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Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700
Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700

Antique Holy Land Map, Twelve Tribes of Israel – Covens & Mortier, c.1700

Located in Langweer, NL

Light age toning and minor surface wear consistent with age. Margins present. Framing tips: This map frames beautifully in a classic black or dark walnut frame with an ivory or parc...

Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Geological Map of Aruba - Dutch West Indies by Karl Martin, 1888
Antique Geological Map of Aruba - Dutch West Indies by Karl Martin, 1888

Antique Geological Map of Aruba - Dutch West Indies by Karl Martin, 1888

Located in Langweer, NL

No losses, no restorations, and no structural damage. Framing Tips This map frames beautifully in wide dark walnut, black lacquer, or brushed bronze frames with a soft ivory or ligh...

Category

1880s German Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Old Map of Java, Madura & Bali - Dutch East Indies Colonial Cartography, 1884
Old Map of Java, Madura & Bali - Dutch East Indies Colonial Cartography, 1884

Old Map of Java, Madura & Bali - Dutch East Indies Colonial Cartography, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

NOTE: We sell this print not framed, but only as a loose sheet. Framing tips: This wide panoramic map is ideally framed with a soft ivory or light grey museum mat and a slim dark w...

Category

1880s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Rare Antique Map of Borneo (Kalimantan), Dutch East Indies Colonial Era, 1884
Rare Antique Map of Borneo (Kalimantan), Dutch East Indies Colonial Era, 1884

Rare Antique Map of Borneo (Kalimantan), Dutch East Indies Colonial Era, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

NOTE: We do not sell this piece in a frame, but as a loose sheet. Framing tips This tall-format map is ideally framed with soft ivory or warm light-grey museum matting and a slim d...

Category

1880s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Egypt and Abyssinia – Nile Valley & Horn of Africa Maps, c.1817–1820
Egypt and Abyssinia – Nile Valley & Horn of Africa Maps, c.1817–1820

Egypt and Abyssinia – Nile Valley & Horn of Africa Maps, c.1817–1820

Located in Langweer, NL

This pair is well suited to collectors of African cartography, Nile history, and Ethiopian history, while also offering excellent visual presence for both classic and contemporary in...

Category

1810s British Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Map of Île-de-France – Paris Region with Royal Arms, c.1642
Blaeu Map of Île-de-France – Paris Region with Royal Arms, c.1642

Blaeu Map of Île-de-France – Paris Region with Royal Arms, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Paper remains strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: This map benefits from a classic presentation in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or cream mat, highlighting ...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

1802 Map of Australasia and the South Pacific - European Exploration Routes
1802 Map of Australasia and the South Pacific - European Exploration Routes

1802 Map of Australasia and the South Pacific - European Exploration Routes

Located in Langweer, NL

The simple oval cartouche in the top right and a scale in the lower right frame the map, while the lower left contains a note explaining how Cook's voyages and other circumnavigation...

Category

Early 1800s Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Map of Île de Ré & Oléron, La Rochelle Coast France, c.1642
Blaeu Map of Île de Ré & Oléron, La Rochelle Coast France, c.1642

Blaeu Map of Île de Ré & Oléron, La Rochelle Coast France, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Turkey in Asia, Arabia & Persia Map with Cyprus and Egypt Insets c.1902
Turkey in Asia, Arabia & Persia Map with Cyprus and Egypt Insets c.1902

Turkey in Asia, Arabia & Persia Map with Cyprus and Egypt Insets c.1902

Located in Langweer, NL

The Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Black Sea frame the map beautifully, while Cairo, Baghdad, Damascus, Jerusalem, and Tehran anchor the major historic centers of the Islamic world and N...

