Wallpaper - Old Map of Lake Como, Rome, Friuli, 1570

Our Old Map of Lake Como, Rome, Friuli, 1570 wallpaper brings the intricate craft of Renaissance cartography into the home. Dating from 1570, the composition presents three distinct Italian regional studies across separate panels, framed with delicate etched borders and Latin annotations. The upper section traces the branching waters of Lake Como nestled between mountain contours, while the lower panels map the landscapes of Rome and Friuli with winding waterways, rolling terrain, and historic settlements. Sky blue waterways contrast gently against warm, earthy land masses and subtle green details, giving the design an authentic historic character. Printed made-to-measure on our PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure, this mural wallpaper turns detailed historical geography into a quiet statement.

In the room

We see this design working particularly well in spaces dedicated to quiet focus, such as a home office, study, or private home library. Because the etching contains three detailed map registers and fine script, we would give the wallpaper an uninterrupted wall where the complete composition and individual place names remain visible at eye level. Placing the mural wallpaper behind a desk or alongside low shelving allows you to appreciate the cartographic details without taller furniture cutting across the main geographic sections. In a larger study, the subdued earthy palette creates an enclosing, scholarly atmosphere without overwhelming the rest of the room.

Styling it

To balance the detailed linework of this historic map, we recommend keeping surrounding furnishings simple and considered. Mid-toned to darker wood furniture, such as walnut or antique mahogany desks and bookcases, naturally complements the aged paper tone and Renaissance origins of the artwork. We would avoid overly busy patterned upholstery nearby, choosing instead plain woven fabrics in muted linen or soft wool to let the graphic etching remain the clear focal point of the interior.

Colour combinations

The wallpaper features a grounded palette of sky blue waterways, muted earthy parchment browns, and soft green landscape accents. Around the room, we would pair it with warm neutral paint shades on adjacent walls, such as stone, warm linen, or parchment, which allow the antique ground of the map to blend naturally into the space. For woodwork, cabinetry, or window trims, deeper tones drawn from the artwork, including deep slate blue, forest green, or espresso brown, create a structured, architectural frame around the design.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are made-to-measure according to your supplied wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess wallpaper compared to standard rolls. Our wallpapers are PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical structure that complements detailed historic illustrations. Designed to be straightforward to hang, we offer wallpaper options suited to different homes, needs, and living situations.