This is my first area rug and it doesn't disappoint!  I knew about the variation in colors after reading other reviews. Yes, the middle has more cream tones and on the ends, there is more gray. My first rug arrived with a small defect, and I was very pleased how quickly and easily Wayfair resolved the issue. When the second rug arrived, I was surprised at the difference in colors from the first one. I'm keeping it even though there is less blue than the first rug.  It feels nice and is soft without being too plush. In less than 24 hours, all the ends were completely flat, and no more creases showed. I do have a rug pad under it which I would recommend using with this.