In the past decade, RV ownership has risen a tremendous amount. From people living and traveling in RVs full-time to people who own RVs and travel for vacations and weekends, the RV camping lifestyle has captured the attention of millions. The call of the open road beckons many to escape their traditional life and seek out adventure, exploration and freedom, even if only for a short while. After all, traveling in a vacation home that can go anywhere is rather alluring and convenient. However, RV interiors are often known for being rather outdated, leaving many wanting to customize their RVs. For this reason, RV renovation has risen in popularity, as many look to make their RVs their own.
The world of RV customization and renovation is vast and varied. Some people gut and build out their own homes on wheels, starting with a Sprinter van, bus, or work vehicle as a shell. Others remodel a motorhome or fifth wheel, leaving the layout the same but changing much of the decor and color scheme. While the renovation possibilities are endless, there are some fairly simple things you can do to leave your RV interior feeling more homey and custom. Some of these are fairly simple, and others require more of a time commitment. No matter what you plan to do with your home on wheels, these simple suggestions are a great place to start!
Decorations are one of the most basic things you can update in your RV. Changing out simple things like window treatments and bedding can really improve the overall look of your space. In addition, you can add wall hangings, throw pillows, and area rugs throughout to create a personal and homey feel as soon as you walk through the door. Consider decorating with cute finds from your travels, or bring along your favorite pieces from your sticks and bricks home to travel along with you. Whatever you do, be sure to keep it simple! A little goes a long way in a small space.
One of the things that leaves many RVs looking so stock is the furniture. Depending on the age of the RV, some of the furniture may be covered in floral or tropical prints, or checkered/striped patterns. Adding in some new furniture is a fairly simple option that really helps to update the space. Futons are a great replacement for couches, and Ikea has an awesome selection geared towards small spaces. Dinette bench cushions can be covered rather simply, as well. Any furniture swapping you do will have your RV on the way to feeling more personalized in no time.
Backsplashes are fairly easy to install and can really improve the overall look of your bathroom or kitchen. Traditional ceramic backsplashes are not typically recommended in a moving vehicle. However, peel-and-stick tile backsplashes are user-friendly, inexpensive, and perfect for RVs. There are so many styles to choose from, and they can quickly add a personal feel to your RV and minimize stains that can occur while cooking. Be sure to read instructions and use a heat-resistant backsplash if you plan to install yours near the stove.
Changing small details throughout your RV can also make a big difference. Things like drawer and cabinet pulls, faucets, light switch covers, light fixtures, and curtains are fairly simple to swap, yet add lots of personality to your space. Adding a wallpaper accent wall is also an excellent choice. Little by little, customizing these basic interior features will add homeyness to your RV renovation, making it more your own.
Painting an RV interior is no small task. However, this is one thing you can do that will change the entire look of the interior renovation. White is a popular color, as it can make a small space feel much larger. Many other colors are also quite popular and may stay cleaner-looking over time.
When painting, one must decide if they plan to do the walls only or the walls and the cabinets. It is always recommended to lightly sand everything first. RV wallpaper and cabinets are typically covered in a laminate-type material which paint may struggle to adhere to. Many recommend painting with primer first before painting with the final color. Painting may take up to an entire week to complete and is a very big element of renovation. However, the results are so worth it to create a space that is lighter, brighter, and more modern.
Flooring is another huge task that completely changes a space. Most RVs are carpeted, but wood-look floor can make the RV look much more modern. Tearing up carpet is a lot of work and requires removing tons of staples. But once this is complete, you may start laying flooring.
Real hardwood floors look beautiful, but they are often too heavy for RV weight limits. Laminate floors often look like wood at a fraction of the price and weight. Peel-and-stick and click-and-lock floors are the most popular options for RVs. Each has pros and cons, so be sure to do research and decide which is right for you before beginning a flooring swap.
These ideas are just some of many used to customize RVs. Options and possibilities are truly endless. Renovating an RV is a big decision and you should be prepared to do a lot of research before you begin. The entire process may be challenging, yet rewarding in making your RV feel more like a home. After all, enjoying your next campground or Harvest Host would be even more fun from a newly renovated RV.
