I have this runner in the kitchen; heavy traffic area.  I couldn't risk having a lighter colored runner -- so this one works very well; it also goes well with the dark, base cabinets that are a dark-gray with blueish tones. Some folks complain about the "shedding".  I prefer wool rugs over synthetic so I just expect shedding.  It is just part and parcel to a good, thick wool rug.  My wool rugs keep me honest about vacuuming.  (Eventually they do stop shedding.)