The Beauty of Hang Rails

by Patrick O'Keeffe February 07, 2025

We are often asked—usually by the sort of thoughtful, visually inclined customer we admire—what, exactly, are hang rails? What do they look like? What are they for? And why, in a world of minimalist hardware and digital displays, would anyone want to hang a map using timber and string?

A fine question. The answer, naturally, begins with craftsmanship and ends with style.

What Are Hang Rails?

Our hang rails consist of two pieces of solid timber, affixed firmly to the top and bottom edges of the map. Think of them as the dignified bookends to a cartographic scroll. The timber we use is typically a natural-toned hardwood—subtle, timeless, and chosen to complement any room, be it study, classroom, hallway, or the sort of kitchen where you’ll find a bottle of olive oil from Tuscany and someone who knows what latitude it came from.

At the top rail, a discreet hanging cord is securely attached. This allows the map to be effortlessly hung on a wall hook—or two hooks, if you’re particular about symmetry. The result is a piece that floats just off the wall, unfurled with purpose, without the bulk or rigidity of a traditional frame.

Why Use Hang Rails?

There are several reasons one might prefer a hang-railed map over its framed cousin:

• Simplicity – No need for glass, matting, or a visit to the framer. Just unroll, hang, and enjoy.

• Portability – Hang rails make your map fully mobile. Move house? Change offices? Redecorate on a whim? Simply roll it up and take it with you. Try doing that with a two-metre framed map.

• Display Quality – The weight of the solid timber keeps the map gently taut, giving it an elegant drape that avoids the common pitfalls of curling corners or bubbling laminates.

• Character – There’s something wonderfully tactile about hang rails. They nod to the scrolls of explorers past, to navigators and naturalists and schoolmasters who believed the world should hang proudly on the wall.

In short, hang rails are the refined compromise between formality and flexibility. They elevate the look of the map without locking it into place.

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What Do They Look Like?

Visually, hang rails are understated by design. The timber is lightly lacquered in a natural finish—enough to protect the wood, but never to shout over the artwork. The top rail holds the hanging cord; the bottom rail acts as a weighted counterbalance.

When mounted, the map hangs cleanly and evenly, like a banner of knowledge. There’s no need for glass, screws, or spirit levels—just a small hook or picture nail, and a moment of decisiveness about where to hang it.

For those who prefer to see before they believe, we’ve attached a few photographs that show the rails in situ. They speak more eloquently than any paragraph can—though I’ve tried my best.

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In Summary

If you value the artistry of maps but also appreciate the practicalities of modern living, hang rails are your friend. They offer a museum-quality presentation without the permanence of a frame, allowing your wall maps to become part of your story—portable, personal, and proudly on display.

Think of them not as a mounting solution, but as a way to let your map breathe.

Should you wish to add hang rails to your order, or have any questions about fitting or finishes, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to talk timber.

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