Feeling Knotty? Add a Little Rope to Your Decor

Whoever said, “Give a man enough rope and he’ll hang himself” obviously never saw all of the wonderful ways you can incorporate rope into a home’s interior.

Whether used in furniture or lighting, or in place of hardware, rope lends an informal touch and an element of surprise to any room. It’s particularly well suited to vacation homes, thanks to its lack of pretension and the way it captures the bucolic spirit of both forest and shore. It’s also great for adding contrast and texture to a more contemporary setting.

A slinky floor lamp fashioned from rope looks right at home in this New England waterfront retreat, where the material echoes the natural fibers in the rug and baskets. Even the armchair by the fireplace looks like it’s full of knots.


Rope stools provide a casual alternative to a coffee table in this New York sunroom. Textures are crucial in a neutral space like this to help ward off monotony.


Prefer a subtle touch? Try wrapping rope around the rim of a table or affixing it to the outside of a picture frame.


An old-fashioned ball of twine gets blown up to Brobdingnagian proportions in this San Francisco interior. The rope’s toothy texture helps soften the sleek lines of the kitchen and coffee table, and the roundness blunts the boxiness of the sectional.


Rope lends a nautical touch to this Rhode Island stairwell. Aside from being an affordable alternative to conventional handrail materials, rope is particularly adept at taking on corners or unconventional configurations. The knotted joints prevent sagging and are a particularly playful touch.


Would you like to swing on a star? Wouldn’t we all? Until that day comes, content yourself with a hanging bed and let its gentle swaying rock you off to sleep.


Jute frames add dimension to this bathroom wall and fit the casual character of the trough sink.


What could be better with a porthole medicine cabinet than a rope towel rack? To add to the authenticity, the cord is suspended from dock rings usually used to tie up a boat.


Rope handles give a chest of drawers a maritime mien. Each handle is made from a single strand that’s threaded through a quartet of holes, knotted in front and stapled to the wood in back.


A sisal sash keeps these curtains in place. The rope is affixed to the wall with a common boat cleat.


An old-fashioned rope swing inspired the bookshelf in this San Francisco child’s room.


Speaking of kids: rope baskets are a great cure for clutter. They look great, come in an endless array of colors and patterns, and keep clutter out of sight.


With its bleached rope, dapper tassels and elegant electrified candles, this wall sconce from Casa Acanto straddles the line between formality and informality.

Alternatively, try wrapping cord around an existing fixture to dress it up; this can give new life to a flea market find.


Glass pendant lights hang from strands of rope in this sleek British kitchen, offering a casual counterpoint to the room’s crisp lines. Again, you can achieve a similar look by wrapping twine around an existing pendant cord, or have a lamp shop or an electrician run coated wire through a length of rope.

More: Guest Picks: Get Roped In

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