It warms up an area like a cable knit sweater style throw on a sofa.  It isn't soft, but not rough either.  It seems durable.  It can easily be shaken out.  It doesn't require an under-pad to stay in place, but would benefit from one if you have it.  The color looks more like a blue base than grey.  It isn't quite right for my particular space, but my red patterned sofa has been a real headache to compliment with any rug we have tried.  I give it 4 stars because it looks like it might unravel in places in a few yrs. time.