I love the look and design of this rug.  We decided to use it under our dining room table on hard wood floors, and the contrast is very nice.  I would say that the background is actually not as dark as pictured. It's more of a deep brown, think like bark on a tree rather than gray.  It's taken a few days to uncurl at the edges but that's to be expected.  Shipping was very quick and easy.  No problems at all.  Love it!