Marieke Kelim rug grey

A grey rug in a different shade to the sofa adds depth: with a light grey sofa, opt for anthracite or medium grey; with a dark sofa, choose light grey or ivory. Colour accents such as mustard, terracotta or navy in the pattern bring it to life.

White, black, navy, mustard, terracotta and green. Grey brings together colours that would otherwise stand apart.

Yes, in medium grey and darker shades. Grey shows up sand and dust less easily than a light-coloured rug; on anthracite, however, light dust and fluff may be visible. It’s easy to vacuum. Place a non-slip mat underneath it.

Dyed grey may fade slightly in direct sunlight over the years; undyed grey retains its colour well. Rotate the rug half a turn regularly.

With light oak, choose a medium grey or anthracite for contrast; with dark wood, choose a light grey rug to brighten the room.

Traditional Persian and Moroccan traditions have historically used plant-based dyes and the natural colour of wool, which rarely results in a neutral grey. Grey is primarily a contemporary addition to modern and geometric design. Pakistani rugs, such as the Nilufar in this collection, also form part of the handmade heritage alongside Persian and Moroccan rugs.

Yes. Grey hides light stains better than a light-coloured rug; do blot stains straight away with a damp cloth.

Yes. Wool naturally insulates upwards, which means less heat from the underfloor heating reaches the room. The rug can be placed on top of underfloor heating, but bear in mind that the heat output may be lower.

Vacuum the rug regularly, following the direction of the pile, on a low setting. Blot stains immediately with a damp cloth and a drop of pH-neutral wool detergent; if the rug is dyed grey, test a corner first to check whether the colour runs.

Yes, relatively speaking. Because grey isn’t a traditional colour, a vintage grey rug is more often made of undyed wool that has become softer in tone through use and washing than one that has been deliberately dyed grey.

Use a non-slip mat made of felt or rubber that is slightly smaller than the rug, so that the edges do not curl up and the rug does not slide on smooth floors.