The picture is NOT true to color, but darker.  The cream is actually tan.  I read the reviews, but I didn't think the color could be that far off.  It is.  That being said, the rug is very substantial, well made and beautiful!  Because the rug is so dark, I am painting our walls a lighter color (we were in the middle of paint selection for the room when the rug arrived).  Had I painted the walls the darker color I originally intended, I would have been very upset at the color difference.  Do not buy if you are looking for a light-colored rug.