Wallpaper - Old Map of Belgium, 1570

Our Old Map of Belgium, 1570 wallpaper brings the intricate cartography of sixteenth-century Flanders into the home as a grand wall mural. Centered on historical geography created by Ortelius, the composition combines finely detailed land and sea illustrations, vintage lettering, and winding river systems with an ornate blue and gold decorative border. Ships navigate coastal waters marked by a compass rose, while warm brown, caramel, and earthy tones give the surface an authentic antique appearance. Produced made-to-measure on PVC-free paper with a subtle physical structure, this mural wallpaper turns historical cartography into a distinctive focal point.

In the room

Because this design contains a high level of geographic detail, place names, and fine illustrative linework, we like to give it an uninterrupted wall where the full composition can be viewed up close. In a dedicated home office, study, or private library, it works exceptionally well behind a desk or reading chair, creating a backdrop that invites closer examination without overwhelming the room.

For spatial balance, we suggest installing this mural wallpaper on a feature wall rather than across an entire four-wall layout. The strong rectangular framing and antique border work best when allowed to act as a singular cartographic statement, giving the room a sense of depth and heritage.

Styling it

To complement the historical Renaissance character of the map, we recommend pairing it with classic or heritage-inspired furnishings.

Warm wood tones such as aged oak, walnut, or antique mahogany echo the caramel and earthy foundation of the paper. Keep large furniture pieces relatively simple in silhouette so they do not compete with the ornate borders and dense lettering. Upholstery in muted leather or deep neutral weaves anchors the space naturally, while modest brass or blackened metal accents on desk lamps and hardware pick up the vintage warmth of the illustration.

Color combinations

The wallpaper is built around a palette of caramel brown, warm parchment tones, soft ocean blues, and understated gold accents in the framing.

When choosing paint colors for surrounding walls, trim, or built-in shelving, we recommend pulling directly from these undertones:

• Warm off-white or soft cream on adjacent walls keeps the atmosphere light while harmonizing with the antique paper background.
• Muted navy or slate blue on baseboards, doors, or bookcases reinforces the maritime details and decorative border.
• Rich earthy tones like tobacco, caramel, or deep olive create a cozy, grounded study environment.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, our wallpapers are made-to-measure according to your exact wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess paper compared to standard rolls. Every design is printed on PVC-free paper featuring a subtle physical structure that lends depth to the print. Designed to be straightforward and easy to hang, our wall murals offer a considered way to transform your interior.