FOCAL POINT STYLING: 20+ HOME DECORATING IDEAS WITH ROPE

Including some type of rope into your home's decor has become increasingly popular over the past three years. It's a key textured element in another decor trend, which has increased in popularity this Summer as well: Nautical. I happen to really like the texture rope can add to a space. Rope can be applied in so many ways, in form and function, from something as simple as a rope trimmed lamp shade to a rope wrapped occasional table to even a stairway balustrade or railing. Rope is also very transitional - It can work as a nautical element in Spring and Summer, but it can also work as rustic treatment in Fall or Winter. Rope can work in a coastal home - or a home in the southwest just as well. If you like the look of nautical style for summer, but you don't want to get as themed as displaying anchors or life savers, consider layering in a rope decor detail or two into your home...

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20 ideas of where and how rope can work for you in your home...

1. This simple vignette is probably on of my favorite ways to layer rope details into home decor. I actually tried this for a rope globe on our coffee table (Fall 2012)

2. You can make your own rope accented lanterns and vases like these from Made In A Day...

3. Or you can buy them already made from several stores online, such as wayfair.com or find locally at decor stores such as HomeGoods...

4. With so many people pickling and canning, mason jars can get yet another life with rope and become a rustic light fixture like above found on Etsy...

5. Love the simplicity of these rope wrapped side tables - Also a great way to transform an old existing table or a thrifted wicker find...

6. Rope can add a wow factor as a unique top treatment to window panels - Excellent for panels with grommets and also a great no-sew solution to extend panels and create height in a small space...

7. Wrap bottle in a textured pattern using both rope and string twine...

8. Update old hardware with paint and twine rope wrap like these from House Rivals...

9. Create a rope handled caddy, or simple switch out drawer handles for the rope pulls - Could be fun on a kids dresser or a night stand!

10. Wrap the chains of your porch swing with rope!

Besides decorative accents, another creative idea for using rope in your home decor is to incorporate rope into the design of your stairway...

11a. LOVE these rope railings from Belk Farm, a rebuilt farmhouse in Chester, South Carolina...

11b. Perfect for a beach house, more themed, but still functional is to use rope as the balustrade (also known as a banister - the uprights holding the railing) such as this unique staircase using rope + boat cleats designed by C Designs...

11c. Love the texture mix in this gorgeous stairwell, published in House Beautiful Magazine, which shows how Thom Filicia used heavy sisal rope in place of a traditional railing. I especially love how the rope ends, wrapped around a large cleat and tied in decorative knot at the bottom of the stairs!

12. Based on the idea of a childhood rope swing, another creative use of rope is seen in Traditional Home's Alys Beach Designer Showhouse where hanging shelves were created using jute rope and driftwood...

13. Layer in a touch of rope texture as a fruit bowl for the kitchen like this one from Kate at Centsational Girl...

14. Recycle coffee cans and grow your own herbs in these rope wrapped herb pots from My House and Home

15. Or simply wrap tired terracotta pots in rope for your porch or patio - and even add color with a painted stripe. Very nicely done from House by Hoff!

16. Upcycle an old lamp you have (or one you picked up thrifting) by wrapping it in rope like Martha Stewart did - shown above. The same process can also be applied to a glass vase you may not want to part with because you like its shape - but maybe don't use as often because it's stained inside. (I'm guilty of having a few and would like to try this trick for them!)

17. Or just simply rope wrap a basic white drum shade with rope for a new look...

18. Rope can also be added in a powder room - Add a touch of rope in this small space, using Martha Stewart's example of a rope towel holder and mirror...

19. A simple rope wrapped mirror may be all you need - Check out all of these you can DIY at Completely Coastal, a tutorial at Shabby Creek Cottage or you can also find rope mirrors at Bliss Home & Design...

20. And last but 'knot' least - go all out nautical and wrap that life preserve in rope, and stencil the call to the BEACH! See how to make this personalized life ring at Rustic Crafts - Chic Decor

Speaking of nautical knots...

BONUS Rope Decor Idea: This tie back is a nautical knot called a 'Monkey Fist' - You can watch a video called "How to Tie a Monkey's Fist - Nautical Knot" and apply to making a few of these rope knots to add to a bookcase, a bowl, or a console table.