It is nice to find a black/white rug that brightens the room. Thick pile, be careful you order a big enough one to clear furniture (eg dining chairs). We bought the 10x8.

Pros: Exceptional value. Made in India and shipped to me for $300!
Cons: Be prepared for a LOT of vacuming. The new pile sheds huge amounts. You need a good bagless machine and a lot of patience.