Investment pieces for your home can run the gamut from a custom-made cashmere sofa to a mint-condition commode found at a French flea market. But when it comes to buying a rug—whether a gorgeous Turkish kilim or a flawless Persian carpet—the investment may not seem worth it. After all, a carpet does get walked on and accidents somehow always seem to happen. But an antique rug can be a great investment, if you know what to look for. Luckily, international rug purveyor Bahram Shabahang, co-owner of the carpet firm Orley Shabahang, has pointers on what watch out for when shopping for a top-quality rug. Read on for Shabahang’s tips on how to get the most for your money.