Wow, let me just say that I am very impressed with these rugs. I got a runner and a 8 x 10 area rug for my living room. I am pretty picky when it comes to decorating, especially if the item is expensive. My boyfriend and I looked through so many different rug options, but nothing really jumped out to us and we eventually came to the conclusion that no rug will be that great and that we should just settle on one. We waited for a couple of weeks to buy one and I am so glad that we did because we came across this rug. When we did, we both immediately thought it was beautiful. After reading so many positive reviews, we decided to buy it. These rugs arrived incredibly fast and are so soft and beautiful. I think that they look just like the photos and aren't as gray as many reviewers suggested. I also do not personally think that the rug needs a rug mat, but that is a personal preference.