ASK OLD HOUSE JOURNAL

ASK OLD HOUSE JOURNAL

- 

Q: I have an old Cape-style farmhouse, ca. 1835, in a rural area of Maine. What can you tell me about painted floors? —Rick DeBruin, Phillips, Maine

A: I think your answer is Yes! Painted floors were popular especially in that period. Old “deal” floors (of pine, fir, or a local softwood) frequently were painted in a solid color or checkerboard to refresh them. Varnish—or, today, polyurethane—is added on top of the paint to extend its life.

This is also the era of trompe l’oeil painting, with fool-the-eye, three-dimensional effects: cube blocks, “inlaid’ compass roses, even “oriental rugs” painted on wood floors. Faux marble was popular, particularly in entry stair halls. Stenciling and freehand painting on floors also are found. See more photos and information by searching “painted floors” at oldhouseonline.com. —Patricia Poore