This Home Decor Trend Has Gone from Nautical to Mod, and I’m Here for Version 2.0

Written by

Laura Fenton
Laura Fenton
Laura Fenton is the author of The Little Book of Living Small. She writes about home design and sustainability, and is a regular contributor to Apartment Therapy. Her work has been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Eater, New York Magazine, and Real Simple.
updated Aug 19, 2022
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Credit: Pottery Barn

Home decor trends tend to come and go in a cyclical fashion, so it’s always a nice surprise when a design trend comes back around. Rope accents have long been a hallmark of nautical-themed decor, which itself regularly goes in and out of style (but is always stylish, let’s be real).

Rope’s a popular material for a good reason: Rope accents are neutral, natural, and often practical and affordable. However, lately I’ve noticed a shift in the home accessories that feature rope. The latest crop of rope home accents have a decidedly modern edge to them — think less New England clam shack and more California casual — and I’m loving this sleek spin on a classic style. Check out these 10 home accessories, lighting pieces, and small furnishings, which all feature rope in a whole new light.

Credit: Pottery Barn

1. Woven Rope Handcrafted Framed Wall Art

Intricately laid lengths of rope fill this 33” x 44” frame to create a sizable piece of abstract artwork that can be hung either vertically or horizontally. It would look fab hung over a headboard.

Buy: Woven Rope Handcrafted Framed Wall Art, $238.99 from Pottery Barn

Credit: Pottery Barn

2. Marlin Side Table

Made with two tones of natural rope, this simple cylindrical side table is topped with glass for a sleek and modern look. Try one bedside or next to a sofa.

Buy: Marlin 14″ Rope Side Table, $599.00 from Pottery Barn

3. Conical Rope Table Lamp

I love how the classic rope-wrapped table lamp is reimagined with a mid-century-inspired silhouette. For an even more contemporary look, top it with a black shade!

Buy: Conical Rope Table Lamp, $139.00 from Scandinavian Designs

Credit: Joss & Main

4. Simon Dimmable Pendant

The dramatic shape of this angular shade is made from handwoven natural raffia rope, stretched over a metal frame. Hang one over your breakfast table or in an entryway. It even comes in a white rope finish, if you want a different look.

Buy: Simon Dimmable Pendant, $270.00 from Joss & Main

Credit: Lamps Plus

5. Besa Solo Wide Knotted Rope Black Mini Pendant

Think of this knotted rope design as a rope-style pendant stripped down to the absolute basics. Paired with an exposed, Edison-style bulb, the light has an industrial look.

Buy: Besa Solo 2″ Wide Knotted Rope Black Mini Pendant, $220.50 from Lamps Plus

Credit: Lamps Plus

6. Pascal Wide Light Natural Drum Coffee Table

This coffee table takes the popular stacked silhouette and renders it in hand-woven pandan rope. Depending on what you pair it with, it could go super-mod or more traditionally coastal.

Buy: Pascal 42″ Wide Light Natural Drum Coffee Table, $1,099.00 from Lamps Plus 

7. Clyde Centerpiece Footed Bowl

A footed terracotta bowl becomes a major statement piece, thanks to its five rope-wrapped handles. She’s a splurge, but she sure is pretty.

Buy: Clyde Centerpiece by Arteriors, $325.00 from Arteriors Home

Credit: West Elm

8. Pretti.Cool Door Stop

Pretti.Cool’s concrete door stop is an industrial-chic alternative to the classic rope knot doorstop. Choose from two finishes of terrazzo for the material of the stopper.

Buy: Pretti.Cool Door Stop, $120.00 from West Elm

Credit: Magnolia

9. Plant Stand

Wrapped in tightly-coiled rope, this tripod plant stand is a thoroughly-modern way to display your plant babies. Fill an empty corner with one, or use it in a grouping of planters to give your natural vignette some height. This style comes in three sizes, too.

Buy: Bleached Woven Plant Stands, $62.00 from Magnolia Home

Credit: Afa Stores

10. Palimar Wall Mirror

This 3-foot diameter wall mirror is framed in a wide border of natural sisal rope — with nary a sailor’s knot in sight! It’d be great in a foyer or even over the sink in a powder room.

Buy: Palimar Wall Mirror, $267.00 from Afa Stores