While most people immediately think of carpets when it comes to covering a floor, floorcloth is a relatively unknown alternative. However, “canvas carpets” were highly popular in bygone centuries; in fact, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, these decorative and durable floor coverings were standard fare.
Made of ultra-sturdy, very durable canvas, floor cloths can resist dirt and wear surprisingly well. While the first floor cloths were made of simple, sail canvas, over time, they were painted with rich patterns. In fact, a coating of heavy oil paint only adds not only to a floor cloth’s beauty but also to its durability.
While you’re unlikely to find floor cloths at a carpeting store, today, custom studios are producing these marvels by hand. Best of all, while maintaining a classic look, modern floor cloths add layers of carpet padding and a waterproof backing. This not only adds to the comfort of walking barefoot but also to its durability.
While it seems simple, modern floor cloths are in fact, a rather complex creation; composed of layers of carpet padding, sturdy vinyl backing, and high-quality canvas, it’s finished with multiple layers of oil paint, polyurethane, and wax.
Best of all, you can customize a floorcloth with the exact colors and patterns to complement your décor. While many of the stencil patterns are very traditional, they can also be custom-created for any look.
Finally, floorcloths are easy to care for, just vacuum, or mop with a slightly damp mop. If properly maintained, a floor cloth can last for decades.
