First of all the color is not black, but rather dark gray. I had read the reviews and others said it was dark gray and that is why I ordered it.  I wanted dark gray so the colors are perfect for me! I needed a rug that would match my plaid chairs and so I searched a while to find this rug. I did place books on the edges for a couple of days. The edges are starting to completely lay down now after about 5 days. The rug is very thin and stiff, (think indoor/outdoor), but the perfect pattern and colors were most important for me!