Expand Your Small Camper: Tips For A Spacious Feel

how to make a small camper feel bigger

Whether you're a veteran or a beginner, making the most of a small camper can be challenging. From clever storage solutions to design tricks, there are many ways to make your small camper feel bigger. The key is to create the illusion of more space, and here are some tips to help you achieve that.

Characteristics Values
Lighting Use lamps to light up corners and replace existing lights with softer, brighter options, such as LED lightbulbs
Reflective Surfaces Use reflective surfaces such as polished wood or stone cabinets and countertops to reflect light and make the room feel brighter and bigger
Housecleaning Keep the camper clean and clutter-free, invest in portable cleaning tools and cleaning products, and use storage solutions to keep clutter off the floor
Storage Use hidden storage solutions such as bins, baskets, ottomans, and storage benches, and utilise the camper's built-in storage compartments
Packing Only bring essential items, and consider the amount of space available before each trip
Outdoor Space Create a comfortable outdoor living space to expand the area available for spending time and cooking
Wall Space Keep walls clear and uncluttered, use vertical stripes to draw the eye upward, and choose low furniture to make the ceiling seem higher
Color Palette Choose light colours such as white, cream, light blue, or light green for walls, curtains, and decorations to reflect more light

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Use reflective surfaces and mirrors

Mirrors and reflective surfaces are a tried-and-true method to make any small space feel bigger. They reflect light and make the space feel more open. When using mirrors, you want to opt for those that are unbreakable and shatterproof. Acrylic mirrors are ideal for RVs as they are lightweight and won't break.

You can hang a large mirror on a wall or place a few smaller mirrors around the camper. If you angle them strategically, they will bounce light and reflect the outdoors in dark and plain areas. A full-length mirror in a small camper bathroom, for example, will instantly make the space look and feel more spacious.

Another option is to place a mirror on the inside of a cabinet door or in areas where there is no natural light from a window. This will help to brighten up the space and make it feel larger and more open.

In addition to mirrors, polished wood or stone cabinets and countertops can also help to reflect light, making a room feel brighter and bigger. These reflective surfaces trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it is.

To further enhance the sense of space, you can pair mirrors with lighting. This combination will help to illuminate the room and give an even greater sense of expansion.

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Choose a light colour palette

Choosing a light colour palette is one of the most effective ways to make a small camper feel bigger. Dark colours tend to absorb light, creating a cramped atmosphere, while light colours reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open. Opt for cool or pale shades like white, cream, light blue, or light green. These colours will create a sense of openness and make your camper feel more spacious.

When selecting paint colours for your camper, consider using the 60-30-10 rule. This rule suggests that 60% of the space should be your base colour, 30% should be a secondary colour, and 10% should be used for accents. By incorporating lighter colours into the majority of your colour scheme, you can create a sense of expansiveness. Additionally, the 10% dedicated to accents allows you to incorporate some darker colours without overwhelming the area.

Not only does the 60-30-10 rule apply to paint choices, but it also includes the colours of various elements within your camper, such as furniture, pillows, rugs, curtains, and wall art. By ensuring that all these elements adhere to the 60-30-10 ratio, you can create a cohesive and spacious-feeling environment.

If you're hesitant to paint your walls, consider using peel-n-stick wallpaper or backsplash tiles as an easy alternative. These options provide flexibility and can visually transform your space, making it appear more open and airy.

In addition to the walls, consider the colour of your curtains. Opt for lightly coloured, thin, or sheer curtains that allow more natural light to enter the camper. This simple change can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance, making the space feel larger and more inviting.

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Create an outdoor living space

Creating an outdoor living space is a great way to make your small camper feel bigger. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Choose the Right Location

When setting up your outdoor living space, consider choosing a campsite that offers ample space to set up your camper and create a comfortable outdoor area. Look for campsites with scenic views and a pleasant atmosphere to enhance your overall experience.

Comfortable Seating

Invest in comfortable camp chairs, recliners, or even a hammock. Having a cozy place to sit and relax outdoors will make your space feel more inviting and provide additional seating options when hosting guests.

Outdoor Rug

Adding an outdoor rug can instantly make your outdoor space feel more like an extension of your camper. Opt for a rug that is durable, easy to clean, and complements the overall aesthetic of your camper decor.

Side Table

A side table will provide a functional surface for placing drinks, snacks, books, or other items while spending time outdoors. It can also help to create a more homely and inviting ambiance.

