How to Choose a Wall Map: The Complete Guide

by Christopher O'Keeffe May 31, 2026

From world maps and topographic maps to historical charts and custom wall displays, here's how to choose the perfect map for your home, office, classroom, or workplace.

There is something timeless about a wall map.

Perhaps it's the sense of discovery. Perhaps it's the ability to see the bigger picture at a glance. Or perhaps it's simply that maps tell stories in a way few other objects can. They reveal where we've been, where we are, and where we'd like to go next.

At Mapworld, we've helped thousands of Australians choose wall maps over the years. Some are looking for a practical planning tool. Others want a striking piece of wall art. Many simply want a map that inspires conversation and curiosity.

Whatever your reason, choosing the right wall map is about more than selecting a location. Size, style, scale, finish, purpose, and presentation all play an important role.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider before purchasing a wall map.

Why Buy a Wall Map?

In an age where every phone contains a mapping app, wall maps remain remarkably popular.

The reason is simple.

Digital maps are excellent for finding your way from A to B. Wall maps are excellent for understanding the world.

A wall map allows you to:

• See entire regions at once
• Understand geographic relationships
• Plan journeys and projects
• Track travels and adventures
• Teach geography and history
• Inspire curiosity
• Create a visual focal point in a room

Unlike a screen, a wall map is always visible. It invites exploration.

Many customers tell us they spend far more time looking at a wall map than they ever expected.

Step 1: Decide How the Map Will Be Used

The first question we ask customers is simple:

What do you want the map to do?

Your answer will quickly narrow the options.

Decorative Wall Maps

If your primary goal is visual impact, focus on maps that combine strong cartography with beautiful presentation.

Popular choices include:

• World maps
• National Geographic maps
• Historical maps
• Vintage travel posters
• Nautical charts
• Antique map reproductions

These maps often become the focal point of a room.

Perfect for:

• Living rooms
• Home offices
• Libraries
• Hallways
• Boardrooms

Planning and Reference Maps

If your map will be used regularly, practicality becomes more important.

Popular choices include:

• State maps
• Regional maps
• Road maps
• Postcode maps
• Sales territory maps
• Mining and infrastructure maps
• Health network maps

These maps are designed to provide information quickly and clearly.

Perfect for:

• Offices
• Operations centres
• Warehouses
• Emergency services
• Logistics teams

Travel and Adventure Maps

Many people buy maps to plan future adventures or celebrate previous ones.

Popular examples include:

• Australia wall maps
• World maps
• National park maps
• Topographic maps
• Touring maps
• Four-wheel-drive maps

A travel map often evolves over time as destinations are visited and memories accumulate.

Step 2: Choose the Right Geographic Coverage

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a map that is either too broad or too detailed.

Think carefully about the area you want to display.

World Maps

Ideal if you:

• Love travel
• Want a striking wall feature
• Need global context
• Track international projects

World maps remain the most popular category for homes and executive offices.

Australia Maps

Perfect for:

• Travellers
• Caravan enthusiasts
• Business planning
• Schools
• Government departments

Australia maps allow you to see the immense scale and diversity of the country.

State Maps

Excellent for:

• Logistics
• Sales territories
• Regional planning
• Tourism operators

Large-format maps of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory remain popular business tools.

Regional and Local Maps

These provide the greatest level of detail.

Examples include:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Adelaide
• National parks
• Coastal regions

Regional maps are ideal when detailed planning is required.

Step 3: Understand Scale

Scale determines how much detail a map can show.

As a general rule:

Small Scale Maps

Examples:

• World maps
• Australia maps

These show large areas with less detail.

Ideal for:

• Display
• General reference
• Education

Medium Scale Maps

Examples:

• State maps
• Regional maps

These balance coverage and detail.

Ideal for:

• Planning
• Travel
• Business use

Large Scale Maps

Examples:

• Topographic maps
• City maps
• Nautical charts

These show smaller areas in greater detail.

Ideal for:

• Navigation
• Property planning
• Outdoor recreation

Step 4: Choose a Map Style

Not all maps are designed the same way.

Different cartographic styles suit different purposes.

