Barley Burgundy Rug

A whitewashed cottage in Cornwall, salt on the windows, and underfoot a rug in Burgundy that glows like a glass of claret. Layered threads wool the shade of red wine through golden jute in a compact check pattern. From across the room the effect is a warm terracotta, close by it looks like a hand stitched basket weave.

Lay it in the snug with a deep armchair, a reading lamp and a rattan basket of throws, or set it against pale walls and scrubbed boards with an olive or chocolate sofa. The 75 x 240 cm runner is made for the hallway or boot room, where a bit of colour cheers up the muddy boots. For other rooms, 140 x 200 cm fits beside a bed, 180 x 270 cm suits a cosy sitting room, 200 x 300 cm frames a sofa, 250 x 350 cm anchors a full seating area and 300 x 400 cm covers a large open room.

Each Barley rug is handmade in Bhadohi, India, with the traditional punja technique, packing the yarn tight with a heavy comb. It is 70% jute and 30% wool on a cotton warp, around 14 mm thick, firm and honest underfoot, and fine over underfloor heating. Expect small variations in size and colour from the handwork. Keep it away from water and never wash it, since jute is sensitive to moisture. Vacuum frequently, shake and air it from time to time, and blot spills immediately.