Vintage Barkcloth has become very collectible. Today, this wonderful old fabric is being proudly folded and displayed on shelves and is also being used to recover vintage soft furnishings, add some old fashioned charm to windows or being used to make cottage chic porch pillows.
History of Barkcloth
The first barkcloth was actually made from from bark, particularly bark from the Hawaiian Kapa or Mulberry tree. The bark was beaten to soften it and make it pliable into what is known as Tapa cloth.
But the collectible and much beloved fabric from the 40s and 50s known today as "vintage barkcloth," is actually a momie weave. The weave has what looks like bumps or nubs in the threads, almost like it's made from a primitive yarn.
Barkcloth is and was a heavy textile made especially for drapery, curtains and upholstery. It is made primarily of cotton, but occasionally rayon or linen was added to the weave. This momie weave was given the name barkcloth because of it texture which mimics that of tree bark
Early Barkcloth from Cretonne, France
Barkcloth fabric was originally made in Cretonne, France and by the 1920s, this fabric, known as cretonne, was being made in the United States. Due the fabric's bark-like texture, the American makers called in barkcloth.
Early Barkcloth Designs and Trends
From the 1930s up until the 60s, barkcloth became the fabric of choice in home decorating. It was known to be a durable fabric, washed up well and held colors well.
Tropical prints were popular in the 1930s. The textile was printed with rows of large tropical leaves and flowers. Florals with roses also became popular and they are still highly sought after today, especially those designs with pink roses for cottage chic style.
Atomic and Amoebic
The space age of the 1960s brought barkcloth known as atomic and amoebic barkcloth. The designs were very graphic. Atomic barkcloth is very collectible today with the increase in contemporary and retro tastes in decorating. Atomic barkcloth can fetch very high prices in good condition.
Authenticating Vintage Barkcloth
Collectors know a piece of vintage barkcloth when they see it, based on the design alone. Many designs were printed in different colors and they often show up at online auctions in a variety of predominant or background colors.
Determining vintage barkcloth takes some practice. The texture is easy and so is the feel of cotton. Study the back of the piece. There will be less color showing through the print and less distraction. It would be easier to focus on the weave instead of the design. If it's smooth, it isn't barkcloth. It will have a linen feel to it and it will feel soft to the touch. Barkcloth should have a nubby texture.
Tips for Caring for Vintage Barkcloth
- Washing could remove the sizing and make the fabric go limp but it also adds an elegant drape to the fabric.
- To keep barkcloth bright and somewhat stiff, dry cleaning is the best option.
- Sun can fade and rot drapery panels, so they should be lined.
Price Guide for Vintage Barkcloth
If buying vintage barkcloth at online auctions, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a pair of drapes, especially if the design is something highly sought after, like roses or atomic patterns.
It's also possible to purchase small pieces for anywhere from $10. to $100. Small pieces of vintage barkcloth are generally useful for framing or for using in small projects like cottage chic porch pillows or tote bags.
Thrift shops often turn up a pair of vintage barkcloth drapes or curtains for less than $20 and it's a good idea to keep an eye out when foraging the bins and racks.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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