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When I wrote about my longing for an aubusson rug last week I received emails from very kind readers (thank you Alana, Kate and Erin !) suggesting I may like to try a painted floor cloth ……. a what?!
Were it not for my clever readers I’d have known nothing about these – one of the downsides of spending too much time in the country I guess!
So I set out to investigate…. first stop pinterest – of course – where I found this beauty by Pruit Littleton
and this rather wonderful martha stewart tutorial
but things got serious when I opened the latest copy of the UK Country Living and found these pictures of striped floor cloths painted by the british designer Victor Mutton at parchment vyse
I just love these muted colours and simple country stripes ….
[blank]Now, you know how I love to ask your opinion …. so tell me please – do you have any experience of floor cloths? Have you made any or bought one? What are they like to live with. I gather that they require padding under the cloth, how well does that work?
Thank you for your help on this, I look forward to reading your words of wisdom :)[blank][blank]
Photos 1; 4;5;6 by Nick Carter for Country Living, photos 2;3 pinterest
74 comments
I actually used painted floor rugs for my very first house, an antique american house built in 1668. i felt the look was very appropriate. It is visually very pleasing, belongs in a country house. I like these type of floor covering on a small scale. However, for texture, feel and durability i much prefer a hand knotted rug, ot for tighter budget a woven Dhurries such as the ones from india or my favorite, by Madeleine Weinrib.
Can't wait to see what you select!
I love the colors they've used for the entire home. no other colors will beat it. Absolutely gorgeous, plus the vintage feel of it, it is fantastic!! j'adore.
I have made several painted floor cloths. One doesn’t have to put a pad under them. It just depends on type of floor that you have. The key to floor clothes is to get awning cloth that does not have any creases or defects. The creases will not come out. They will always be visible.
I did an entryway painted cloth once … and I loved it!! And then when I was tired of it … I didn't feel bad pitching it!! I love the fresh clean look!!
Just let me say, I love painted floor cloths, their history and utility! Shall I mention, that I ~ once upon a time ~ also made [and sold] floor cloths [for small places in front of the kitchen sink, bath and barn AND, more often, as playful table runners]. Some are made with 'raw' edges, others are neatly 'hemmed' and folded under. They're a great accent piece, but, smaller pieces can be slippery under foot. They're best placed/used on a hard surface/floor. They're also easily maintained and hold up very well to foot traffic. The 'quality' of floor cloths [also called 'crumb catchers'] can vary between artisans, the type/thickness of canvas used – from inexpensive cotton duck, painters drop cloths, sail canvas, etc – and the 'final' finish, number of applications of polyurethane, varnish, linseed oil, etc.
I hope this helps, a little. Good luck!
https://sheepyhollow.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/floor-cloths-whats-not-to-love/
My dear,
I found your blog by chance, while peeking others and I decided to check it out! I’m glad I did it, because I am really delighted with yours. It's beautiful, well structured, interesting… and it has completely got me hooked. I think we're going to get along just fine! 😉 I'd like to invite you to meet my space as well and I hope you'll have as much fun as I am having in yours!
I wish you lots of success
kisses
https://cottoncandy-peaches@blogspot.com
Luv 'em Sharon, can be primitive or elegant, most ready made are rather pricey. There's a rather nice selection on Pinterest along with a couple tutorials on how to make your own. One tutorial says key is to use only natural fiber, cotton etc. One used a 100% cotton tablecloth for a large size floor cloth.
Dear Sharon, It doesn't hurt to try. Just remember when you paint your cloth that you paint the underside as well to prevent the cloth from buckling.
