This is a great addition to the area in front of our pellet stove, which generates its fair share of black dust and soot particles just by opening the door.  The area we covered is comprised of floor tiles and — never again — white grout. So when we repair and resurface the grout this summer, this rug will protect nicely. Also, as far as I can tell, it's NOT black; rather, i see the color as Navy blue. Like it even better.