Some collectors do prefer smaller maps since they are less expensive and easier to store. To take one example, Ortelius and de Jode both produced similar maps at about the same time. However, Ortelius produced far more editions of his atlas than de Jode, and de Jode maps are roughly triple the price of Ortelius maps. Many people buy maps intending to frame them and display them in their homes or offices. Such people are more attracted to a map with scrollwork, fancy borders, sea monsters, fine coloring, etc., than to a plainer map of the same region and age.
Some collectors also specialize in decorative maps.
Naturally this increases the price of such maps. The Germans, Dutch, English, Australians, Canadians, and Americans are some of the nationalities fond of maps of their countries. World maps are appreciated by collectors everywhere, and often the world map is the most expensive map in a given atlas. Maps of the continents, particularly America, are also in demand, as are maps of the Holy Land and Japan. Some idea of regional influence can be gained by inspecting listings for some of the more prolific cartographers such as Ortelius, Blaeu, Homann, Bowen, or Tallis.