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.
Suspend Your Floor Lamp Up With Rope
Rope 1: Katie Rosenfeld Design, original photo on Houzz
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 2: DeGraw & DeHaan Architects, original photo on Houzz
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.
Bind the Base of Your Bar Stools With Layers of Rope
Rope 3: Sho-Con by Khrome Studios, original photo on Houzz
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 4: Kate Jackson Design, original photo on Houzz
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.
Rope 5: Our Town Plans, original photo on Houzz
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.
Rope 6: Dailinger Designs, original photo on Houzz
A sisal sash keeps these curtains in place. The rope is affixed to the wall with a common boat cleat.
Pick Up a Porthole Medicine Cabinet for a Nautical Vibe