Oh.my…. These are fantastic! I'm in love…
Shannon
Hello Sharon, I love your blog! I have made many floor cloths for Antiques dealers, bed and breakfasts and Antique collectors. I have used floor cloths in my Antiques booth at Antiques shows for 24 years. They wear extremely well. They conform to the floor after they lay for a couple of days. They don't need a pad, but they lay best when the canvas is awning grade and the edges have been hemmed by sewing. You need a professional sewing machine to hem them, so I have the canvas sewn at an awning makers shop when I buy the canvas. Floor cloths are a lot of work to make. Many layers of paint and sealer, many days of designing and drying, all done on your knees if you intend to make one that is large. There a lot of tricks to get them to look right. Too many directions to go through here. If you find someone who makes fabulous ones, go for it. They can be expensive if they are large. I no longer make them, too old for all the up and down, on your knees that it takes. They are easy to clean, just sweep and mop. That's it.They are so durable and graphic. A pure delight to own!
I painted a floor cloth ( large green and cream diamonds) years ago for under my dining room table. it was easy to clean
and I got many, many compliments on it. It was very appropriate for the country feel of my room.
They look really good but not very comfortable to live with -feels like linoleum or some sort of plastic sheet product under foot. Depends what you're going for I guess but if I'm not having hardwood floors -i prefer a warm soft carpet.
I saw this article as well…didn't he have a fantastic home….I'm more of a lovely rug on floorboards girl myself..xx
Like you Sharon… I'm in the dark about these… but they look absolutely gorgeous… How's that sitting room floor coming?? 🙂 xv
I had one when we had a home with a studio. Right now it's outside. It's beat up from the projects. It's not soft, wipeable, and stuff was removable to the extent of what my child spilled on it.
Shortly after I bought it, I saw that I could of made one.
I think they are charming if you have the place for one, but I prefer old Persians or Aubusson because they conceal sins, and are soft, and have so many colors that it's easy to change the look of the room by pulling a different color out. They also look nice even when they get a little threadbare.
They are pretty. I've never had one, so can't offer much help there. I wonder if they would be very hard underfoot. I guess it would depend on where they would be used.
Floor cloths are in a league of their own. So beautiful, unexpected and adds great color or pattern to the floor! Good choice!
Oh dear, seems like I may be the only nay sayer here. I have a friend who paints his own floor mats and as much as I can admire them in the abstract, I find them really flat (literally and figuratively). I think a rug, aubusson or otherwise adds more warmth (literally and figuratively). I say paint right on the floor if you like that look but if you like the look of aubusson without the price tag, crewel rugs are a nice substitute. My other fav these days are the double sided woven striped rugs in cotton or wool. When they get dirty on one side you can flip them until you get them cleaned.
All the best Sharon.
With thanks for your fab blog,
Minda
I don't have any experience….but do think its a beautiful look. Something different, wonder how they wear?
I'm not too keen on the idea of painted cloths, I have visions of it getting all screwed up and how would you clean it ? My thinking is buy a good strong cotton type in muted stripes. I'm on the same wavelength as your follower Minda Johnson who wrote just above me, of it being double sided then turn it over before you have it cleaned. Great thinking. 2 for the price of 1. yeh !!
Painted floor cloths may not be all that new. If I remember correctly a Mr and Mrs George Washington may have had at least one painted floor cloth at Mount Vernon and there may possibly be some in the older house museums in Georgetown.
I've looked at these many times, but haven't used one. I was concerned it would look and feel like a piece of linoleum, but can see them as very practical for placing under a high chair or pet bowls. Not sure I would want one in the middle of the room.
Wonderful painted floor cloths are made here in New England for period homes like mine. I looked into them but never found one that I loved. Since I have boards in my floor that are 30 inches wide, I decided not to cover them. It will be very interesting to see what you decide on…whatever it is, I know it will be lovely. Karen
I think they are a lovely way to add pattern to a floor without the commitment of actually painting a floor. No padding is used so if you want cushy comfort underfoot a rug would be the answer.
I have had them many times! They are total heaven! I suggest them in certain rooms! As your readers have suggested: they are not for every room; however; for a kitchen , and with children, they are sublime!
They are not "cozy"; however, they make a kitchen floor and any floor that is bare; cozier than bare floor!!!
I say; go for the "floor cloths" art on the floor sure does it for me!!
