Beautiful rug--yes the rug is a light cream color--not white, but lighter than ivory. There were also no yellow tint to the rug. I did not want a stark white rug but I was scared it would be ivory--but it was the perfect off-white color. The rug is very soft, but the texture is more of a thick carpet than a true shag; however, because of the material, it does not shed like a similar rug that was more expensive but a true shag. Although I really wanted the texture of a true luxurious shag, I opted for this soft rug that was more practical and doesn't shed.