21 Rope Crafts to Tie Your Home Dècor Together

You might think rope is more suited to sailors, scouts, and climbers than it is to interior decorators, but the same details that make rope sturdy—its innate twists, turns, and braids—also give it a strong visual presence. That's why we love using it for decorative projects.

To start working rope into your home, choose either glossy white nylon rope (available at hardware stores) or, for decorations where a bright shade is fitting, colorful utility cord (available at camping stores). Either will set you back just a few cents per foot. By winding and weaving rope, which is available in different thicknesses and colors, you can elevate it from trusty standby to elegant trim. Many of these crafts involve nothing more complicated than coiling rope and gluing it into place. If, however, you enjoy the handiwork of knots, try the projects that make use of tying and braiding.

All of which means that rope can inspire beautiful projects throughout your entire space: Twirl it into coverings for café stools, weave it into napkin rings, or braid it into a beach-house-ready doormat. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy some summertime relaxation, you can use the material to tie up your favorite hammock. There are likely rooms in your home that serve as your own oasis, too. To make a well-decorated at-home retreat in a space like your bathroom, decking out your mirrors in a jute border adds a maritime flair. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you along the way, so it will be easy to learn the ropes—or at least how to decorate with them.

Channel your inner deckhand and get the bathroom shipshape with this easy rope-based decoration. To begin, measure and cut two segments of the rope—one to fit around the mirror's outer edge, the other to fit just inside the first. Glue the rope to the mirror, lining up the ends for a neat seam. Secure with the painters' tape until it's dry. Once it's dry, make a knotted hanger: Cut a 45-inch length of the rope, and tie a knot on both ends (we used a variation on the figure-eight knot. Glue the knotted ends of rope to the sides of the mirror; one knot should cover the seams. Secure with the painters' tape until it's dry.

Shop Now: Tenn Well Jute Rope, $13.89, amazon.com; Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, $7.84, amazon.com; 3R Studios Unframed Wall Mirror with Rounded Corners, 27 1/2" by 27 1/2", $90, walmart.com.

Bring a handy caddy to your bathroom with rope accents that make it easy to carry all of your beauty essentials. To make your own, drill two holes 4-1/2 inches apart on the ends of the tray. Cut a 13-inch length of rope for each handle. Feed it through the holes. To hold the rope in place, wrap the twine around each end three times, gluing it as you wrap. Use tape to secure the twine until it's dry. Remove the tape, and trim the excess rope with a craft knife.

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Like magic, humble cotton cord meant for Venetian blinds becomes a basket with natural appeal and chic style. To begin, transfer the glue to the applicator bottle. Cross two pieces of twill tape over the bottom of a flowerpot; secure with a small piece of tape. Dab glue on the end of the cord and along a few inches of the length; be generous but neat with the glue. Carefully wind the cord to make a flat spiral about 1-1/2 inches across; place it on the bottom of the pot, where the pieces of twill tape cross. Continue gluing and wrapping, pressing each new layer of the cord to the one before it. To add a stripe, cut the cord, and make a straight (not angled) cut. Dab glue onto the exposed end. Take a cord in a different color—also cut with a very neat, straight end—and press it right up against the end of the first. Continue gluing and wrapping until the stripe is the width you want. Repeat, adding more stripes as desired.

When the basket is the size you want (you don't have to cover the entire pot), cut the cord straight, cover the end with glue, and press in place. Let the glue dry (about one hour). Remove the plastic form by gently flexing the rim of the pot and then pulling ends of the twill tape. If your basket breaks, just add the glue along the edges of the break; it dries clear, so don't worry if it seeps through to the outside of the basket.

Shop Now: Bloem Saturn Planter, $10, target.com; Gorilla Glue, $7.49, walmart.com; Husky Long Nose Pliers, $8.97, homedepot.com; Venetian-blind Cord, from $5, jamaligarden.com; Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, $3.88, walmart.com.

Give family and friends a sail-worthy welcome to your house with this simple rope doormat. The braided design brings a unique, summery twist to your entryway, and the process of creating it is easy enough for anyone to follow at home. Made complete with nylon rope, a sewing needle, and craft glue for the main materials, you will be able to follow along and craft this nautical-weaved doormat in no time.

