Creative Decorating Ideas For Your Pop-Up Camper

Decorating a pop-up camper can be a fun and rewarding project, allowing you to put your personal touch on your mobile home. Whether you're an avid camper or new to the world of camping, there are numerous ways to make your pop-up camper feel more like home. From simple aesthetic changes to more complex renovations, the possibilities are endless.

One of the most effective ways to transform your pop-up camper is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Light colours can make the space feel larger and more open, while bolder colours can add a fun and unique touch. Another way to enhance the aesthetics of your camper is by focusing on its soft furnishings. Consider recovering the cushions with a light upholstery fabric and choosing comfortable bedding and fluffy comforters for a cosy atmosphere.

Storage is also an important consideration when decorating your pop-up camper. Using storage containers and baskets can help you maximise your space and keep your camper organised. Additionally, bringing suction cup hooks and tension rods can provide extra hanging storage for items like towels, clothes, and keys.

Lastly, don't forget to add some personal touches to make your camper feel like home. Hang lightweight decorations using magnetic or adhesive hooks, display photos or postcards, and opt for collapsible decor like vases and picture frames to save space when you're on the move.

Painting and flooring

Painting

The first step in painting your camper is to decide on a colour scheme. You can go for a single colour throughout or add some dimension by choosing different colours for the walls, cabinets, and countertops. If you're feeling creative, you can even paint decorative scenes or murals on the cabinets using stencils and oil-based paint.

Once you've decided on your colours, it's time to start painting. If you're painting the exterior, make sure to wash it down with soap and water, and then prime it before applying your chosen paint colour. For the interior, you can start by painting the cabinets. Remove the cabinet doors and give them a good scrub with water and dish soap. If your cabinets are made of fibreboard with a paper coating, you may need to fill in any gaps or holes with wood filler and sand them down before priming and painting.

Flooring

When it comes to flooring, vinyl is a popular choice for pop-up campers. It's easy to install and can be placed right over the existing flooring. If you're removing the old flooring, make sure to give the area a good cleaning before laying down the new vinyl.

To add some extra comfort and style to your camper, consider laying throw rugs on top of the vinyl flooring. Choose rugs that match the colour scheme of your walls and cabinets to tie the whole space together.

With a fresh coat of paint and some new flooring, your pop-up camper will feel like a brand-new space.

Cushions and curtains

Choosing the Right Cushions

When it comes to cushions, comfort is key. Look for cushions that are soft and cushy, yet provide good support for your back. You can also consider adding memory foam toppers to your existing cushions for extra comfort. If you're buying new cushions, make sure to measure the size of your camper's benches and beds to ensure a perfect fit.

Selecting the Perfect Fabric

The fabric you choose for your cushions will depend on your personal style and preferences. Consider a durable and easy-to-clean fabric, especially if you plan to use your camper frequently. Look for fabrics that are stain-resistant and can withstand wear and tear. You can also add a water-resistant coating to your fabric to protect it from spills and moisture.

Sewing Your Own Cushion Covers

If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can sew your own cushion covers. Choose a fabric that complements your camper's colour scheme and decor. Measure your cushions and cut the fabric to size, allowing for seams and hems. You can find many online tutorials and patterns to guide you through the process of sewing cushion covers.

Curtains for Privacy and Style

Curtains are a great way to add privacy and style to your pop-up camper. Opt for lightweight and easy-to-clean fabrics, such as cotton or polyester blends. You can choose from a variety of colours and patterns to match your taste. Consider using blackout curtains if you want to block out light and heat or enhance privacy.

Hanging Your Curtains

There are several ways to hang curtains in your pop-up camper. You can use tension rods, which are easy to install and don't require any drilling. You can also use adhesive or magnetic hooks, which are ideal for temporary installations and won't damage your walls. Another option is to sew tabs or pockets at the top of your curtains and slide them onto a curtain rod.

Customizing Your Curtains

If you want to get creative, you can customize your curtains by adding embellishments like pom-poms, tassels, or ribbons. You can also mix and match different fabrics to create a unique look. Consider using leftover fabric from your cushion covers to create coordinating curtain valances.

