Canvas Floor Cloths & Place Mats: History, Process & Care
For several centuries floor cloths, oil cloths, and painted canvases were used as substitutes for carpets in hallways, dining rooms, and on stairs in place of expensive carpeting, tiles, or marble block floors.
History
The complete history of the floor cloth is a mystery, but many attribute the first canvas floor coverings to 1400’s France. The tradition certainly originated in England or France and evolved as people began to add patterns and designs. There are many records of floor cloths in use in colonial America by the 18th century but very few of these still exist.
Floor cloths in colonial times were called everything from crumb or wax cloths to canvas carpets. The use of linseed oil to cure the pieces in England led to another term, “oylcloths.” Sail cloth was often employed, fitting for a time full of maritime exploration and empirical expansion. Cotton was also a common material, and the chemical processes for hardening and protecting the cloths adapted and improved over time.
Traditionally, a carpet maker would use a liquid material such as linseed oil to prime the heavy fabric, then seal the piece with glue to avoid discoloration. A colorful design, often geometric or inspired by the natural world, was laid onto the primed cloth with oil paints. Varnish was used to bring out the vibrancy of the colors and provide a protective layer to pieces that would experience a significant amount of booted foot traffic.
Process
Betty creates her artwork with modern artists’ canvas, cut to the designated size and hemmed to protect edges and prevent fraying. She covers the pieces in white acrylic gesso paint to stiffen and add weight to the material. This results in the canvas appearing and feeling more like heavy leather than cloth or flimsy material.
While floor cloths can be decorated with many different kinds of paints, Betty uses acrylic colors for their durability. To finish the pieces, she applies three to four coats of clear polyurethane to protect the designs.
Today, floor cloths are not confined to heavily trafficked hallways or dining rooms. They are found in every room of the house: foyers, bedrooms, dens, studios, and in front of kitchen sinks or fireplaces.
In most cases, Betty can easily customize patterns, designs, and colors to a client’s tastes or need to coordinate with their décor. As each piece is totally handmade from scratch, they can be created in many sizes. Custom orders and requests are gladly taken!
Care & Handling
Floor cloths and place mats are varnished with several coats of polyurethane to protect the painted artwork. They can be cleaned with a wet sponge and dish soap and then dried with a towel. Windex spray and paper towels can be used to shine up the artwork over time.
Sail cloth was originally used for making floor cloths in colonial America. Due to the weave of the heavy duty canvas used to make the artwork, there may be some minor imperfections. Betty believes that this adds an aura of authenticity to the piece.
Avoid placing hot plates or bowls directly from the oven onto these pieces, as very hot things can stick to the varnish. A hot cup of coffee or tea, or a warm meal on a dish, are perfectly safe to arrange on top of the artwork.
To keep floor cloths from slipping on tile or hardwood floors, a two-sided mesh tape (like Lok Lift Rug Gripper) can be used to keep it in place. If a dark shoe mark appears on a floor cloth, a small piece of steel wool can be rubbed gently on the scuff to clear it away.
When a floor cloth is removed from packing materials, it will need to lie flat on the floor to straighten out due to its rolled up shipping position. If the piece’s corners and edges are still not lying flat after several hours, the floor cloth can be very loosely rolled in the opposite direction and laid back on the floor for further settling.
When not in use, it is best to store floor cloths and place mats lying flat. Curling and rolling them in storage can cause the varnish to eventually crack. Under the bed is a great storage place for smaller pieces.
Every home is unique and people use canvas artwork in a variety of ways. Betty is always happy to answer any questions customers may have about use, care, and handling!
Praise for Misty Productions
“Fantastic! The wife is happy which makes me even happier. Thank you so much.”
— Jeff | South Carolina
“I'm a music teacher and I've worked with Betty over many years to create art for my studio and my home: music stands, painted furniture, murals, floorcloths - all colorful, vibrant, and finely crafted. Most importantly, these things bring me joy every day.”