I am very pleased with the rug, although the colors are more muted than shown in the picture.  All over the tone is more brown-tan.  The background isn't as creamy, the reds are more rusty or burgundy, the blues aren't as bright.   However, I knew color is always a bit of a question and would rather have muted than more electric.  The pile is nice, the rug is heavy and, so far, at least, there's been almost no shedding.  The rug pad seems to be of good quality and fits perfectly.  Delivery was exceedingly fast.  This experience would inspire me to buy another item from Birch Lane.