It's scary to order an area rug without actually seeing the color and fabric in person.  But this rug looks just like the picture.  It is very light in color.  The swirls are "carved" into the thick plush rug, not a different color.  Nice quality.  It straightened out within 24 hours of being unrolled with just a chair leg on 2 corners.  I did not detect any odor after it was unrolled.  This rug is elegant looking.  I strongly recommend.