A dining room with white walls and light oak chairs gets a strong anchor from the Ava in black. The plain surface lets the table and chairs take shape against it.

• Pile: 100% viscose
• Cotton backing
• Handwoven in India
• Short pile, plain black
• Suitable for underfloor heating

Warp and weft give the handwoven Ava its structure, and the viscose pile adds a dark sheen. Being handmade, its size may differ slightly. Beneath a dining table, choose it big enough that chairs pushed back still stand on it, as with all our dining room rugs. Living rooms suit the black Ava too, and it is part of jaloom's viscose rugs. Choosing the right size is easier with the table measured.

An underlay a little smaller than the rug keeps it from sliding. Spills come up dry, pressed gently rather than rubbed, following our rug care tips. A vacuum on low power, moved with the pile, is enough for regular cleaning.