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Vienna, Plan von Wien, Hand Colored Artaria City Plan, 1839
Antique Map of Vienna, Plan von Wien, Hand Colored Artaria City Plan, 1839

Antique Map of Vienna, Plan von Wien, Hand Colored Artaria City Plan, 1839

Located in Langweer, NL

All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Asia Minor and the Ottoman Levant — Fine Bonne Map of Turkey, c.1780
Asia Minor and the Ottoman Levant — Fine Bonne Map of Turkey, c.1780

Asia Minor and the Ottoman Levant — Fine Bonne Map of Turkey, c.1780

Located in Langweer, NL

The engraved area remains clear and well-preserved. Framing tips: This map works beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or warm off-white mat to emphasize ...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Blaeu Map of Karst, Carniola, Istria, and Trieste, circa 1640
Original Antique Blaeu Map of Karst, Carniola, Istria, and Trieste, circa 1640

Original Antique Blaeu Map of Karst, Carniola, Istria, and Trieste, circa 1640

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears or repairs noted. Fully suitable for framing. Framing tips: Frame this map in a thin black, walnut, or gilt frame to enhance its historic character.

Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Persia Map, Iran Afghanistan & Central Asia, The Great Game Era, c.1850
Antique Persia Map, Iran Afghanistan & Central Asia, The Great Game Era, c.1850

Antique Persia Map, Iran Afghanistan & Central Asia, The Great Game Era, c.1850

Located in Langweer, NL

Minor handling wear and a few light creases consistent with age. Framing tips: This map benefits from a strong yet understated presentation.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Dutch Colonies in the Caribbean & Suriname by Dornseiffen, 1884
Antique Map of Dutch Colonies in the Caribbean & Suriname by Dornseiffen, 1884

Antique Map of Dutch Colonies in the Caribbean & Suriname by Dornseiffen, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

No major tears or losses observed. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully with a wide off-white or warm ivory mat and a dark walnut, ebonized, or antique gilt frame.

Category

1880s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Asia Map with Middle East & India Insets – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876
Asia Map with Middle East & India Insets – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876

Asia Map with Middle East & India Insets – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears, holes, or repairs. Framing Tips: A warm ivory or soft cream mat highlights the subtle color washes, while a dark wood or black frame gives the map a strong presence suitab...

Category

1870s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antarctic Exploration Map by Noothoven van Goor with Early Discoveries, c.1876
Antarctic Exploration Map by Noothoven van Goor with Early Discoveries, c.1876

Antarctic Exploration Map by Noothoven van Goor with Early Discoveries, c.1876

Located in Langweer, NL

Black or dark walnut frames give a classic, museum-style presentation. Floating the map in a shadow-box frame also works well due to the strong geometric form.

Category

1870s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Germany Map with Berlin Inset – Het Duitsche Keizerrijk, Nieuwe Hand-Atlas 1876
Germany Map with Berlin Inset – Het Duitsche Keizerrijk, Nieuwe Hand-Atlas 1876

Germany Map with Berlin Inset – Het Duitsche Keizerrijk, Nieuwe Hand-Atlas 1876

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears, losses, or repairs. Framing Tips: This map frames beautifully with a warm ivory or light grey mat and a slim walnut or black wooden frame.

Category

1870s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Northern Palestine with The Tribes of Israel. Dutch, 1763
Antique Map of Northern Palestine with The Tribes of Israel. Dutch, 1763

Antique Map of Northern Palestine with The Tribes of Israel. Dutch, 1763

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map is well suited to a simple black or dark wood frame with a cream mat, emphasizing the engraved lines and aged paper.

Category

18th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Gaasterland, Friesland, The Netherlands, 1791
Antique Map of the Region of Gaasterland, Friesland, The Netherlands, 1791

Antique Map of the Region of Gaasterland, Friesland, The Netherlands, 1791

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong impression with attractive hand coloring. Framing tips: A dark wooden or walnut frame suits the bold outlines of the map.

Category

18th Century Austrian Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Raja Ampat and New Guinea, Bellin, Papuan Islands c.1749
Antique Map of Raja Ampat and New Guinea, Bellin, Papuan Islands c.1749

Antique Map of Raja Ampat and New Guinea, Bellin, Papuan Islands c.1749

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map benefits from a dark walnut or ebonized frame combined with a wide ivory or warm off-white mat to enhance contrast and bring out the hand ...

Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Map of France with Corsica and Paris Inset – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876
Map of France with Corsica and Paris Inset – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876

Map of France with Corsica and Paris Inset – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876

Located in Langweer, NL

The printed image is crisp, the colors soft and well-preserved, and the paper strong with no tears or repairs. Framing tips: A cream or ivory mat with a slim black or dark walnut fr...

Category

1870s Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

South Africa c.1890 Antique Folding Map – Cape Colony to Zambesi River
South Africa c.1890 Antique Folding Map – Cape Colony to Zambesi River

South Africa c.1890 Antique Folding Map – Cape Colony to Zambesi River

Located in Langweer, NL

Light age toning and minor handling wear at panel edges, but overall well-preserved with strong paper and clear printing. Framing tips: This map makes a dramatic display when opened...

Category

Late 19th Century South African Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

1616 Petrus Kaerius Map of Southern India and Ceylon – Narsinga et Ceylon
1616 Petrus Kaerius Map of Southern India and Ceylon – Narsinga et Ceylon

1616 Petrus Kaerius Map of Southern India and Ceylon – Narsinga et Ceylon

Located in Langweer, NL

The verso shows Latin text. Framing tips: This map will display elegantly in a slim black or dark wood frame with a gold inner edge to reflect its early 17th-century aesthetic.

Category

Early 17th Century German Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Cordes Bay, Port Famine & Fortescue Bay – Patagonia, 1774
Antique Map of Cordes Bay, Port Famine & Fortescue Bay – Patagonia, 1774

Antique Map of Cordes Bay, Port Famine & Fortescue Bay – Patagonia, 1774

Located in Langweer, NL

Framing tips This map benefits from a wide ivory or off-white mat to balance the multiple charts, framed in dark walnut or ebonized wood.

Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

1723 Antique Map of Asia – Carte d’Asie by Guillaume Delisle, Paris
1723 Antique Map of Asia – Carte d’Asie by Guillaume Delisle, Paris

1723 Antique Map of Asia – Carte d’Asie by Guillaume Delisle, Paris

Located in Langweer, NL

No restorations but some small tears outside the platemark and image. Framing Tip: This map would benefit from a wide mat in soft ivory or antique cream, paired with a classic gilt,...

Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Assam and Bhutan – Hand-Colored Lithograph by Vandermaelen, 1827
Antique Map of Assam and Bhutan – Hand-Colored Lithograph by Vandermaelen, 1827

Antique Map of Assam and Bhutan – Hand-Colored Lithograph by Vandermaelen, 1827

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong, stable paper and clean plate impression. Framing tips: This map pairs beautifully with a light wooden or antique gold frame and a cream or soft moss-green mat to echo the na...

Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Map of Formosa and Pescadores – French Jesuit Engraving by Portier, c.1790
Map of Formosa and Pescadores – French Jesuit Engraving by Portier, c.1790

Map of Formosa and Pescadores – French Jesuit Engraving by Portier, c.1790

Located in Langweer, NL

Paper remains strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: This map would look elegant in a slim black or dark walnut frame with a cream archival mat.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Hungary and Transylvania by Isaak Tirion, Amsterdam c.1740
Antique Map of Hungary and Transylvania by Isaak Tirion, Amsterdam c.1740

Antique Map of Hungary and Transylvania by Isaak Tirion, Amsterdam c.1740

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears or repairs are present. Framing Tips: This historic map is well suited for framing in a simple, narrow black or gold moulding to match its cartographic elegance.