It goes without saying that dining with your whole family can make dinnertime an experience to remember. When it comes to place settings? They can make a big difference in setting the atmosphere—especially when they have a pop of color. Try these figure-eight knotted napkin rings to add on top of your favorite dishes and silverware. The simple touch will catch everyone's eye no matter the occasion and make for a fun project to try.

Add comfort and color to a dining nook with pillows that hang from knobs on the wall. Turn 8-inch lengths of the rope or sturdy cord into loops by stitching through their ends. Stitch the loops to the back corners of the pillows. To hang them, choose cabinet knobs that look good with the pillows and your décor. Remove the screws that come with the knobs, and replace them with the hanger bolts, which have a pointed end to drill into the wall. Position the pillows where you want them, and use a pencil to mark the wall where the knobs should go. Drill the holes using a bit just smaller than the hanger bolt. Twist the knobs into the holes. Hang the pillows.

Shop Now: RYOBI 5.5 Amp Variable Speed Compact Drill, $39.97, homedepot.com; Magnolia Snap Closure Throw Pillow, $20, target.com; Liberty Classic Round Cabinet Knob, $22.98, target.com.  

Nothing says home quite like time spent with family and friends. Another perk is decorating your space with pieces that add flair when you have any get-together. Deck out a mirror with rope to make simple, stunning adornments for your walls. While the mirrors give off an elegant vibe, they are actually rather easy and inexpensive to put together.

Looking to revamp your home décor? These nautical-inspired lights will create an inviting ambience whenever you walk into your home. Brought together mainly with craft glue and a pendant lamp, this upgrade to the lighting in your home will be a breeze.

Opt for cords made of natural fibers like cotton (available at sewing-supply or trim stores), and take your pick of beads from crafts shops (make sure they're big enough to accommodate the cord thickness). The materials pack well for road trips, and the technique is a cinch. Spend a rainy afternoon creating one or a whole bunch—after all, giving them to friends is part of the fun. Cut a 50-inch length of the cord; fold it in half. Tape the fold to a flat surface. Make a knot: Take the right strand and create a circle on the top of the left strand. With the left strand, make a loop around the circle, weaving the end under the right strand just above the circle. Pull the same strand toward the left and under itself to form a pretzel. Tighten by pulling the two ends outward. Work the knot up to the desired spot. Keep making knots.

Shop Now: Woodworks Round Wood Beads, from $2.30, craftparts.com; On Shel Polyester Cotton Cord, $14.89, amazon.com. 

Put a twist on a traditional front door wreath and make one out of rope instead. Made from rope, this one gives off beachy vibes, making it perfect for summer.

Get to swinging with this fun, kid-friendly addition to your yard. Begin by drilling a 3/8-inch hole through the limb of a tree. Attach an eyebolt with a washer and locknut. Loop the rope around the tire, then tie a knot. Loop the other end around the quick link, adjusting the length as necessary (a tire should hang high enough so feet won't drag, but it should be low enough so kids can stop themselves); cut off any excess rope. Lastly secure the knot and fasten to the eyebolt, and you will be ready to hop on.

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You will love creating this fun DIY, and the birds that frequent your yard will love their new rest spot. Lightweight wood and its A-frame shape makes this modern birdhouse feel different than all the rest. Use rope to secure it to a branch—and place next to a bird feeder if you have one—to complete the outdoor craft.

After a day at the beach, re-create an oceanic habitat with the treasures you've collected. You can make this possible by using a nautical map as the backdrop for your marine-like décor. The special part of this deep-sea decoration is that you can add as much detail as you'd like. For an intricate design, try featuring blue waves made out of blue paper. If you're feeling even more adventurous, try your hand at adding free-floating fish to the aquatic display and secure it to your wall with rope.

Relaxing under the trees is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, and that's especially true if you have hammock to lounge in as you soak up beautiful weather. This craft is a staple year-round. It gives you the chance to attach the hammock to trees with ease and pick it up and take it to another spot if you want to switch up your routine.

Pets are key parts of the family, and their comfort should be kept in mind when it comes to crafting, too. While toys and catnip are sure to keep your felines busy, something to scratch on would help in their everyday routine. This cat scratcher magazine rack allows cats to scratch away without sacrificing a prized piece of furniture in your home. This craft will double as a place to store your favorite reads and a place they use on their own.

