Lomette Chunky Braided Hand Woven Pure Wool Rug - Ivory

Lomette is a chunky braided rug in ivory, a soft cream shade with no printed pattern, so all of its interest comes from the weave. Thick plaited strands sit row upon row in a knit-like formation, giving a deeply textured surface that looks rather like a hand knitted throw laid across the floor. It is 100% wool and hand woven, so the finished rug has the homely character of something made by hand. We stock it in three sizes: 120 by 170cm, 160 by 230cm and 200 by 300cm.

We think it belongs in a living room or a bedroom, the rooms the maker suggests, where a calm, neutral base lets cushions, throws and timber furniture bring the colour. The 120 by 170cm size sits nicely beside a bed or in front of an armchair. The 160 by 230cm size is the usual choice in front of a sofa, with a coffee table resting on it and the front feet of the sofa on the wool. The 200 by 300cm size is generous enough to go under a double bed or to take in a whole seating group in a larger living room. Ivory sits happily alongside most schemes, lifting a dark floor and brightening a room that sees less daylight.

The rug measures 1.4cm thick, which gives it a substantial feel underfoot. That thickness is worth checking against any door that swings over the rug, because a door with a small gap beneath it may catch the braids. Before you order, mark the size out on the floor with masking tape and leave it there for a day or two; it is the surest way to judge how much bare floor you want around the rug. On a smooth floor such as wood, tile or stone, an underlay helps keep the rug in place.

Is the ivory closer to white or to cream?

It is a soft, warm cream rather than a bright white, so it sits comfortably beside off-white walls, natural timber and stone floors without looking stark.

What does the braided surface feel like underfoot?

Each braid is a chunky plait of wool, so the surface has a knitted, nubbly feel under bare feet rather than a smooth, velvety finish.

Does the rug have a fringe or tassels?

No, the rug finishes with a neat, plain edge and no fringe or tassels, which keeps the look tidy and lets the braided texture do the work.

Can the Lomette rug go in a hallway?

We suggest a living room or a bedroom, the rooms the maker names. All three sizes are rectangles rather than runners, so a long, narrow hallway would suit a runner better.