Maintaining Your Cushions and Curtains

To prolong the life of your cushions and curtains, regular maintenance is key. Vacuum or brush your cushions regularly to remove dirt and debris. Spot clean any stains using mild soap and water, and allow them to air dry completely before using them again. For curtains, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Wash them periodically, and iron or steam them to keep them looking crisp and fresh.

Camper storage solutions

Bathroom

Use over-the-door hangers or a rack to hang towels and other items. Suction cup containers for shampoo and conditioner can be stuck to the shower walls. A tension rod shelving unit can also provide extra storage for bathroom essentials.

Kitchen

Make use of shelves for extra counter space and stackable items. Reusable spice containers that fit on short shelves are great for holding dry goods. A 5-gallon pail with a lid can keep flour and dried goods safe from critters. Command hooks or a magnetic strip can be used for hanging towels, kitchenware and utensils. Bins or drawers can help organise food items in the fridge and cupboards.

Bedroom

Utilise space above stacked drawers for hanging clothes. A bin at the foot of the bed can hold boots, and an over-the-door hanger can be used for shoes.

General storage

Make use of all available space, including vertical areas. Install extra shelves or drawers where possible to maximise storage capacity. Command hooks are useful for hanging items inside cupboards or on walls. Magazine holders can be used to store laptops, boxes of baggies, aluminium foil and other items.

Decorations and accessories

Lighting

String lights are a great way to add a cosy and magical feel to your camper. You can drape them around the windows or across the ceiling. Battery-powered LED lights are a good option as they don't require any wiring.

Linens and Soft Furnishings

Adding new bed linens, cushions, and rugs can make a big difference in making your camper feel more comfortable and homely. Consider using light upholstery fabric for the cushions and choosing rugs that are durable and easy to clean.

Colour Scheme

You can create a cohesive look in your camper by choosing a colour scheme and sticking to it. This could be as simple as choosing a couple of complementary colours and using them throughout the space. This could be in the form of linens, curtains, cushions, or other accessories.

Curtains

Curtains can add privacy and also bring in colour and pattern. Opt for lightweight and easy-to-clean materials. You could even make your own if you're feeling crafty!

Storage

To keep your camper feeling spacious and clutter-free, utilise storage solutions such as baskets, containers, and shelves. There are many creative storage options available specifically for campers, such as collapsible storage cubes and under-shelf baskets.

Personal Touches

To make your camper feel extra special, add some personal touches such as photos or postcards. You can use string and clips to create a display that can easily be changed whenever you like.

Camper exterior

Decorating the exterior of your pop-up camper can be a fun and creative project. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

Painting

Give your camper a fresh new look by painting the exterior. Choose a colour that suits your taste and the overall theme of your camper. You can either use a brush or a roller to apply the paint, but rolling it on is generally easier and gives a more even finish. Make sure to wash the exterior first and prime it before painting. If you want to remove any old decals, you can use a heat gun and plastic razor blades for a clean finish.

Accessories

Add some personal touches to the exterior with accessories. You can hang a flower basket, like the one suggested by Flawless Darling, which can be easily attached to the metal strips on your camper. You can also plant citronella plants in small plastic pots to help keep bugs away. If you want to add some lighting, consider a camping LED light bucket kit, which can be found on Etsy.

Windows

Curtains are a great way to add privacy and style to your camper windows. You can use tan curtains, as suggested by Flawless Darling, or choose a colour that complements your exterior paint choice. For a more unique look, you can even use shower curtains, as suggested by The Pop Up Princess, or make your own curtains from scratch.

Wheels

Don't forget to give some love to your wheels! You can paint the wheel covers to match your exterior colour scheme or choose a contrasting colour to make them stand out. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try vinyl stickers on the wheel covers for a fun pop of colour or design.

Awning

If your camper has an awning, you can decorate it with string lights or hang some lightweight decorations from it. You can also add some removable awning walls for extra privacy and protection from the elements. These walls can be found in various colours and designs to match your style.

Frequently asked questions