Picture the Alia in grey on a kitchen floor, a quiet circle that sits just in front of the sink or tucks under a small round table. Its plain grey goes with whatever cupboards and tiles you already have, so the Alia is a calm choice if you want kitchen rugs that stay in the background.

What is the grey Alia made of?

This round jute rug is 100% jute with a jute backing, woven by hand on a loom in India. Flat-woven, it has the dry, slightly rough feel jute is known for. Jute is a natural plant fibre that grows back and breaks down biologically. The grey Alia shares that natural character with jaloom's Jute Rugs, just in a quieter colour. Small variations in the weave are normal for a handmade piece.

Does the Alia suit a kitchen?

A circle softens all the straight lines of worktops and units, and it leaves the corners of the room clear. The flat weave means chair legs and crumbs don't catch in it, and the plain grey is easy to live with day to day. Keep it away from the spot right next to the tap, though, as jute soaks up moisture and does not belong in damp rooms. It can lie over underfloor heating. Other colours of the Alia are blue, green, light brown, taupe and white. Measure the space in front of the sink before choosing the right size of grey Alia.

How do I keep the grey Alia looking tidy?

Our advice on looking after your rug starts with dry methods: vacuum with the brush switched off and wipe up spills with kitchen roll straight away. To shake out dust, hang it over a banister or rail. A thin non-slip pad, cut a little smaller than the rug, stops it sliding on tiles and keeps the edges flat. Dry care keeps the grey Alia tidy.