Whether you're living in your RV all the time or just traveling for fun, you can definitely benefit from making your small space feel comfortable.
In fact, there’s science behind feeling at home.
Did you know that living in a peaceful and cozy environment can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious? This can be particularly beneficial when adjusting to the ever-changing surroundings of RV life.
So where do you start?
Recreating a home in a camper may seem difficult, but it's possible to do so even in non-traditional spaces.
Or that the only answer is an RV remodel or makeover like those seen on social media. (Maybe you’ve been eyeing a paintbrush and wondering if you should paint your brand-new RV walls.)
First, put down the paintbrush.
Here’s what you will find in this post:
4 ways you can transform your camper decor to create a home on wheels
Curated shopping ideas for RV decor
Exclusive access to our Elevated RV Home Newsletter Series
Tips to boost your RV decorating ideas
4 Ways to Elevate RV Interiors to Create a Home on Wheels
After three years and two RVs, we have learned firsthand the differences between home and RV camper decor.
We have gathered all the knowledge we gained from seeking out our own travel trailer decorating ideas and divided it into four categories.
Camping Kitsch: Learn where to compromise between camping essentials and elements of home, with ideas on easy substitutions.
Textiles: Comprehensive list of textiles that add warmth and softness to your RV interior. Plus, we include tips to help you incorporate these into your decor.
RV Bedding: What to avoid, and how to overcome the ‘notorious’ RV mattress.
Sentimental: Learn how to include personal items and other small RV decorating ideas with tips to make them travel-friendly.
These four categories include simple ideas that can be easily implemented. These ideas will greatly improve your RV and make it feel like home.
Are you ready to get started?
1 | Find Your Balance in “Camping Kitsch”
The temptation to purchase camping “everything” can be overwhelming when you first get an RV.
These types of items can be effective for specific camping situations, however:
They were created to be durable for the outdoor lifestyle and not with the “comfort of home” in mind
Aesthetically, they are limited in designs and colors
And honestly, they’re also typically marked up and more expensive because they’re considered specialty items
It's not that you won't benefit from any of these items. In fact, you might come across some products that offer unexpected solutions.
The important thing is to strike a balance between specialized camping gear and items that enhance your comfort or style.
Options to consider instead, especially when shopping for your RV Kitchen:
Instead of enamel campware, try melamine or bamboo plates. Both are great options and come in a variety of patterns, while still providing durability. You can shop our curated selection of RV-safe dishes, plus - find tips to help you choose the best RV dishes
Instead of metal or plastic one-use cups, try acrylic drinkware. What we love about acrylic glasses is how well they stand up to the bumps of RV travel. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes so you can really find acrylic drinkware for almost any occasion
Depending on the cabinet or counter space in your RV, consider using residential-sized small appliances vs. “dorm” or camping appliances. Coffee makers, air-fryers, even stand mixers or a Sodastream can help you feel at home if that is what you are accustomed to
When considering your needs, compromise on factors such as ease of use, weight, and desired aesthetic.
2 | Use Textiles to Create Warmth In Your RV
RVs are manufactured as recreational vehicles that are most often used to travel between outdoor destinations in the camping lifestyle.
For this reason, in its stock form with wall-to-wall vinyl, textured wallpaper, and lightweight countertops, the RV feel is quite empty and cold.
One of the easiest ways to add warmth to your tiny space is by adding and layering textiles.
Textiles to consider when shopping RV decorating ideas:
We are sharing a round-up of several different types of textiles to consider using to create warmth and a lived-in feeling.
Rugs
Not only will an area rug add visual warmth to RV interiors, but it will also keep your toes warm on chilly days.
Indoor Area Rug Ideas for Small Spaces
Low-pile area rugs work especially great in RVs because they are typically easier to keep clean.
Tip: When considering area rugs for RV living room ideas, consider layering more than one rug to create dimension.
Outdoor Rug Ideas for RV Patio or Campsite Decorating Ideas
Do you have an RV patio? You could also use an outdoor rug in this extra living space. A patio rug allows for more versatility in small spaces that are both indoors and out.
Throw Blankets
Lightweight fleece, sherpa, or knit blankets can be used in a number of ways throughout your RV. Draping a throw blanket over the corner of the couch or the back of the recliner can enhance the appearance. Folding a throw blanket over the back of a chair keeps it handy while making your RV feel more lived in.
Tip: As a bonus, you can repurpose the blankets on travel days. As you work through your departure checklist, use throw blankets as padding between items.
Decorative Throw Pillows
Like blankets, throw pillows can be added to your couch, recliners, and backs of chairs for a pop of color and texture. Throw pillows are a great way to incorporate some unique RV decorating ideas because you can test out colors and styles without a long-term commitment.
Tip: Layered throw pillows in mixed shapes and sizes can make RV interiors feel less commercial, and feel more like home.
Additional textiles that add warmth to camper decor ideas:
Linen napkins
Available in a variety of styles and colors, linen napkins add a personal touch to even small spaces. Plus, linen napkins are more sustainable than paper.
Tablecloth or Table Runner
A tablecloth or runner on your dining table adds a pop of color and softens the RV feel of an RV booth or small table
Turkish Towels
When cared for properly, these lightweight towels are a great addition to your RV Bathroom.
Not only are they more durable and absorbent than traditional bath towels, but they also come in many fun and trendy patterns.
Window Treatments
Curtains, bamboo blinds, or other window treatments not only create warmth and a sense of home, but they can also increase privacy in your RV living space.
