Rug arrived via free one day shipping. I did notice a slight hay-like odor as others have mentioned, but it is sea grass and that's to be expected. Color is exactly as pictured. I deducted a star because there are around five areas where the weaving appears irregular and I am worried that when I vacuum  these will cause unraveling. The backing is very soft, almost suede textured. I am using a rug pad with this. Fingers crossed that this lasts longer than one I purchased for five times the price that just disintegrated.