Floored for choice

If you are jaded with conventional carpet, combine beauty with practicality to take the right step in alternative flooring.

A natural weave - Coir, sisal, jute and seagrass come in a range of colours, weave patterns and even printed finishes. You might be surprised how rough some of these materials are on tender bare feet, so have a touch test if you regularly kick off your shoes at home or want to put a prickly, but hard wearing coir upstairs.

Check with your supplier for the ease of maintenance too as some open weaves can become dusty. Some natural floor coverings are unsuitable for stairs as they can become polished and slippy with use. The natural weaves start from €30 a square yard and up.