An excellent use for nautical ropes: curtain tiebacks. UK company Stonk Knots supplies handmade, decorative curtain tiebacks; go to Stonk Knots Rope Design to view the offerings.

Above: Photo by Jordi Canosa.

Above:  Natural fiber rope curtain tieback with star knot tassel (can also be used as a lightpull).

Above: Plain loop tiebacks made with continuous crown plaiting in either flax or manila cord.