Gorgeous color, just a bit more rich and pungent than shown in the photo. As others mentioned, it certainly does not look as distressed or worn. What I think the photo actually captures is a kind of sheen some of the thread has, so at different angles the carpet has these shiny areas. In the photo here, it reads as wear. The rug is soft and of great quality. It works for me even if a bit darker than the photo! Love it and already receiving compliments!