Penelope
ps I also had "painted floors" in my second house! (including a trompe l'oeil rug!!) So I might be someone who is off the grid! check out my website! If it isn't "you" go elsewhere!
I am astonished and kind of saddened by these comments.
Sorry
oops! http://www.mccormickinteriors.com
my website! (when I started my company 43 years ago; my last name was mcccormick!
I married Adam Bianchi 35 years ago (next Tuesday); and he took over running the business 25 years ago!
Lucky me!
WOW!!!!!!
One thing I love about 'Blogland' is that everybody helps out with suggestions from their own experience doing a project.
I should try one and see how I would do:)
This looks would look great in your beautiful home!!
Pam
xox
Continue your longing; and continue your search of Aubussons! The old, and worn ones; are still to be found for "a song"!
I love the ones that are so worn…….you can barely see the pattern!
Those are the treasures! And those are the affordable ones!
Avoid (like death) the fake ones from China! EWWW!!!
Good luck! and you will find a complete treasure!!
Penelope
I also love dhurries Francine, I think the painted cloths may be right in a very specific context
xx
totally agree Mauddie, their colour scheme is wonderful
xx
exactly! little investment beside time and patience … my kind of project 😉
xx
Thank you for this helpful comment, I had a look at your post – very interesting indeed!!
xx
thank you ! I'll pop over soon
xx
where would we be without pinterest ?! 🙂
xx
thank you for that Gina, I'm sure your artistic designs would look wonderful on a cloth
xx
🙂
xx
thank you Gayle, you've almost convinced me!
xx
I bet that looked wonderful, and it's always nice to have something you created in your home
xx
that is exactly what I was worried about, especially in a bedroom ….
thank you!
xx
I adore this house, and he is so clever with his colours
xx
so glad I wasn't the only one Vicki, ….. next week I get to the sitting room!
xx
Yeah, I know that I would prefer an aubusson, but it's fun to mull over the idea …
xx
you are in exactly the same position as me Lorrie
xx
have to love your enthusiasm Yvonne
xx
Minda, that is really interesting that you find they look flat, I'll keep that in mind
thank you
xx
people sound pretty happy with them Tina, but I think they have to be in the right setting
xx
I can tell I'll be looking around a lot Barbara!
xx
I think they are very old and traditional, but like so many good ideas they regularly come back into favour
xx
under the pet bowl! ghetto would love that!
xx
thirty inches wide!!! that must look quite wonderful Karen, no wonder yoyu don't want to hide them
xx
hmmm … a rug may be my only solution
xx
thank you penelope for defending the floor cloth!
xx
🙂
isn't this amazing Pam, I love to ask my readers' opinion when I'm testing a new idea
xx
thank you penelope, … off to hunt one down right now!
xx
I've painted multiple floor cloths and stenciled floors and they have their place. I do agree they are flat and not comfy underfoot like a plush rug, but they are affordable, clean up like a dream (providing you seal them well) and can be changed out as your mood dictates. They can be 'slippery' so once it's painted and sealed on both sides, I just turn it over and run a few lines of acrylic-latex caulk every 6 inches or so. Stays in place perfectly.
Via Pinterest I ran across this interesting post for stenciling a plush rug: https://www.scoutandnimble.com/2012/02/10/kims-makeover-adding-a-stencil-to-a-rug/
Your blog is quite lovely and it always starts my day with a smile. Thank you for that!
Jody
Sharon~oh my dear, floor cloths may have their place but, NEVER could compare to the gorgeous Aubusson's!! I have a couple and adore them!! I hope you find one to your pleasing for your bedroom project!!
One question, do you know of any French one's that would be available to us here in the States?
