This is a beautiful rug, especially standing back to look at it with the highlow. It is cream and black. It is not super soft to walk on because of the highlow design. Yes it is going to shed, because wool rugs will shed for about 4 months and then they will stop with regular vacuuming. I ordered this in a small size to see if I would like it before. I ordered the largest size. Unfortunately when I put the order in to return it, Im getting charged 14.88 for the return and I have to wrap it and take it to the FedEx store. I will think twice about ordering something next time!