Cream ground, a deep border and an all-over oriental pattern: the Bakhtiar runner looks like a rug that has been in the same hallway for decades. Cream keeps the pattern soft, so the design draws the eye without shouting, and it suits anyone who likes the look of a Persian rug in a lighter shade.

Short pile keeps the pattern crisp and the surface even underfoot. Over underfloor heating, the Bakhtiar runner is fine. A runner is made for narrow spaces, so it works well in a hallway, for example leading to the stairs. Leave a strip of floor at each end so doors swing freely, and pick the length from our size guide. In the bedroom, a pair of them, one on each side of the bed, would look good, and a pale shade like this keeps the floor looking bright.

Wool makes up the pile (100%), and the backing is wool too. Hand-knotted in India, it was made knot by knot. Depending on where you stand, the cream can look a touch lighter or darker, because the pile has a direction. That is normal. That shifting shade comes with hand-knotted wool rugs, and the deep border gives this one the look of classic oriental rugs. The Bakhtiar also comes in red.

New wool sheds a few loose fibres at first, but that fades with regular vacuuming. Turn the Bakhtiar now and then so sun and footfall wear it evenly, and slip a non-slip pad under it, cut a little smaller than the runner. Blot spills with a pale cloth, working from the outside in, just as our rug care page describes for wool. Never rub.