The area rug is very beautiful displaying as a sort of washed out older piece.  The floral type patterns remind me of something more expensive and regal.  I very much liked the black and white pattern, it matched my white walls and black appliances etc.  The rug definitely needs a backer to keep it from sliding on wood floors if you aren't going to place something on it.  I wish that the rug was a little thicker in height but otherwise I'm happy with it.