When choosing a rug for my formal living room, I wanted a jute rug. My husband said no more jute rugs due to “scratchy feel”. This rug has been the perfect solution for us! It’s really soft but looks like a natural rug. This Has also been the first rug I’ve bought that didn’t need time to “lay down”. It was flat immediately which was a plus. No real smell to this one that I noticed. I’ve had it for a week now so time will tell how well it holds up.