I've ordered Jute rugs in the past. Compared to those, this rug is "cleaner," has not shed fibers, dust and dirt nor did it have an odor. I ordered beige. The color, in my opinion is a weave of dark gold/natural, lighter gold and cream color. It's very pretty.  Does not lean toward taupe or gray. I did not rate it a 5 because it does have some frayed knots. I have not used it long enough to rate durability.