Flat-woven checks in sand and cream, and a long, narrow strip of floor between the cooker and the back door that has never looked quite finished. This beige hallway runner suits that kind of space, and a good hall or kitchen runner is often all a plain corridor needs. The check pattern is calm and easy on the eye.

Made of 100% polypropylene, a synthetic fibre dyed right through that takes up hardly any water, this one works indoors and out. Underneath is a jute backing. This rug is woven on jacquard looms in Turkey, so the squares stay crisp from one end to the other. Being flat-woven, the runner lies low, though it is worth leaving a little bare floor in front of doors so they swing freely. Underfloor heating is fine too. Like our other Runner Rugs, it is long and narrow enough for a corridor, and its polypropylene pile copes with a busy hall as well as our other Synthetic Fibre Rugs. The same pattern also comes in a round shape and in other colours. For length, our advice on rug sizes helps.

A brush-head vacuum is fine on such a short weave, as our care guide explains. Should a splash of coffee land on the beige, blot it straight away, then work on it with a little mild soapy water and dab with clean water.