I purchased this hearth rug and placed it right in front of our fireplace.  It is nice and thick which helps my knees when I am bending down to clean the fireplace or to load the wood.  It vacuums easily and does not pill or shed.  The color is true as portrayed online is perfect in our living room.  It protects our wood floors from stray embers.  It is a very good quality and  I highly recommend this hearth rug.