Rugs that are less than fifty are simply referred to as Old. Not all dealers are strict in their definitions and it is possible to find rugs only 50 years old referred to as Antique. Textiles are fragile and wear does not necessarily indicate age. Most older rugs, however, will show some wear. A limited amount of wear can add charm and character, while excess wear or damage can affect the value of the rug.
Condition is very important.
Minor repairs that are done well, such as rebinding the edges or other small repairs, will not greatly affect value. Major repairs, especially when done poorly, will significantly reduce the value. The subjective characteristics of color, design and beauty are difficult to evaluate, but they often determine the difference between a good rug and a masterpiece. A rug design that is considered beautiful by many people will be in more demand than one that is not as popular. The price for popular styles of rugs will usually be higher than for those that are not as sought after.