I did a hard gulp...went ahead and ordered this rug from how it looked in the pictures...this being said it is Very difficult to get the true colors from something that has a nap, as this rug does. Needless to say I was thinking I would have to send it back when I received it. Well...I LOVE it! I was hoping for Dusty Slate Blues with Taupes and Golds (from the picture of it flat). And also hoping for NO Navy Blue (Yuck)!  It is much more vivid then the pictures by a mile! There are shades of Royal and Turquoise, Taupes and Golds. Alas no Slate Blue but I am cool with that! The texture is very soft! Even without a pad. And once it flattens out you hardly see the crazy Royal Blue edging (why didn't they use something neutral?). All and All a good cheap thrill! Now if I can just keep the cat from pulling out the tufts we'll be all set! ;o)!