Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings

Book excerpt: Wood Planks and Oriental Rugs weren't the only floor coverings found in America's old houses. In fact, a rich array of floor treatments have been used--from brick, tile and linoleum to mats and floorcloths, from rag rugs to ingrain, embroidered and pile carpets. And, of course, Oriental rugs on wood floors. Finding just the right floor covering to furnish an old house or to create a period look in any building has always been a challenge. Now, Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings explains how to choose and buy the correct floor coverings used between 1750 and the 1930s, including where to order 475 reproductions described here in detail. This invaluable catalog, illustrated with 175 photographs, also provides a history of American floors,a glossary of floor covering terms, addresses for 82 suppliers (many of whom fill custom and special orders), a reading list and sources of help.