Gold is a good partner for oak, dark walnut and linen, and the Sand desert in Gold picks up all three without competing. Its faded, vintage-style pattern comes from the design itself, not from any ageing treatment, which keeps it calm next to patterned cushions or a bold sofa. Like our other synthetic fibre rugs, it is happy to sit quietly in the background.

Does the Sand desert in Gold suit a busy family room?

It is a low pile rug, so toys, chair legs and bare feet glide across it easily. Its pile is 60% acrylic and 40% polypropylene, backed with jute, and the whole rug is machine-woven in Turkey. The colour runs through the fibre, so the gold looks even. The Sand desert works well in a living room, and it also holds its own under a dining table, in a children's room or in a play corner. It is also suitable for use over underfloor heating.

The gold Sand desert in the kitchen

It works well there in its rectangular shape. Place it in front of the worktop or under a breakfast table so the chairs still stand on it when pulled back. In front of the hob it lies low enough to serve as one of our kitchen rugs, and the size guide helps you work out which size to pick.

How do I look after the Sand desert in Gold?

Spills do not soak in straight away, so you have a moment to blot them with a clean cloth. After that, a little soapy water on a cloth lifts the rest, followed by plain water. Heat is the only real problem, so keep hot pans and irons well away from it, as our care guide warns for synthetic fibres. A brush vacuum is fine on a low pile like this.