The product photos of this rug are misleading. It's darker than it appears in photos, as other reviewers have noted. But I like the actual color a lot and have purchased two of this pattern, one for an entry and this hall runner. The entry rug has been in place all winter and has had snow, traction sand, and dog hair (black Lab and German shepherd) tracked all over it. (In fact the dogs love it and one of them can be found sleeping on it most anytime of day.) It has come through this abuse looking like it did when new. Thick and comfortable underfoot. It sheds but not to a troublesome extent (it sheds far less than the dogs do). If I had found these rugs before I bought area rugs for our living room and family room, I'd have bought 8x10 versions for both rooms. Unlike other wool rugs I've purchased (and returned), there was no unpleasant smell to either of these rugs, and they lay flat within hours of unrolling from packaging. Very pleased with these.