Antique is a term widely used to describe a decorative art object that is at least one hundred years old. The term shifts as decades move on, so in 2020 objects classified as "antique" include those made in 1920 or earlier. The term can be applied to both handmade and manufactured objects with the exception of rugs and carpets where reputable dealers reserve the term "antique" for quality handmade rugs. The term "vintage" also shifts with the decades and means objects older than twenty years but less than one hundred years old. Higher quality vintage rugs eventually become antiques. The prime advice for buying antique rugs is the same as for all antiques and art: buy what you love and not for investment. The incredible and often incomparable artisan skills involved in the weaving and knotting of fine antique rugs is not always reflected in their pricing. Which means that despite the advice to "buy what you love" there's a good chance your newly purchased antique rug will hold its value, and perhaps even increase in value. Bottom line – antique and vintage rugs are great value for money. Antique rugs will always exhibit some degree of wear. Often the wear is desirable such as oxidation (fading) from either prolonged exposure to daylight or from the inherent deterioration of dyes. Fading from these factors produces the coveted effect many interior designers seek for home furnishings. It's interesting to note that when natural dyes were overtaken by artificial dyes in the 19th century, artificial coloration were far brighter than what 21st century designers might choose which makes fading a definite feature. Evenly spread wear is acceptable on an antique rug. In many cases antique rug owners rotate their rugs in and out of use so by the time they reach the resale market their condition may still be very good. Exceptional handmade rugs were often hung on walls or kept away from high traffic areas, yet another reason why antique examples are often in good condition.