Decorative Floor Cloths – Painted Canvas Area Rugs For Any Room

Recently, there’s been a renewed interest in decorating with an old idea: painted canvas rugs, also known as floor cloths. And there’s a reason for this interest: they’re easy to clean and maintain, they can be made in any size, small or large, and the painted design can be customized to match any decor.

Originally, floor cloths were used as “crumb catchers” placed under the dining room table in 18th century homes. And, sailors would create floor cloths from weathered canvas sails to cover land floors.

Today, using canvas rugs as an affordable decorating medium allows for creating whimsy in a child’s bedroom, a stunning entry statement for a home (or hotel), an area rug, large or small to complement or match any room.

For example: a client wanted a rug in his small but long galley kitchen. The interior of his condominium followed the lines of a more modern design. And since the condo was on the beach, there was the issue of sand. The client, an interior decorator, quickly sketched out his design idea and we made the canvas rug painted to his specifications, including matching the exact colors to his cabinets. The floor cloth design complemented his modern kitchen so well that another was commissioned for the modern living room.

In addition to decorating, floor cloths can help protect floors.

Another client initially requested painted canvas rugs for her kitchen and entryway. After restoring the wooden stairs, he realized that his large four-legged roommate, Buddy, would quickly mark the wood with his large claws and called on us to create a floor cloth as a runner that would protect the length of the stairs. the stairs. To keep the canvas mat in place, he strategically placed flexible putty, and now Buddy can run up and down without leaving a mark.

Because floor cloths are easy to maintain (a damp mop will clean any surface dirt), they can be used in any area of ​​the home. Think outside the home: outdoor dining areas, pool houses, driveways. They also make affordable decorative rugs.

Here is some good advice:

You want to place a cloth rug only on a hard surface, such as tile, concrete, or stone floors. Reason? If you were to use floor cloths on top of another rug, punctures from sharp heels or dog nails will result.

Many artisans offer beautiful hand-painted canvas rugs. And the designs go hand in hand: country chic, whimsical, classic stencil, tropical and much more. Most flooring artists offer custom work; If your ideas can be communicated, your design can be implemented. The idea is to use your imagination, or let the artist do it, because while floor cloths are functional, they can also be works of art for your floor.