Originating in France in the 1400s, floor cloths, or “oylcloths” as they were known, are first seen as a regular commodity in Britain at the start of the eighteenth century and were introduced to the American colonies at about the same time.

Originally made from recycled ships' sails or other heavy linen fabric, they were painted with a variety of designs or classical patterns, sealed and used as decorative floor coverings. Used to cover dirt or wooden floors in early American homes, in Britain they enjoyed a more well regarded social status until their wider appeal and affordability among the middle classes.

Floor cloths continued in popularity until the arrival of linoleum, and by the early 1920s had virtually disappeared from the American home. Fortunately, they reappeared as an art form in the 1960s and remain popular today.

Today, Custom Canvas Carpets offers you the design solution to all of your decorative flooring needs. They lie flat, are durable, clean up easily, and they do not trap dirt, sand or pet hair the way traditional carpets or area rugs do. They are prefect for dining areas, kitchens, bathrooms, covered patios and playrooms, garages or basements. The design can be customized to fit your size and shape (they don’t have to be square or rectangle) and can be painted in any way, from traditional squares, diamonds, marble or wood finishes to fabulous contemporary or free form designs.