Five tips to help you find the best artwork for your home
Choosing the right artwork is the final, defining touch that transforms a house into a home.
It’s a reflection of your personality, your stories, and your taste.
But finding a piece that is both beautiful and deeply personal can be a challenge. Forget generic prints; the modern home deserves something more meaningful.
Enter the art of cartography and the world of Mapelio.
Ever since I was a small boy, I’ve been fascinated by maps and interpreting the natural landscape. And I know I’m not the only one who appreciates the beauty of cartography.
After serving in the British Army (where I also trained as an advanced map reading instructor), I decided that maps should be more than just a tool for navigation and set off on a journey to turn maps into beautiful, minimalist pieces of art through my brand, Mapelio.
On earth we’re blessed with a myriad of different landscapes, which when viewed from above give us a totally new perspective on the ground that we walk on. As humans we all have a connection to a landscape and Mapelio seeks to capture these connections as timeless pieces of art.
So, here are five essential tips for choosing the perfect Mapelio map to elevate your home’s interior.
1. Match the map style to your room's aesthetic
The first step is to consider the existing style of your room. Your artwork should complement the space, not compete with it. Mapelio’s range of different collections offers distinct styles perfect for different interiors.
- For minimalist, modern, or Scandi Interiors: The clean, geometric lines of Mapelio's city and street maps are an ideal choice. The accurate, uncluttered representation of road structures and buildings provides a graphic, contemporary feel that works beautifully in a modern lounge or home office.
- For organic, rustic, or textured interiors: If your home features natural materials like wood, linen, and stone, my contour and topographic relief maps are a perfect fit. These designs possess a subtle and captivating 3D effect, capturing the organic rise and fall of the landscape. They bring a touch of the outdoors inside, adding texture and a sense of calm.
Custom Street Maps
From £30
Topographical & Route Maps
From £30
2. Consider the size and scale
The right size can make or break the impact of your artwork. A map that is too small will feel lost, while one that is too large can overwhelm the room.
Before you choose, measure your wall space. As a rule of thumb, artwork hung over a sofa should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture.
- Make a statement: For a dramatic focal point above a bed, a fireplace, or in a large hallway, consider a large-format A1 or A2 print. For a truly impressive feature, Mapelio’s square maps (up to 36 x 36 inches) offer a bold, balanced presence.
- Create an accent: A smaller A4 or A3 map is perfect for creating an intimate moment in a reading nook, a home office, or as part of a larger gallery wall. A collection of smaller maps can be used to tell a bigger story - perhaps the locations of your favourite holidays or a series of peaks you've climbed. Smaller, personalised route maps are also a great consideration for the downstairs loo… the classic British way to keep monumental achievements humble (I know many explorers and high-achieving Army types who prefer the discretion of the downstairs WC…)
If you have a particularly large or uniquely shaped wall, don't hesitate to contact me for a custom, oversized map that is scaled perfectly for your space.
3. Tell a personal story
This is where a map transcends art and becomes a personal heirloom.
The most compelling artwork is one that holds meaning for you. A Mapelio print allows you to display a meaningful place as a beautiful, abstract piece of design.
Think about the places that have shaped your life:
- Commemorate a milestone: The city where you got engaged, your university town, or your family's hometown.
- Celebrate an achievement: Choose a contour map of a specific British peak you’ve summited, forever capturing that feeling of accomplishment.
- Trace a journey: A map of a favourite coastal walk, a national park you explored, or a memorable road trip.
You can use Mapelio’s online map personalisation service to easily design a map of a prominent British peak or city. For something truly unique, get in touch with me directly to commission a completely bespoke map of any location in the world that is special to you.
4. Complement your colour palette
Mapelio’s minimalist aesthetic is designed to harmonise effortlessly with any colour scheme. The clean, monochrome palettes of the city maps and the subtle, earthy tones of the topographic designs add sophistication without clashing with your existing decor.
This neutral foundation means your map will complement its surroundings, whether your walls are painted in bold hues or calming neutrals.
The focus remains on the form and the story of the location.
5. Finalise the details: Paper and framing
The final touches are what elevate a print into a piece of fine art. Mapelio is dedicated to quality, from the paper it’s printed on to the frame that houses it.
- Paper Choice: Most maps are printed on a beautiful enhanced matt, museum-grade fine art paper which provides a rich, non-reflective finish. For those seeking an extra level of texture and luxury, specialist papers like Hahnemühle German Etching are available on request.
- Framing: A simple, high-quality frame completes the look. A classic black or white frame enhances a modern aesthetic, while a natural oak frame can add warmth to a Scandi or rustic interior. A large number of Mapelio maps are also offered professionally framed and mounted, a detail that elevates the design and gives it a premium gallery finish.
By following these tips, you can confidently choose a piece of map art that not only looks stunning but also infuses your home with personal meaning. It's a celebration of place, memory, and minimalist design.
If I can be of any help, or commission a specific design for you, please drop me an email at hello@mapelio.com and I’ll be delighted to discuss your requirements.
