I haven't laid the rug yet, but it appears to be true to the image shown with an ivory/pale yellow background, and thin lines of gray/blue and brown mixed into the black plaid. I'm using the rug in a transitional decor in our TV room . I plan on using a thick rug pad underneath for comfort.  The rug has a very low nap and I haven't attempted to vacuum it yet. The best part is that the background color matches my dog so her hairs won't show so much!