So, you are looking for a piece of art to invest in, but you'd like it to be useful, too. Have you considered buying a rug? Quality Turkish rugs are beautiful, functional pieces that can really hold their value. Even better, these rugs can fit any budget. A large, well woven handmade rug can cost as much as four thousand dollars, while a small machine made rug may cost as little as forty or fifty dollars.

Even though Turkish rugs got their name because they were so popular in Turkey, they actually are made in many places in the Middle East and Africa. If you decide to head to this region to shop for rugs, be sure you find a reputable person to help you make your purchase. Many shop owners actually work with local guides to sell rugs and they give a percentage of the sale price to the guides. This means the prices are a bit inflated.

To be sure you pick the right rug, you will need to do a bit of investigative work. First, look at the rug's weave. If it is perfect, then it is probably not hand woven. A true hand woven rug has an irregular weave, meaning that there may be a slight gap between some of the knots. Cheaper rugs that have been mass produced usually do not have edges that are finished properly or have skimpy fringe.

The best Turkish rugs are made with one hundred percent wool and are very thick and luxurious. Some of the better rugs are also made with a blend of wool and silk. On the other end of the spectrum are rugs that are made with cotton. These rugs will not wear well and do not have a good resale value. To find out whether you are looking at a wool rug or a cheap cotton knock off, take a close look at the fringe. Wool rugs are wool right down to the last thread, so if the fringe is cotton, the rug is not wool.

Finally, don't be afraid to spend time looking at what a rug merchant has to offer. The merchant won't be upset if you don't rush through the shop. In fact, he will consider the fact that you are taking time to look at his wares as a sign of respect. He may even offer you a cup of tea. Once you select a rug, you don't have to accept the first price the merchant offers you. They expect people to think of that price as a suggestion and give a counteroffer or two before the rug is actually sold.