This carpet is the best!!! So beautiful! A focal point of the room! The colors are bright but it has at the same time that "worn" classy look! A Boho  Style masterpiece!!! 100% wool (not synthetic !). Have not noticed any extreme shedding or smell at all! The carpet lay flat from the day 1! It is not soft, but not hard either (think wool sweater :)). Keep cats away from it - they will fall in love with that carpet instantly!