How to Frame a Large Wall Map: A Complete Guide to Displaying Maps Beautifully

by Christopher O'Keeffe May 31, 2026

Whether it's a detailed National Geographic world map, a Hema Australia wall map, a historic Admiralty chart, or a treasured topographic map of your favourite region, the right framing can transform a map from a practical reference into a stunning feature piece.

Few decorative items combine beauty and usefulness quite like a wall map.

A large map tells a story.

It sparks conversations.

It inspires future adventures.

It brings geography, history, travel, and exploration into the home or workplace.

Yet one question we hear frequently at Mapworld is:

"What's the best way to frame a large wall map?"

The answer depends on the size of the map, the material it is printed on, where it will be displayed, and how you intend to use it.

This guide explains the most popular framing and display options, the advantages of each, and how to choose the right solution for your map.

Why Frame a Wall Map?

A quality wall map is often much more than a navigational aid.

Many become:

🗺️ Statement pieces

🌏 Travel inspiration

🏡 Interior design features

📚 Educational resources

🏢 Professional planning tools

⚓ Historical artworks

Framing protects the map while enhancing its visual impact.

A properly framed map will:

• Stay flat
• Resist damage
• Display more professionally
• Last longer
• Become easier to enjoy

For many customers, framing is the final step that turns a map into something truly special.

Before You Frame: Consider the Purpose

The first question to ask is:

Will the map be decorative, practical, or both?

This influences the best framing approach.

Decorative Display

Ideal for:

• Living rooms
• Offices
• Boardrooms
• Libraries
• Hallways

The emphasis is on appearance and presentation.

Working Maps

Ideal for:

• Planning rooms
• Logistics offices
• Classrooms
• Operations centres

The emphasis is on usability.

Many customers choose laminated maps in these environments because they can be written on and cleaned repeatedly.

Option 1: Traditional Framing Behind Glass

For many people, this remains the gold standard.

A professionally framed map behind glass offers a timeless appearance that suits almost any interior.

Benefits include:

✅ Excellent protection

✅ Clean presentation

✅ Wide frame choice

✅ Long-term durability

✅ Professional appearance

This approach works particularly well for:

• Historical maps
• Decorative maps
• National Geographic maps
• Vintage travel posters
• Fine-art cartography

Choosing the Right Mat Board

Large maps often benefit from a mat board (sometimes called a mount).

A mat creates visual separation between the map and the frame.

Benefits include:

• Improved presentation
• Reduced visual clutter
• Greater perceived value
• Protection from direct glass contact

For most maps, a neutral white, off-white, or light cream mat works beautifully.

Many professional framers recommend a mat overlap of approximately 2–3 mm around the edge of the map.

This helps secure the print while creating a clean finish.

Glass vs Acrylic

One of the biggest decisions when framing large maps is choosing the glazing material.

Glass

Advantages:

• Excellent clarity
• Scratch resistance
• Premium appearance

Disadvantages:

• Heavy
• More fragile
• More expensive to transport

Acrylic (Perspex)

Advantages:

• Lightweight
• Safer for large maps
• Easier to transport
• Less likely to shatter

Disadvantages:

• More prone to scratching

For maps larger than approximately 1000 mm wide, acrylic often becomes the preferred choice because of its reduced weight.

Option 2: Float Mounting

Float mounting has become increasingly popular for large-format maps.

Instead of hiding the edges beneath a mat, the entire map remains visible.

The map appears to "float" within the frame.

Benefits include:

✨ Contemporary appearance

✨ Full visibility of the map

✨ Ideal for historical charts

✨ Excellent for oversized maps

Many collectors prefer float mounting because it preserves the complete printed image.

A small reveal of approximately 3 mm around the map's edge typically produces the best visual result.

Option 3: Laminated Maps Without a Frame

One of the most practical alternatives to framing is lamination.

At Mapworld, many customers choose laminated maps because they are durable, easy to display, and exceptionally versatile.

Our laminated maps use true encapsulation, with the print enclosed between two layers of premium laminate.

