I bought this rug as a stop-gap because I couldn't find a rug I really liked. It arrived, well-packaged and protected. I removed the packaging, unrolled it and let it 'relax' for an hour or two. I then used my fingers to rake up the pile which was flattened after being rolled, and it looks lovely.  The pile is long, loose, and there seems to be two different coloured greys which makes the rug look more interesting. I really like it and think it's excellent value.