This is such a fun and whimsy rug with low-ish pile.  We purchased for our daughter's big girl room and it is so fun.  -1 star because it shed just a liiiiittttle in the first couple days.  Been a week and no further shed but will update review if it gives any more grief.  Background color is a true off white.  Paired beautifully with Benjamin Moore Intense White.  Rug also has rubber backing -- still used a rug pad but not necessary with the non slip grip bottom!