This is really a beautiful rug. It has a nice sheen to it when viewed from one direction and then the design really pops when viewed from the opposite direction. The rug settled down beautifully without the aid of a book. Delivery was swift (ordered on a Friday, had the rug by the following Tuesday afternoon). The rug was securely wrapped in plastic and the ends were well protected by cloth end wraps. The rug looks elegant in the room and feels soft to the touch.