This rug is beautiful.  I was a little worried about the light color with a three year old boy in the house, but I decided to take a gamble.  Because of the distressed look and mingled colors, I believe stains will be inconspicuous.  It is really soft, but not thick.  If you are gonna be on the ground a lot on this rug, you might consider a rug pad, though not absolutely necessary.  This rug goes perfect with the farmhouse look.  It only took a few days to arrive and it was well wrapped.