Category

Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Map of Gironde France with Bordeaux Wine Region by Vuillemin, 19th c
Map of Gironde France with Bordeaux Wine Region by Vuillemin, 19th c

Map of Gironde France with Bordeaux Wine Region by Vuillemin, 19th c

Located in Langweer, NL

Engraved lines remain crisp, and the original hand-coloring is well-preserved and vibrant. Framing tips: This map looks excellent in a classic gold frame or deep mahogany wood to ec...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Western New York Antique Map – The Empire State, Railroads & Counties, c.1888
Western New York Antique Map – The Empire State, Railroads & Counties, c.1888

Western New York Antique Map – The Empire State, Railroads & Counties, c.1888

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong impression with excellent engraved detail. Framing tips: This map displays well in a dark oak or walnut frame with a cream or ivory mat.

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Rare 1888 Utah Map – The Beehive State’s Railroads, Counties & Great Salt Lake
Rare 1888 Utah Map – The Beehive State’s Railroads, Counties & Great Salt Lake

Rare 1888 Utah Map – The Beehive State’s Railroads, Counties & Great Salt Lake

Located in Langweer, NL

No major tears or repairs. Framing tips: A dark oak or walnut frame complements the antique character of the map, while a black frame with ivory matting provides a clean, modern con...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Hand-Coloured Map of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, ca.1599
Antique Hand-Coloured Map of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, ca.1599

Antique Hand-Coloured Map of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, ca.1599

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Tabula Asiae XI - 1599 Very old and decorative map of India, Sri Lanka and the Maledives. Put this map in a frame on the wall and amaze your visitors.

Category

16th Century Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Turkey in Asia, Middle East and Persia, Bonne, c.1780
Antique Map of Turkey in Asia, Middle East and Persia, Bonne, c.1780

Antique Map of Turkey in Asia, Middle East and Persia, Bonne, c.1780

Located in Langweer, NL

Please study the image carefully. Framing tips: This map benefits from a classic museum-style presentation.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Historical Map of Northern Europe and Russia - Engraved for I. Harrison, 1788
Historical Map of Northern Europe and Russia - Engraved for I. Harrison, 1788

Historical Map of Northern Europe and Russia - Engraved for I. Harrison, 1788

Located in Langweer, NL

The paper is strong, and the engraving remains crisp and sharp. Framing Tips: To highlight the historical charm of this map, choose a dark wooden frame with a gold or brass fillet...

Category

1780s Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Paris, "Carte Routiere des Environs de Paris" 1841
Antique Map of Paris, "Carte Routiere des Environs de Paris" 1841

Antique Map of Paris, "Carte Routiere des Environs de Paris" 1841

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Presented with the booklet cover, this map is archivally framed and protected with non-acidic matting and UV protective glass.

Category

1840s French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Original Spanish Brabant map with Brussels, Louvain and Antwerp quarters, c.1684
Original Spanish Brabant map with Brussels, Louvain and Antwerp quarters, c.1684

Original Spanish Brabant map with Brussels, Louvain and Antwerp quarters, c.1684

Located in Langweer, NL

No visible tears, creases, or repairs. Framing tips: This map would be best presented in a classic wooden or gold-leaf frame, paired with an off-white or cream-colored acid-free mat...

Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Thraciae Veteris Typus – 1618 Ortelius Map of Ancient Thrace with Hand Color
Thraciae Veteris Typus – 1618 Ortelius Map of Ancient Thrace with Hand Color

Thraciae Veteris Typus – 1618 Ortelius Map of Ancient Thrace with Hand Color

Located in Langweer, NL

A dark wood or gold-leaf frame will complement the map’s antique aesthetic, while a neutral or parchment-colored mat will enhance its classical appeal.

Category

Early 1600s Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Mayenne – Hand-Colored Engraving by Levasseur, France c.1850
Antique Map of Mayenne – Hand-Colored Engraving by Levasseur, France c.1850

Antique Map of Mayenne – Hand-Colored Engraving by Levasseur, France c.1850

Located in Langweer, NL

Crisp plate mark present. Framing tips: This map would look especially attractive with a cream or soft grey mat and a thin black or antique gold frame to emphasize the engraved deta...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Biblical Lands, Arabia and Canaan, Malte-Brun c.1820
Antique Map of the Biblical Lands, Arabia and Canaan, Malte-Brun c.1820

Antique Map of the Biblical Lands, Arabia and Canaan, Malte-Brun c.1820

Located in Langweer, NL

All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. This map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Hand-Colored Map of Westphalia – Copper Engraving by Ottens, Amsterdam c.1720
Hand-Colored Map of Westphalia – Copper Engraving by Ottens, Amsterdam c.1720

Hand-Colored Map of Westphalia – Copper Engraving by Ottens, Amsterdam c.1720

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark is clear, and the impression remains crisp and detailed. Framing Tips: This map deserves a classic and refined frame treatment.

