I had been shopping for the longest time for an area rug with the following criteria:1. A number of agreeing reviews on the rug's quality.2. Multiple colors in varied pattern so as to remain usable as decor changes.3. Blend of modernity and some pattern reminiscent of Turkey or Moroccan style.4. Nothing bright white or with too much plain white/light colors because I have a dog.I had a rough budget of around $350 or less - but the rug must be of great quality for the money. In this respect, I narrowed my search to Safavieh, which I had seen garner almost unanimously wonderful reviews across many products.So far I LOVE:1. Faint "new rug" smell that dissipated within an hour, max.2. Edges laying flat within a few hours.3. Wrapped in multiple layers thick plastic, so they care about the product they provide.4. Minimal shedding - STOP WHINING ABOUT WOOL RUGS SHEDDING THAT'S THEIR DEAL - if you can't handle this, stop buying wool rugs???5. GORGEOUS in person.6. Very durable backing to the rug.7. Thick and soft underfoot.A few things:1. The pattern is NOT symmetrical, which is very clearly depicted in photos. Why are people acting like they had no idea this would happen to their own rug? I love it, gives it a more modern flair.2. See note about shedding above.3. I have not needed extra padding underneath, nor anything for grip. But mine is also pinned down by a couch and a coffee table.