Wallpaper - Old Map of Southeast Asia, 1570

Our Old Map of Southeast Asia, 1570 wallpaper brings historic 16th-century cartography to life, detailing Southeast Asia, China, and Japan with intricate coastlines, regional labels, and decorative illustrations of sailing ships and mythical sea creatures. Created by Ortelius, the composition is anchored by an ornate cartouche, crowned crest, and measured borders, set against a muted palette of steel blue, earthy browns, and subtle green tones. Produced as made-to-measure mural wallpapers on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure, this design brings a rich sense of historical curiosity to any interior.

In the room

Because of the density of fine cartographic line work and historical text, we think this design works best on an uninterrupted feature wall where the entire continental scale and maritime details remain visible. In a home office, library, or dedicated study, placing our wallpaper behind a desk or reading area creates an engaging backdrop that invites closer viewing. It also suits larger living rooms or dining rooms where the balanced composition can anchor the space, whether positioned along an open wall behind a dining table or behind a low-profile sofa. For a hallway or staircase with good sightlines, the expansive layout provides continuous visual interest as you move through the space.

Styling it

To let the detailed linework of the map remain the primary focus, we suggest pairing this design with quiet, classic furniture forms and understated surrounding finishes. Deep timber pieces, such as antique mahogany, dark oak, or walnut, complement the heritage character of 16th-century printmaking without competing with the illustration.

For upholstery and curtains, smooth wools or plain linens in warm oat, unbleached flax, or deep navy maintain a clean, grounded look. We recommend avoiding heavily patterned rugs or busy wall art nearby, giving the map room to breathe and serve as the main narrative element in the room.

Colour combinations

The palette within our wallpaper is defined by soft steel blue waters, warm parchment and earthy brown landmasses, and subtle green accents across inland regions.

When choosing paint colours for adjoining walls, skirting boards, or woodwork, warm off-whites, pale stone, and muted buff tones create a calm, seamless transition. If you prefer deeper contrast, a dark slate blue drawn from the oceanic tones or a muted olive green can add depth to doors, library shelving, or architectural trim.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, all of our wallpapers are made-to-measure according to your specific wall dimensions, helping to reduce unnecessary excess compared to standard rolls. Our wall murals are printed on durable, PVC-free paper with a subtle physical structure, and they are designed to be straightforward to hang in any home.