Political Maps

These emphasise:

• Countries
• States
• Cities
• Administrative boundaries

Best for:

• Education
• Offices
• General reference

Physical Maps

These highlight:

• Mountains
• Rivers
• Deserts
• Terrain

Best for:

• Geography enthusiasts
• Schools
• Outdoor adventurers

Topographic Maps

These show:

• Contours
• Elevation
• Watercourses
• Tracks
• Landforms

Best for:

• Bushwalkers
• Surveyors
• Emergency services
• Outdoor professionals

Nautical Charts

These include:

• Depth soundings
• Navigation aids
• Coastal features
• Marine hazards

Best for:

• Boaters
• Sailors
• Maritime enthusiasts

Historical Maps

These capture places as they once were.

Popular subjects include:

• Early Australia
• Colonial cities
• Exploration routes
• Admiralty charts
• Antique world maps

These maps are often purchased as much for their beauty as their information.

Step 5: Choose the Right Size

Size is often underestimated.

A map that appears large on a screen can look surprisingly small on a wall.

Our recommendation is simple:

Buy larger than you think you need.

Most customers never regret choosing a larger map.

Many regret choosing one that's too small.

Small Maps

Up to approximately 700 mm wide.

Suitable for:

• Apartments
• Smaller offices
• Framed displays

Medium Maps

Approximately 700–1200 mm wide.

Suitable for:

• Home offices
• Studies
• Meeting rooms

Large Maps

1200 mm and larger.

Suitable for:

• Boardrooms
• Classrooms
• Operations centres
• Statement walls

Large-format maps create real presence.

Step 6: Choose the Best Finish

The finish has a significant impact on how a map looks and performs.

Paper

Best for:

• Framing
• Historical maps
• Decorative displays

Advantages:

• Excellent detail
• Traditional appearance
• Cost-effective

Laminated

Best for:

• Planning
• Teaching
• Frequent use

Advantages:

• Durable
• Write-on/wipe-off
• Moisture resistant
• Easy to clean

Many businesses choose laminated maps because they can be annotated and updated.

Canvas

Best for:

• Premium displays
• Executive offices
• Living rooms

Advantages:

• Museum-quality appearance
• Reduced glare
• Rich colour reproduction
• Artistic presentation

Canvas transforms a map into a piece of wall art.

Step 7: Consider Custom Sizing

Sometimes the perfect map doesn't come in the perfect size.

This is where custom printing becomes valuable.

At Mapworld we regularly produce:

• Enlargements
• Custom dimensions
• Maps sized to fit existing frames
• Oversized boardroom maps
• GIS project displays
• Historical map reproductions

A custom-sized map can often transform a good display into a perfect one.

Popular Wall Map Categories at Mapworld

Some of our most popular wall map categories include:

🌏 World Maps

🇦🇺 Australia Wall Maps

🗺️ State Maps

🏔️ Topographic Maps

⚓ Nautical Charts

📍 Postcode Maps

🏙️ City Maps

📜 Historical Maps

✈️ Vintage Travel Posters

🌊 National Geographic Maps

The Mapworld Approach

For more than three decades, Mapworld has specialised in helping Australians find the right map for their needs.

Whether you're searching for a practical planning map, a classroom teaching aid, a detailed topographic map, a beautiful historical chart, or a museum-quality canvas world map, our philosophy remains the same:

Choose a map that you'll enjoy looking at every day.

The best wall maps are more than references.

They inspire conversations.

They encourage curiosity.

They remind us how places connect.

And sometimes, they inspire the next great adventure.

If you're unsure where to begin, start with the area that fascinates you most. The perfect wall map is usually the one that makes you stop, look closer, and imagine what lies beyond the horizon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular wall map?

World maps remain the most popular choice, followed closely by Australia wall maps and large state maps.

Are laminated maps better than paper maps?

Not necessarily. Laminated maps are more durable and can be written on, while paper maps are often preferred for framing.

Is canvas worth it for a wall map?

If your map will be displayed as a feature piece, canvas provides the most premium presentation and visual impact.

What size wall map should I buy?

Most people underestimate how large a map needs to be. When in doubt, choose the larger size.

Can Mapworld print a custom-sized map?

Yes. We offer custom printing, enlargements, laminating, and sizing to suit specific frames, displays, and projects.

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