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If you’re looking for an inexpensive floor covering idea, a painted floor cloth is a great way to add style underfoot while on a budget. Floor cloths can be stylish and are easy to care for. Today, I’m going to share some simple tips and techniques to help you in making your own inexpensive floor cloth.
Floor cloths actually originated in France back in the 1400′s and were often stenciled or painted with various patterns by the “lady of the house.” (That would be me!) They were often referred to as “crumb cloths” and were frequently used in the kitchen and under dining tables. There’s a little history lesson for you, now let’s get on to the good stuff!
There are a few tutorials out there for making your own floor cloth, and if you want to get a little fancy, check out Martha Stewart’s tutorial on how to make canvas rugs. But if you’re like me – limited on time, patience, and free-hand art skills, then you have come to the right place!
 To make my floor cloth, I purchased a large canvas drop cloth at Lowe’s for a little more than $10. I measured the size I needed for my room and cut the painter’s dropcloth down to size leaving about an extra inch on the sides. And since I’m a no-sew kinda girl, I broke out my Stitch Witchery
For the next steps, you will need lots of space. I covered the garage floor with an extra large plastic drop cloth and laid out my canvas cloth. Using a measuring tape, a level, and painter’s tape, I marked off my design. Be sure to press the edges of the tape down very well so that no paint can seep under the edges.
You should end up with something that looks a bit of a mess, like this :)
A few more tips and pointers:
- At first, your floor cloth will be very stiff after painting and sealing, but over time it will soften up.
- You will definitely need some sort of rubber backing or tape to keep this in place. I highly recommend placing it around the edges if no where else, just to insure the edges do not curl.
- This is an easy care floor covering! We have two large dogs and an almost two year old that are always tracking in dirt, mud, food, you name it! Matt has always thought rugs are best when they can just be taken outside and hosed off. With this floor cloth, we can do just that! Hose it off, or just use a wet mop and PRESTO!! Like new again!! ;)
I’m sharing this tutorial over at Savvy Southern Style, Shabby Creek Cottage, StoneGable, and Design, Dining, + Diapers, Blissfully Ever After Paint It Challenge - Osie Moats
 
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