Hope your hunt today proves profitable!! 😉
Warmest Wishes,
I painted one many years ago and loved it. I had forgotten all about them until I saw your post. I think they have their place and design in many places, just depends the look you're going for. I think it's a casual look myself but you did spark my imagination here. Because we live in Arizona, tile is predominant. I have one of those thickly padded floor pads in my kitchen to prevent the aching of the leg upon standing so long. I'm not fond of the look but now I'm thinking of painting a floor cloth and gluing it on top of the pad. I'll still have the padding with a bit more beauty underfoot. Thank you Sharon for inspiring me! XO
I used a painted floor cloth(got it from NM) in front of a sink in Texas,no pad was used + owner of home loved it. For myself, I painted a sisal rug as a runner-down a long hall, loved that also. Nothing beats an ole faded Aubusson with a pad. Good luck.
xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
How fun well after reading your post on aubusson rugs I found one!Full of roses and just the right size for my bedroom!In a thrift shop!!!!!!I immediately thought I should call and share my news!To answer your question yes I have floorcloths………have had for years!Love them too!Not the same as the rug but they work very well in a bathroom or kitchen.They do not need a pad underneath……..at least not with my brick/tile floors!
I use my floor cloth in the kitchen. If it gets a spot I lay it in the
garden and hose it off, let it dry in the sun and return it to the kitchen.
I do not use a pad under. Only problem I have experienced is the corners
tend to curl up some times. A two inch piece of masking tape rolled
(sticky side out) pop it under the corner edge, step on the corner….fixed.
Hi Sharon: Floor cloths are pricy here in the USA. I bought a 4×6 years ago and was really never happy with it. The edges curled up and when you walked on it barefoot it was cold and rough feeling. I only used mine in the mudroom. If you are going for a primitive look then you might like it. It never hides dirt like a rug would it just sat there saying "hello" sweep me! Personally for a bedroom there are a lot of softer underfoot, inexpensive options out there.
I really love the second floor cloth…so timeless looking! But…I have to admit, I REALLY love the thought of an Aubusson… Now that is TRULY timeless! Have a wonderful weekend!
Like you Sharon, I've never heard of painted cloths until recently. I've read the postivie reviews on the painted cloths. Very pretty and tempting but I'll forego the cloths and keep looking for an Aubusson.
Here is a lady that definitely knows floor cloths and a video on how to make one –
canvasworksfloorcloths.com. I made two and very time consuming but fun. floor cloths have quite a history here.
first one I made had a few little wrinkles and
showed in the finished piece. you can see it if you like at address below.
https://beth-wildwoodhome.blogspot.com/2010/05/picture-of-floorcloth-and-some-pretty.html
Have a great weekend
Betsy
Sharon, I have used painted floor clothes and loved them. Mine was striped and I used it in an entry hall. I have boys and dogs and it held up great. I did not use a pad under it … it stayed in place. I also love a painted floor. I just painted my kitchen floor and am very happy with the results.
xo, Lissy
Gorgeous! I would like to have a few pieces of painted floor cloth rugs.
I adore painted floorcloths! They beauty of them is that they add color and style to the right room. And the possibilities are endless, especially if you are creating and making them yourself. The amazing part about them is that they are just as at home in a country cottage or beach house as they would be in a grand foyer.
I have made a "compromise" floorcloth. The canvas cloths were too difficult to keep in place and to avoid tripping over loose corners. My compromise was to use a piece of vinyl flooring turned upside down. I painted the underside just as if it were a piece of canvas and sealed it with acrylic or polyurethane. It was more stable than cloth and easier to have underfoot.
If you are looking for authenticity, then canvas is the way to go. But if you want the look without the issues, try painting on vinyl.
There are lovely books available on painting floorcloths. They are not visually flat unless you want to paint them that way. I have a photo in one of the books of a floorcloth with fish in a pool painted on it. Nothing flat about that. If you can design a perspective view you can have a painting with depth.
Similar to fabric awnings, the painted floor clothes are also available in a variety of designs and patterns. But one must consider the amount of cleaning and maintenance required to keep the floor clothes clean and stylish.
I just made a floor cloth at a family reunion. I took it home rolled, but it didn't fit in the back seat that well. (It's 5' x 5'). Anyway, to make a long story short, it has buckled and wrinkled. Does anyone have any ideas how to get them out?
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