This rug is absolutely gorgeous. Truly one of my favorite Wayfair finds (along with the fireplace that is also in the pics!). It is an extremely high quality wool rug with a soft backing (aka, I don't have a rug pad yet but probably don't even need one). The rug arrived shipped in heavy-duty cardboard and was super heavy; it took two delivery guys to get it off the truck (10'x14' rug). It was easier to carry once it was out of the cardboard. Very faint smell but dissipated quickly and was likely from the rug being rolled up for a bit. But the smell was not a chemical smell like other rugs we ordered in the past. The colors are true cream and gray, not white. Very warm tones. Design is classy and striking at the same time. I expect this rug to last us a very long time. Great job Wayfair!