Red wool has a way of making plain furniture look considered. Put the Akhche Bokhara in front of a grey linen sofa or a dark oak sideboard and the room suddenly has a centre. The pattern is classic oriental, and this rug was knotted by hand in Afghanistan.

Hand-spun wool, knotted in Afghanistan

Both the pile and the backing are wool, and the pile is 100% hand-spun, which gives the yarn a slightly uneven, lively character. Each knot is tied by hand, so small variations in the red are part of the rug. New wool rugs shed a few loose fibres at first. Regular vacuuming deals with that. From pile to backing, the red Bokhara is a wool rug through and through.

Where the Akhche Bokhara in red fits

Short pile keeps the pattern sharp. It is suitable for underfloor heating, which is handy in a lounge or dining room. Rectangular like this, it works under a sofa and coffee table, under a dining table with the chairs pulled out, or as a bedroom rug beside a bed, where bold red gives a plain room a focal point. Measure the seating or bedside area against our advice on rug sizes before you order, and the same design also comes as a runner for a hallway.

Keeping the red Akhche Bokhara looking good

Where a chair leg has left a dent, dampen the spot lightly and the wool usually springs back. Every so often, beat the rug gently from the back and air it. Turn it now and then so sunlight and footfall are shared out evenly, as our rug care guide recommends for hand-knotted wool. Otherwise, gentle vacuuming is all the red Bokhara needs.