I ordered a 3 x 5 to go in front of my fireplace as well as the 9 x 12 to accent our family room.  Both rugs actually were delivered before the carpet pads.  I opened them and placed them in the room to straighten some of the wrinkles out.  I noticed the one in front of the fireplace had rich and vibrant colors but the 9 x 12 looked dull and lighter.  After the pads came in, I turned the 9 x 12 around and it made all the difference.  I couldn't tell how the nap ran.  All the colors popped out.  They are very pretty.  The added bonus is they cut down on the echo from the TV on my hardwood floors and make the sound plainer.  We are very happy with these rugs which look good with our South Western decor.  The thickness is perfect even before I received the pads and I love the binding.  These rugs do look more expensive than they are.