With a pale sofa, oak side tables and linen cushions, a white Gabbeh keeps the whole seating area light. Let at least the front feet of the sofa and armchairs stand on it and the group reads as one. Beside the bed it works well too, and among our bedroom rugs it is the plain white choice.

Wool is a natural fibre from the sheep. White stays calm. This low pile rug is 100% wool in the pile, with a wool back, and was woven by hand in India. It suits underfloor heating and belongs with jaloom's wool rugs. Handmade, it can differ slightly from its listed size, so check the size before you order.

Turn it every few months so light and footsteps spread out. Blot any spill on the white wool with a light cloth from the outside in, as our care guide describes. Laid on an underlay a little smaller than itself, the white Gabbeh stays put and keeps its corners down.