Tip: Curtains can be a great addition to the blackout shades that most RVs come equipped with. When using bamboo blinds, consider upgrading to lined shades for increased privacy.
3 | RV Mattress Replacement and Bedding Upgrades are Key
It is essential to get a good night's sleep for our mental and physical health. This is even more critical when stepping out of our comfort zone, such as traveling to new destinations in an RV.
Upgrade your RV bedding to instantly make your RV feel more like home.
When purchasing a new RV, the manufacturers typically include a thin, basic, and uncomfortable mattress as part of the package. This is due to the challenge of accommodating every individual’s sleep preferences with a single mattress. Therefore, they expect you to upgrade to a more suitable option and provide a cost-effective starter mattress.
RV Mattress Upgrade
Most RVs are equipped to accommodate an RV Queen or RV King-sized mattress. RV mattress sizes are typically shorter than traditional mattress sizing.
Options to upgrade your RV mattress are plentiful, so you can choose one that best fits your needs from a firm to a soft mattress.
Tip: When searching for replacement mattresses, first measure the mattress base to ensure an accurate fit. Using search terms like “short mattress” and “short queen/king” will help you find options.
Mattress Topper
If you're not looking to upgrade your RV mattress, consider adding a mattress topper instead. Foam toppers can be easily trimmed to fit shorter mattresses, and you can even personalize your sleeping experience with options like built-in cooling and adjustable firmness levels.
Bedding
To make your RV feel more like home, it's important not to compromise on bedding. You can easily incorporate the same bedding you use at home into your RV. If you prefer a down comforter for better sleep, you can definitely add one to your RV bed as well.
There are multiple sheet options available for RV mattresses that are specifically designed to fit their unique sizing. However, you can also use standard sheets by choosing a smaller size. For instance, we utilize full-size linen sheets for our RV queen mattress and find them to be incredibly comfortable.
4 | Personalize Your RV with Sentimental Items
When it comes to making your RV feel like a home, one of the most effective ways to enhance your environment is by incorporating personal items.
And, there’s a reason why:
According to psychologist Sam Gosling, we can organize the things in our homes into categories. “The first (category), is identity claims. Photographs, music records, the art we choose — these are the items that we believe represent our values.” Gosling says.
Because our desire to be understood is one of our most prioritized subconscious needs, we decorate our homes to reflect our true ‘self’.
Incorporating sentimental items into your RV can truly make it feel like a home.
When it comes to personal belongings and sentimental items, everyone has their own preferences. However, we can offer some suggestions on which categories to consider. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to handle these items in an RV.
Ideas to consider when choosing sentimental items for your RV:
Photographs and Art
Hang artwork and picture frames in your RV using Command Strips. Removable velcro strips like these are a great way to hang wall decor without making holes in RV walls.
Tip: When installing art, or even a gallery wall, you can make frames lightweight by completely removing the glass, or replacing it with acrylic.
Music
Having a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite tunes, whether inside your RV or outside by the campfire, is an excellent way to feel connected to your surroundings.
Additionally, showcasing a record player and a collection of vinyl records not only allows you to enjoy music but also adds visual appeal to your space.
Keepsakes
When it comes to deciding which keepsakes to bring on your RV adventure, only you can determine what truly makes sense. However, it's important to remember that unexpected bumps in the road can happen during travel days no matter how well you pack things away in your RV.
Plants + Fresh Cut Flowers
Most house plants increase air quality, which is vital in small spaces. Displaying plants or vases of flowers can help you connect to your space as a home.
Tip: If you are short on counter space, you can hang plants using peel and stick Command Hooks or a tension pole with ‘s’ hooks.
Wall Decor
RV walls can feel sterile and cold.
When we sat down with Michelle Blosser, the Interior Design Manager for Grand Design RV, we learned the “why” behind the reason most RV walls are the same. Spoiler alert: it has to do with necessity and hiding staple marks from the installation. We also talked RV decor at length and shared it all as part of our peel and stick wallpaper blog post.
Back to wall decor. Because RV walls can feel a bit plain, wall decor is a great way to add warmth and dimension, even in small spaces.
Example Wall Decor ideas to consider:
Tapestries: Lightweight, and travel well. They are available in many different designs and styles and are very versatile. They can be used as tablecloths, privacy screens, or simply as wall decor. Use Command Strips to hang tapestries in your RV.
Macramé: Also lightweight, macramé wall hangings can easily be hung with Command Hooks. Macramé decor can range in price, or if you prefer DIY projects, you can make your own.
String Lights: Create a cozy ambiance by hanging string lights throughout your RV decor. They’re lightweight, store easily and, can also be hung with Command Hooks.
Overall, when it comes to keepsake items and most other ‘extras’, compromise when needed.
Especially if you plan to be RV living full time, bring the things that are most important to you.
If they bring you great joy, you won’t regret making the space in your RV.
E X C L U S I V E O F F E R
TINY LIVING + RV HOME DECOR SERIES
Are you ready to start transforming your RV into a cozy home?
If so, we have the perfect solution for you! Our series delivers design inspiration right to your inbox. We carefully hand-pick a unique selection of RV decor to help you elevate your living space.
As we mentioned earlier in this post, whether you live in your RV full-time or are getting it ready for an exciting adventure, creating a comfortable and home-like environment is not only possible but also essential for your well-being.
We sincerely hope that you found this post informative and motivating. We wish you safe and enjoyable travels in your home on wheels!
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