Colorful painted canvas floor cloths, a precursor to linoleum and sheet vinyl flooring products, were widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This shot was taken in the McLean House dining room at the Appomattox Court House National Historic Site in VA – the house where General Lee surrendered to General Grant, ending the Civil War. Historic sites can be a wonderful source of design ideas and inspiration for your historic house.
The desirability of attractive and washable floor coverings is not a modern idea. Canvas floor cloths were popular for use in vestibules, entry halls, kitchens, and under dining room tables in the 19th century. Reproductions are available today and making them is an option for the DIY inclined.
Floor cloths are one of the many types of historic flooring covered in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for homeowners.” This particularly striking reproduction painted floor cloth is one of more than 2000 photos and drawings in the book.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available directly from the author in our online bookshop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/
The classic volume on identifying historic house styles, “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester, is also available in our shop.
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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