What is macrame?

The concept of macrame comes from the Arabic word macramé, meaning fringe or lace. The meaning of the macrame technique is in knotted weaving of various threads. Cotton or woolen cords are usually used as a base, but you can take any strong, thick threads.

Important! Macrame is not only a method, but also products made from threads by tying knots.

macrame on a pendant

How can it be used in design?

Macrame in the interior can be used and look different. Let’s consider the main options for use.

Panel

The most common option is a macrame panel. They come in different shapes and sizes, the choice of item depends on the interior style, available space, and functionality of the room.

For example, small light wall panels on sticks, tapering towards the bottom, have always been used in the boho style. Modern interiors gravitate toward gray, black products of regular geometric shapes. There are also whole tapestries made using the macrame technique: they will suit boho, scandi, loft.

macrame panel

The photo shows a panel made of cotton yarn

boho style panel colored macrame

To wall macrame in the interior of houses looked appropriate, pay attention to the size:

  • in spacious rooms use large macrame decor;
  • in small rooms instead of one large detail it is better to take 2-4 small ones.

As for placement above the sofa or bed – the decoration should take up at least 50% of the width of the back, otherwise it will look scanty.

panel above the sofa panel of threads macrame from thin threads panel above the bed

Curtains

Experienced craftswomen in the macrame technique even weave curtains! Curtains hardly protect from the sun, but they create coziness and perfectly zone the space. Curtains are used to decorate windows in the kitchen, living room, or interior doorways.

Advantages of curtains:

  • can be moved apart, gathered into “bundles” on the sides of the window or passage;
  • suitable for non-standard windows, because can be of any width, length;
  • will fit into any concept, thanks to the variability of the pattern: from simple geometry to complex floral motifs.

macrame curtains macrame curtains thread curtains for windows

On photo long curtains on windows

Rugs

Since the color of macrame is mostly light (white, sand, cream), rugs have a decorative rather than practical function for the interior. They are laid not near the front door, but in living spaces: near the bed or sofa, in the bathroom, in the work or dining area of the kitchen.

Cozy large round rugs are placed in living rooms near the sofa. Compact woven rectangles are placed under the feet near the bed. Fringed rugs look great in eco- or Scandi-style children’s rooms.

bedside rug round macrame rug macrame rug

Napkins and tablecloths

Considering macrame as an idea for the home, many It seems that it is only applicable to the bedroom or the hall. In fact, most of the macrame decor will fit perfectly in the kitchen: be it curtains, carpets or even tablecloths!

Since macrame products have a number of features (voluminous knots alternate with empty spaces), the entire table is not covered with tablecloths: the dishes simply cannot stand evenly on such a base. But decorating the center of the dining table with a runner is another matter! It does not take up much space, while creating a cozy atmosphere.

Napkins made of durable ropes replace hot pads, and small flat squares or mugs replace coasters for glasses.

macrame table runner hot pads macrame table napkin

The photo shows a serving napkin in the boho style

Bedspread and blankets

Of course, a blanket made using the macrame technique will not warm up. But for the task of interestingly decorating upholstered furniture – you can’t find a better option.

macrame blanket macrame bed blanket decorate a macrame blanket

Place it on a sofa or armchair, or use it as one of the layers for covering the bed – for you don’t even need a full size 140*200 or more, a long woven track is enough.

woven macrame

Pillowcase

Another macrame option in the bedroom or living room is soft pillows tied with threads. They are not used to sleep on them, but to decorate upholstered furniture. A composition of several “thoughts” with various weaving looks dynamic and very stylish.

macrame pillowcase

Furniture covers

Standard macrame furniture ideas in interiors are limited to two options:

  • Hanging items made entirely of ropes.
  • Ordinary poufs or chairs tied with threads.

The first include various hammocks, hanging chairs, swings – such bright macrame decor will become the center of attraction of any apartment. Children and adults love to lie in hammocks or swing in a chair, so there is no need to worry that the original furniture will not be used.

macrame chair hammock macrame chair

Advice! To prevent the threads from digging into your body, place a soft dummy on the seat or lounger.

In the second situation, the macrame technique is used to decorate a finished product. Usually, a pouf, a bar stool or an ordinary ottoman are used as a basis – in general, any seat without a back. A “knitted” cover made to size is put on top of it.

macrame pouf macrame stools macrame sofa

The photo shows a knitted couch

Flower pots

A standard use for weaving is to decorate flower pots. The flowerpot is tied with knots, a hanger is made on top for the wall, ceiling: voila, the plants no longer take up space on the windowsill, do not need stands.

Look at the flowers that should be in every apartment.

hanging flower pots hangers for flower pots woven hangers for flowers

Decorative accessories

In addition to the above applications, there are many other decor options:

  • stylish lampshades for sconces, floor lamps, pendants;
  • vases made from suitable containers and threads;
  • children’s hammocks, houses, canopies with fancy patterns;

macrame lampshade

The photo shows wicker lampshades

macrame style shelf decorate ikea basket

  • original dream catchers;
  • stylish garlands;
  • Christmas tree, interior decorations;
  • storage pockets;
  • shelf holders.

macrame vase

In what style can it be used?

Macrame in a modern high-tech or minimalist style will definitely be inappropriate, but there are many other, more decorative styles where this art takes pride of place.

Boho

A mixture of ethnic, vintage details with hippie style. Natural materials and basic shades are considered integral attributes. Therefore, wooden decorations with ropes will fit in perfectly.

bedroom in boho style macrame in the interior macrame in boho interior

Scandinavian

Wicker works look great in the surroundings cool monochrome designs: they make Scandi look cosier. Bonus: one of the attributes of the style is considered to be indoor plants, which are just asking to be put in knitted flowerpots.

Check out a selection of indoor plants that are easy to care for.

macrame in Scandi style Scandinavian interior with macrame

Loft

Since the industrial style is also quite eclectic, macrame will not be superfluous: however, it is better to use dark products – black, gray, brown, burgundy.

macrame in the loft

Design options

The variability of macrame is not limited to wall decor: headboards, air partitions for zoning kitchens and living rooms, and baby cradles are woven from threads.

decorate the wall with macrame macrame above the bed macrame headboard unusual macrame wall hanging unusual macrame

The works of experienced craftsmen amaze with their complexity and originality: tapestries with unusual patterns and details worked out to the smallest detail. Or volumetric bizarre figures of an abstract type – if you are looking for something original for your apartment, take a closer look at such works of art.

volumetric macrame

How does it look in the interior of different rooms?

Application in living rooms is limited to the “soft” zone: a rug on the floor, a wall above the sofa, flowers in pots or wicker baskets by the armrest.

Wicker panels, dream catchers are hung above the headboard of the bed. Rugs are laid at the foot of the bed. Poufs or ottomans with fringe look original.

boho style table runner curtain zoning macrame children's playhouse

Macrame in children’s interiors is limited only by imagination: hanging chairs, mats, panels, blankets, night lights.

The dining area in the kitchen can be decorated with table runners, lampshades for ceiling lamps. In the work area, hang flowers in flowerpots or install a knitted shelf for spices.

Despite the high humidity, decor made of cords is used in bathrooms: flower holders or woven pockets where you can put cosmetics will be useful.

decorate the wall above the sofa

See additional examples of using weaving techniques in our gallery!

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