These days, mobile maps can definitely be more useful for traveling than a paper map. However, paper maps are beautiful to look at! So why not use them in your home decor? Here are three creative ways you can decorate with a map.

• Use a map to revamp your lampshade and give it a warm, vintage feel. All you need to do is find an atlas with pictures of beautiful maps inside, a lamp with a shade, and a few craft items. Make a template for your shade and test it out to make sure it fits perfectly. Then, just lay out your template on top of your map pages and make the pages match the size of the template. Finally, use some rubber cement to glue your map on and you're finished!
• Cover the drawers of your plain-looking dresser with a map. You're pretty much going to use the same process you did for the lamp. Make sure to measure everything out perfectly and remember to cut out tiny circles for the knobs.
• Give your living room a unique, vintage feel by covering the top of your glass coffee table with a map. If you have a large enough coffee table, you may even be able to see the whole map.

Vintage Map Lampshade [Pretty Handy Girl]
10 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Maps [Babble]
7 Ways to Decorate with Maps and Globes [Conde Nast]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jonathan Rolande

A gallery wall can elevate the style of your space and really make a personal statement about your life and style. However, the process takes time, preparation, and patience. Here are some tips to help you build your own gallery wall!

• Pick out your frames and create diagrams to help play around with some layout ideas.
• Lay out your frames on your floor before hanging them on your wall to measure everything out.
• If you find purchasing prints to be too pricey, use your own photography, pictures of family, or restore old photos to place in the frames for a personal touch.
• You can also hang up empty frames and collect pieces of art over time so you won’t have to splurge on a lot of pieces all at once.
• Use one large piece to start your collection, then use different sizes and orientation of the pieces to fill space and keep your eyes moving.
• If you’re going for more of a classic look, use a nine-square grid layout with even space between each frame.
• Use sturdy frame hangers to protect your walls and your photos against scratches and nicks.

​How To Create A Gallery Wall [Pottery Barn]
How To Create a Gallery Wall on a Budget [Apartment Therapy]​
The Guide To A Well Hung Gallery Wall [Emily Henderson]

CC-BY-2.0/ProFlowers

Plain, bare walls are blank canvases just waiting to be filled with accessories or décor. Hang almost anything on your wall and your space will instantly feel homey and more personal. Follow these tips to bring some life to your bare walls.

• Use a variety of different patterns or colors of washi tape to create a custom design on your wall. This is great because you can easily switch it up if you get bored of the same design and want to switch it out for something new.
• Add an oversized photograph or piece of art that is almost as big as your whole wall.
• Hang or lean a large mirror with a detailed frame to your wall. They make a really strong statement and can make your room feel larger.
• Frame a large chalkboard to write messages on, display photos, or to write recipes. You can even use unique frames or frames to match the rest of your framed photos on your wall to bring the whole look together.
• Give your wall an elegant touch by hanging a large, oversized clock.
• Add character to your wall by hanging modular shelves. Not only do the shelves look great, they also provide space for more decor. Use them to display your photos, vases, candles, books, or more.

​25 Ways to Dress Up Blank Walls [HGTV]
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/how-to/g451/blank-wall-solution/?How To Decorate A Large, Blank Wall [Elle Decor]
Wall Decor: How To Fill Your Blank Walls [Style At Home]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Emily May

Styling your bed can be a little difficult. There are so many different color and pattern options for bedding, not to mention the wealth of options available for pillows and decorative accents! Follow the tips below to create a unique bed that fits your style.

• Follow guidelines on how to layer your pillows depending on the size of your bed. For example, a king bed should have three Euro pillows, then two king pillows, then two standard pillows, and a few accent pillows on top of that.
• Use a simple, neutral color for your comforter or duvet cover and add a splash of color with your pillowcases or accent pillows.
• Place a throw or blanket at the bottom of your bed. Make sure the texture or color matches the same as your pillows at the head of your bed.
• For a sophisticated look, be sure to make your bed tight with little to no wrinkles.
• Style up your bed with a traditional wooden, upholstered, metal, or neutral headboard.
• If headboards aren’t your style, hang a piece of art or a large mirror on the wall above your bed to create the illusion of a headboard.

How To Make a Bed [Pottery Barn]
How to Style a Bed [The Everygirl]
Dressed to Snooze: 20 Ideas for Styling a Bed [Apartment Therapy]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Emily May