I love my rug. I did notice a synthetic smell when I unrolled it, but it disappeared in a few days. It wasn't very strong in the first place though. I wish it was a little more plush, but it's still comfortable enough to throw some pillows on and watch a movie. The color matched the picture onscreen for me. It does shed a bit, but not a ridiculous amount or anything, and it does say it can for the first 3 months.