Add macramé knots to your prized vases for a stunning new design. Cut an even number of strings approximately a yard and a half long. Loop each string around your ruler. Next, tape or clamp your ruler down to your work surface, which will secure the base of your string to make the tying process easier. Each knot is made using four strings. Take the left string and place it over the middle two strings. Take the fourth string and go over the first white string that you just finished moving and then under the middle two. Then go through the loop you created on the left. Now simply repeat that same knot again and again down the length of your string. Repeat the process on the other side with the four strings to the right. Then, to join both sides together, repeat the process with the middle four strings, using two from each original grouping. Repeat the knotting process until you have a long enough macramé to wrap around your vase. Remove the tape and carefully slip your work off of your ruler Finally, working with two strings from each side at a time, tie your macramé around your vase and trim the excess.

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Carry your picnic mat in effortless style with the help of this craft. Loop a long piece of the clothesline once around the mat, near one end; the shorter end of the clothesline should be about 1-1/2 feet. Tie the clothesline in a double knot. Run the longer end of the clothesline along the length of the mat. Holding that section of the line in place, make another loop around the mat, near the opposite end. Tie a double knot. Gather the two ends of clothesline together. Holding the lines together, as if they were one strand, tie them in a knot to make a sling. Trim the ends as needed.

Shop Now: Pearl River Heavy Straw Mat, $25.50, pearlriver.com; Lehigh Diamond Braid Nylon Rope, 1/8" by 48", $7.42, amazon.com.

Create keychains with pops of color that can hold your keys and other essentials with ease. With super glue, secure the end of the cord to the carabiner just above the opening; let it dry. Wind the cord around the frame until you reach the bottom of gate. Trim the cord and glue to secure. With super glue, secure a double strand of cord to ring where it's bolted to clasp; let it dry. Make overhand knots around the outside of the ring, as shown. Secure the cord ends with glue.

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Anchor down your table in creative fashion with this rope-inspired design. Begin by running a piece of the standard boat rope along the underside of a table (the rope should be 4-1/2 times the width of the table); bring the two long, loose ends to the top of table. Tie the ends in a square knot on the top of the table. Bring the loose ends back down under the table, and tie them. Repeat with another piece of rope at the other end of the table. A simple square knot adds a hint of the sea to any summer table setting. Wrap a length of the rope under the table, with the ends of the rope facing up. Pull the ends parallel with one end in each hand. Loop the rope in your left hand over the rope in your right hand, then pull it under the rope in your right hand. Create a circle with the ends, placing the rope in your left hand over the rope in your right hand. Pull the rope on top under the rope on the bottom to create a knot. Pull the ends taut, and tie them under the table.

Shop Now: Lehigh Diamond Braid Nylon Rope, 1/8" by 48", $7.42, amazon.com.

A plain pair of wooden seats gets a bright new look from simple coils of rope. To prevent fraying, singe one end of the rope with a lighter; then sand it to remove any black char. Lightly sand the stool top. Using a caulking gun, gingerly apply the construction adhesive to the stool's center. Roll a 3-inch spiral of the rope to start, and glue it down by holding it for a few seconds until it's secure. Continue gluing and spiraling as you go, until the top and sides of the seat are covered. Snip off the end, singe and sand it, and glue it under the seat.

Shop Now: Lehigh Diamond Braid Nylon Rope, 1/8" by 48", $7.42, amazon.com; Miady Assorted Grit Sandpaper, $11, amazon.com; Dakota Counter Wooden Stool, 24", $34, target.com; Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, $7.97, homedepot.com; SolidWork Chaulk Gun, $30, amazon.com.

These coiled bookends are an eye-catching statement mixed with your favorite reads. Using the masking tape, secure the rope to side of the cube. Continue until the front and back of the block are fully covered. Tape at the corner. Give the cube a quarter turn; wrap in the opposite direction to cover the sides. Wrap the remaining sides by threading through the open loops. Pull each loop from first round until the rope is flush with the cube. Trim the ends and secure to the cube with permanent craft glue.

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