I needed a natrual area rug for our back room and couldn't find a good one. Then I came across this one and I loved it. However when I opened the packaging it had a funky smell to it - almost mildewy?? I sprayed it and let it air itself out and the smell after a day or two has gone away. On the upside for a jute rug it's easy on the feet and not hard to walk on. My daughter approves!