Benefits include:

✅ Durable

✅ Wipe-clean

✅ Water resistant

✅ Write-on/wipe-off capable

✅ No glass required

Laminated maps are particularly popular in:

• Schools
• Planning offices
• Logistics businesses
• Emergency operations centres

Because they do not require a traditional frame, they often provide a more economical display solution.

Option 4: Laminated Maps with Timber Hang Rails

For large maps, hang rails have become one of the most popular display methods.

At Mapworld, we regularly recommend timber hang rails for oversized wall maps.

The system is simple:

• Timber rail at the top
• Timber rail at the bottom
• Hanging cord attached to the upper rail

Benefits include:

🪵 Easy installation

🪵 Modern appearance

🪵 Excellent for large maps

🪵 Keeps the map hanging flat

🪵 No expensive framing required

Hang rails are particularly effective for:

• Australia wall maps
• State wall maps
• National Geographic maps
• Hema Supermaps
• Historical charts

Many customers find that hang rails provide the ideal balance between presentation and practicality.

Option 5: Canvas Maps

Canvas maps have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Instead of appearing as a conventional map, they take on the character of wall art.

At Mapworld, our canvas maps are produced on:

395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas

using:

Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks

This creates a premium finish with exceptional colour depth and minimal glare.

Canvas is particularly suited to:

• World maps
• Historical maps
• National Geographic maps
• Decorative cartography

Should Canvas Maps Be Framed?

Many customers ask this question.

The answer depends on the desired look.

Gallery Style

Canvas displayed without a frame.

Advantages:

• Contemporary appearance
• Clean presentation
• Lower cost

Traditional Style

Canvas professionally stretched and framed.

Advantages:

• Premium finish
• Fine-art appearance
• Enhanced visual impact

For decorative maps, professional stretching is often the preferred solution.

Choosing the Right Frame Colour

Frame choice dramatically affects how a map appears.

As a general rule:

Black Frames

Best for:

• Contemporary interiors
• World maps
• National Geographic maps

Natural Timber

Best for:

• Coastal interiors
• Historical maps
• Nautical charts

White Frames

Best for:

• Modern interiors
• Scandinavian styling
• Bright rooms

Dark Timber

Best for:

• Libraries
• Traditional offices
• Historical cartography

The best frame is usually one that complements the room rather than competing with the map.

Large Maps Require Large Thinking

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a frame that is too small.

Large-format maps are designed to be viewed from a distance.

For example:

• 700 mm maps work well in studies and bedrooms.
• 1000–1400 mm maps suit living rooms and offices.
• 1500–2000 mm maps create dramatic feature walls.

If you have the wall space, larger is almost always better.

Maps benefit from scale.

Framing Historical Maps and Nautical Charts

Historical maps deserve special consideration.

Many customers choose premium framing for:

• Admiralty charts
• Explorer maps
• Vintage travel posters
• Historical city plans
• Early Australian charts

Float mounting and museum-style framing often produce exceptional results for these pieces.

The goal is not simply protection.

It is presentation.

A beautiful historical chart deserves to be displayed as artwork.

Our Recommendation at Mapworld

After helping customers display maps for decades, our recommendations are generally quite simple:

For Decorative Maps

Choose:

• Professional framing
• Float mounting
• Canvas presentation

For Planning Maps

Choose:

• Lamination
• Hang rails
• Write-on/wipe-off functionality

For Very Large Maps

Choose:

• Laminated + Timber Hang Rails
• Canvas + Timber Hang Rails

These solutions provide excellent presentation without the cost and complexity of oversized custom framing.

Final Thoughts

A great map deserves to be seen.

Whether it hangs in a home office, a boardroom, a classroom, a library, or a living room, the right display method enhances both its beauty and its usefulness.

The best framing solution is not necessarily the most expensive.

It is the one that suits how you intend to enjoy the map.

For some, that means a beautifully framed National Geographic world map.

For others, it means a laminated Hema Australia map covered with route markings and future travel plans.

Both are equally valid.

Because maps are more than decorations.

They are records of journeys taken.

Plans for adventures yet to come.

And windows into the world beyond our front door.

At Mapworld, we offer a wide range of paper, laminated, canvas, and hang-railed maps, helping customers choose the display option that best suits their space, style, and ambitions.

Because a great map should not live in a drawer.

It should live on the wall.

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