Dirt from outside lands in the hallway first. That is where the Lia runner in taupe earns its place, because this wool rug can go in the washing machine.

The short pile is 100% wool, and the backing is wool too. It is woven by hand in India in a plain taupe that sits between grey and brown. The colour works with oak floors as well as grey tiles. Like our other washable rugs, it copes with the machine, even though it is pure wool.

As a hallway runner it leads from the front door to the coat hooks. In a bedroom it lies along the side of the bed, and in a nursery it fits between the bed and the wardrobe. It is suitable for underfloor heating. Because it washes, it also works as a kitchen runner. The runner comes in beige and white as well, and like our wool rugs it feels warm under bare feet.

Being handwoven, its length can differ slightly from the stated size. Measure the hallway first, and the size guide shows how much floor to leave free at the sides.

Wash it on its own on the wool programme with a wool detergent, as the care label says. Then dry it flat and keep it out of the tumble dryer. For everyday care a vacuum without a rotating brush is enough, as our care guide recommends.