Have you completed an RV renovation? What was the process like? Feel free to share any tips, tricks or ideas you might have in the comments below!
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How was the counter top in the very last photo done? Is it a contact paper The? The wood look with the dark colored base cabinet contrasted by the light backslash looks great!
Hey there! I tried to reach out to the person who provided the photo, but the link to their social media account shows the account is inactive. If I had to guess, I'd say it looks like real butcher blog that was varnished with a sheen. However, there is wood contact paper if that is what you are looking for. Best of luck to you!
Loved reading everything! Just bought a used RV. Interior is in mint condition but totally dated. I’m going to paint interior and do backsplash in kitchen. Also ripping out carpet and putting in faux wood laminate. I’m so excited about this entire project!!! Retirement is grand!!!
That sounds like so much fun!! Best of luck to you and your new project. :)
I love the couch swap out and I would really like to do this. Do you have any plans or anything you could share for tha?
It was a pretty easy swap! I disassembled the previous couch, since it wouldn’t fit through the door fully assembled. Then I sold that one and bought the futon I wanted to replace it with. I brought the new futon home disassembled and in a box and assembled it in the RV. It’s been going strong for almost five years now. :)
How do you know where you can screw items into the wall?
Most of the wiring and such in my RV is behind the cabinets/in the ceiling, so I’ve never had an issue screwing anything into the walls. However, I do also use a lot of command strips and Velcro, which helps to cut down on having to screw in any decor. Hope this helps!
How do i update to very outdated RV wallpaper throughout my class A coach?
I painted over mine, which I believe is easier than adding new wallpaper, although still a fairly lengthy project. Others have added shiplap or other decorative wall designs. Best of luck to you!
We have a total brown out going. I am thinking that the significant backsplash area would definately add interest with some covering. Did you use real tile? If so, isn’t that weight you don’t want? Do you need to grout those squares of tile patterns already set up? Peel and stick? Or is it best to go with the fake tik-tak style? Would the wall need to be prepped with anything?
Hey Marcia! I did use real tile plus grout for my backsplash. When I removed several banks of cabinets, older furniture, and my glass shower door, I decreased the RV's weight by several hundred pounds, so I wasn't too worried about the weight of the tiles, the entire project was maybe 10-12 lbs added weight. However, peel-and-stick tile is an equally great option. I believe most people clean well ahead of time to make sure it adheres well. Best of luck to you!
Peel and stick from WalMart. Got it on clearance for less than $20 a pack and it took 2 packs to do one row around my little kitchen area. So, so worth the time and effort because it looks so good! Our camper is 20 years old and everything was original. I won't do any painting but plan to get sofa pillows and curtains for it in the near future.
Such a great idea! So glad you enjoyed your update. :)
Title's a misnomer. Changing furniture, flooring, and painting are not "easy."
Hey Leigh! Anything that took me less than a day or so I included in the easy list, as opposed to tasks that took 3-5+ days, which I also completed in my RV. Hope this helps!
Any RV "reno" folks in the DFW area you could recommend? Looking to update our 2016 class C... TY
I'm in the process of renovating a Minnie for full time living not just small trips. I would love to take out the bed and put a futon in place of it but its also where the storage is from outside. Can anyone point me in the right direction of someone near Tampa FL that can help with details like this. I have concept of what i am trying for but thinking I may need help putting it in place. I dont mind the work just need help figuring out how to do it and right. Need to be able to still sleep at least 4 as I have 2 kids. Painting is not an issue most is already done and went with paint I already had and was able to tint to the shade i wanted. Practical Storage is also an issue. Also trying to figure out cat play area as we have 2
We have a mid-bunk slide out that measures 48" across. The previous owners removed the bunks and we're having trouble brainstorming what to do with it. We were thinking of making it into a guest room, but there is little room across and it slides in. Any ideas?
Lots of folks replace unneeded bunks with all sorts of modifications. It all depends on what you need in your RV. Some people install a desk instead, while others add pet supplies, such as a cat area or dog crate(s). Best of luck to you!
When I thought about taking out the bunk in my 5th wheel I was gonna turn it into a closet and storage space or a pantry to store more dry goods. Just a thought.