This rug makes such a statement! It showed up within 5 days of purchase and immediately laid flat. I did use a rug pad as it pretty low pile and could use the extra cushion. The color is a true black with off white. I have kids and a very furry dog that sheds like crazy and all crumbs, fur and wool fibers from the new rug show up like crazy on the black but I expected that and just vacuum more often. Love this rug!