
If you know exactly which area you want, a bespoke map is the quickest way to get something truly personal. Please contact us first so we can help you choose the right level.
Three quick tips
- Choose the most important area: A map of a place you have lived, worked or plan to return to usually makes the strongest piece.
- Measure your wall: Note its width and the furniture underneath it, then compare that with our print sizes.
- Decide where it will hang: Will it be in your living room, hallway or office? Each space suits a different size and finish.
Once you have those answers, you will usually know which map to choose. Browse our entire collection of city and region maps, or see our capital city maps if you want something bold. If you need a map of a place that isn’t listed, start your bespoke request through Cartobakes.
Tell your story
Every room already has some structure. A bespoke map adds another layer: a place, a memory, and something that makes people stop and look. Simply measure your wall, choose an area that means something to you, and let the architecture of your space do the rest!