I bought the runner for the front foyer. I wasn't sure if it would be a mistake because of the color showing all forms of lint, pet hair etc... This rug turned out to be perfect. The heathered weave in the dark center actually hides any lint/pet hair. The color is a dark charcoal. Not grey and not black. It vacuums beautifully. I do have a slip pad under it, but you really don't need it, as it is a heavy rug.