Wallpaper - Orbis Terrae 1637

Our Orbis Terrae 1637 wallpaper brings historical cartography to life across two detailed circular hemispheres depicting the world as mapped in the seventeenth century. The left hemisphere charts the Americas with early coastlines and regional lettering, while the right hemisphere presents Europe, Asia, and Africa surrounded by ornate decorative borders in rich red and warm yellow. At the base, an intricate compass rose anchors the composition against an oyster, parchment-toned ground with authentic antique character. Printed made-to-measure on our PVC-free paper with a subtle physical surface structure, this design brings depth and visual warmth to any interior.

In the room

Because of the dual-hemisphere composition and the wealth of fine geographical lettering, we see this design working best on an open, relatively uninterrupted wall where the full expanse of the map can be appreciated. It is particularly well suited to a study, home library, or dedicated reading room, where you can sit close enough to explore the fine historical details. In a room with standard or higher ceilings, centring the two globes behind a desk or a low-backed reading sofa creates an immediate focal point without overwhelming the surrounding space.

Styling it

To complement the historical character of the map, we suggest pairing it with interior elements that share a similar sense of craftsmanship and warmth:

• Warm wood tones such as aged oak, chestnut, or walnut in bookshelves and writing desks help echo the earthy tones of the parchment background.
• Upholstery in classic materials like worn leather, muted woven fabrics, or deep velvet balances the intricate linework of the print.
• Simple, classic lighting with warm brass or antiqued bronze accents draws out the golden and red borders without competing with the detailed cartography.

Colour combinations

The design itself is built on a warm foundation of oyster and parchment yellow, accented by rich red and earthy ochre tones in the decorative framing. When choosing paint for neighbouring walls, woodwork, or built-in shelving, we recommend leaning into soft, warm off-whites, muted stone, or deep terracotta shades that pick up the warm border tones. If you prefer a moodier, more enveloping space, a deep heritage green or dark charcoal on adjacent cabinetry provides a striking, deliberate contrast against the lighter map background.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, all our wallpapers and wall murals are made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions. Producing each order individually helps reduce unnecessary excess material compared with standard rolls, while ensuring the design is proportioned to fit your space.

Our mural wallpapers are completely PVC-free and printed on paper featuring a subtle physical surface structure. They are designed to be straightforward to hang, whether you are decorating a home you own or personalising a rented space.