Basket Weave Sisal Brown Rug

Late afternoon light in a Georgian townhouse, falling through tall sash windows onto a rug in Brown, is a fine thing to see. The sisal is a soft tobacco shade, scattered with lighter flecks of raw fibre and woven by hand into a compact basket pattern. Quiet, grown up and firm underfoot.

Brown gives a room a sense of weight. Set it under a caramel velvet armchair and a slim round table against pale plaster walls, or take the 75 x 240 cm runner up to the landing or along the hall, where its colour hides daily traffic. 140 x 200 cm fits a study or bedside, 180 x 270 cm a compact sitting room, 200 x 300 cm a sofa with two armchairs. Choose 250 x 350 cm to anchor a larger seating area, or 300 x 400 cm for a generous drawing room.

Woven by hand in Bhadohi, India, from 100% sisal, the rug stands about 8 mm high. Sisal is the fibre of the agave leaf, firmer and rougher than jute, and among the most hard wearing natural materials for busy spaces. It is fine on underfloor heating. As each rug is made by hand, slight variations in dimensions and shade are to be expected. Moisture is the enemy, so never wash it: vacuum often, air it and shake it out occasionally, and blot spills promptly with a dry cloth.