Category

Early 17th Century European Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Map of India and Southeast Asia from Ptolemaic Geography – 16th Century Woodcut
Map of India and Southeast Asia from Ptolemaic Geography – 16th Century Woodcut

Map of India and Southeast Asia from Ptolemaic Geography – 16th Century Woodcut

Located in Langweer, NL

The verso text is clearly visible, adding to its authenticity. Framing Tips: This map would benefit from a museum-grade mount and framing.

Category

16th Century European Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Asia by Alexandre Blondeau, Paper Print, Circa 1800
Antique Map of Asia by Alexandre Blondeau, Paper Print, Circa 1800

Antique Map of Asia by Alexandre Blondeau, Paper Print, Circa 1800

Located in Langweer, NL

The engraved image remains clear and well-defined, with visible plate marks. Framing tips: This map works beautifully in a classic dark walnut or ebonized frame with a soft ivory or...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Plan of Dublin – Large Scale Victorian City Map, G.Bacon, Ordnance Atlas, 1885
Plan of Dublin – Large Scale Victorian City Map, G.Bacon, Ordnance Atlas, 1885

Plan of Dublin – Large Scale Victorian City Map, G.Bacon, Ordnance Atlas, 1885

Located in Langweer, NL

Please examine images for detailed condition. Framing tips: The map is offered unframed, allowing flexibility to select a frame that best suits the intended interior.

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Southern India – French Engraving by D’Anville, 18th Century
Antique Map of Southern India – French Engraving by D’Anville, 18th Century

Antique Map of Southern India – French Engraving by D’Anville, 18th Century

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong, clear impression on sturdy paper. Framing tips: This map would display beautifully in a dark wood or black frame with a cream or light tan archival mat, which would enhance ...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Elegant 18th Century Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne Showing Siberia & China, 1787
Elegant 18th Century Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne Showing Siberia & China, 1787

Elegant 18th Century Map of Asia by Rigobert Bonne Showing Siberia & China, 1787

Located in Langweer, NL

The engraving remains crisp and the original hand coloring is well preserved. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or black frame with a generous ivory or cr...

Category

18th Century French Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

1748 Homann Heirs Double Map of the East Indies and Southeast Asia
1748 Homann Heirs Double Map of the East Indies and Southeast Asia

1748 Homann Heirs Double Map of the East Indies and Southeast Asia

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears or repairs noted, but paper showing creases and wear due to handling over the last 300 years. Framing and Matting Tips: For a cohesive display, stitch the two maps as one...

Category

1740s Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

Map of Batavia’s Surroundings with Early Reference to Jakarta, Indonesia, c.1770
Map of Batavia’s Surroundings with Early Reference to Jakarta, Indonesia, c.1770

Map of Batavia’s Surroundings with Early Reference to Jakarta, Indonesia, c.1770

Located in Langweer, NL

No restoration has been carried out. Framing suggestion: This map would be best presented in a classic dark wood frame with a subtle gold fillet, paired with a cream or soft beige a...

Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Maps Framed

Materials

Paper

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Antique Maps Framed For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique maps framed for your home. Each antique maps framed for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using paper, wood and glass. Your living room may not be complete without an antique maps framed — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Each antique maps framed bearing Neoclassical, Mid-Century Modern or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. George F. Cram, Herman Moll and Townsend MacCoun each produced at least one beautiful antique maps framed that is worth considering.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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