Grills and Outdoor Cooking Supplies

One of the best parts of camping is cooking and dining outdoors. Equip yourself with a grill and other outdoor cooking supplies to prepare meals and enjoy al fresco dining under the stars.

Awnings, Canopies, and Shades

To make your outdoor living space more comfortable, consider investing in awnings, canopies, or shades. These will provide protection from the sun and light rain, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space regardless of the weather.

Lighting

Add lighting to your outdoor space to create a cozy ambiance and extend the use of the area into the evening hours. String lights, lanterns, or even a campfire can all contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is a perfect addition to your outdoor living space, providing warmth during cooler evenings and a focal point for gatherings. It can also be used for cooking, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.

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Improve the lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in making your small camper feel bigger and brighter. Here are some tips to improve the lighting in your camper:

Use Lamps to Light Up Corners

Overhead lighting often doesn't reach into corners, leaving dark and shadowy spaces that can make your camper feel cramped. Adding lamps can help illuminate these corners and make the entire space feel more open and accessible. Place lamps in areas that tend to be shadowy, such as corners or under cabinets, to brighten up those spaces and make your camper feel larger.

Choose Softer, Brighter Lightbulbs

Replace existing lightbulbs with softer and brighter options, such as LED bulbs. Getting rid of fluorescent lighting can help create a more comfortable and homey atmosphere in your camper. LED bulbs provide a more pleasant and natural light that can make your space feel more inviting and spacious.

Add Reflective Surfaces

Reflective surfaces can trick the eye into thinking a space is bigger by reflecting light and making the room feel brighter. Opt for polished wood or stone cabinets and countertops, which will reflect light and make the room feel airier. You can also add mirrors to your camper's décor. Lightweight acrylic mirrors are a great choice for campers as they are unbreakable and shatterproof. Place mirrors on doors or walls, especially in areas that lack natural light from windows. They will reflect both natural and artificial light, making your space feel more open and illuminated.

Install Wall Lights

Wall lights can be placed almost anywhere and are a great way to brighten up dark spaces in your camper. They can help expand the room visually and make it feel more spacious. Look for rechargeable wall lights to avoid the hassle of replacing batteries.

Paint Walls a Lighter Color

Dark-colored walls can make your camper feel smaller by absorbing light. Painting your walls a light color, such as white, cream, light blue, or light green, will reflect more light and create a brighter and more open atmosphere. If you don't want to paint, consider using peel-n-stick wallpaper or backsplash tiles as an easy and commitment-free way to brighten up your space.

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Declutter and stay organised

One of the easiest ways to make your small camper feel bigger is to declutter and minimise the amount of stuff you have. This means getting rid of anything you don't use or need, and storing what you do need in a more organised way.

It's easy to let things pile up, but these piles of clutter will make your camper feel smaller. Try to keep decorative items to a minimum. The more we pack into our tiny spaces, the more difficult it is to keep them clutter-free.

After using something, put it back where it belongs. When left out, it only takes a few of these things to make your tiny space cluttered.

Give everything a designated place. This also makes items easier to find.

Get rid of things you haven't used in the past year. Go through your cabinets and drawers and take out what you don't use.

Use packing cubes to keep your clothes organised. Packing cubes are like having portable drawers and they can really help keep your clothes organised.

Make sure everything has a home. Storage bins and other space-savers help reduce clutter. Repurpose and multi-purpose items where possible. For example, would one knife in the kitchen work instead of three different types?

Identify and discard items you no longer use. Keep track of the last time you used a non-essential item and purge anything you haven’t used in at least a month.

Frequently asked questions

Opt for sheer, lightly-coloured curtains to let more natural light in. If your camper doesn't have a lot of windows, use wall lights to brighten up dark spaces.

Mirrors instantly give the illusion of more space. Use unbreakable and shatterproof acrylic mirrors, and place them in areas without natural light or on the inside of cabinet doors.

Lighter colours reflect more light, so try to decorate with cool or pale shades like white, cream, or light blues and greens.

Use bins, baskets, ottomans, and storage benches to keep your camper clutter-free. Make use of hanging cubbies, wall hooks, and your RV’s built-in storage compartments.

Create a great outdoor space with a small patio or seating area. This will allow you to spend more time outside, making the indoor space of your camper feel more spacious.

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