Do you have a floor that needs some color, but also needs something durable, easy to clean, and easy to store or move? How about an artisan pedigree and a touch of American history?
You just may need a floorcloth. These painted or stenciled canvas rugs were used in colonial New England; George Washington had them on the floors of Mount Vernon.
Today’s floorcloth artisans create designs of all kinds – even reproductions based on early American or European patterns. At Canvasworks Floorcloths in Vermont, artist Lisa Curry Mair creates original and historic designs using environmentally safe water-based paints and finishes.
Kathy Cooper, a North Carolina artist, paints cheerful contemporary graphic floorcloths for clients including Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, and has written books for those who’d like to try their hand at floorcloths themselves.
At Hand-painted Floorcloths in Rochester, N.Y., artist Jesse M. James’s designs are reminiscent of modern art and start at just $108 for a 24″ x 36″ piece.
Every artist has their own style; look for one compatible with yours. Like their historic folk-art ancestors, today’s floorcloths are best on hardwood floors; they’re easily cleaned with a damp cloth, to withstand pets and kids.