
There are many ways to make your campervan feel like a cosy home away from home. From adding blankets and cushions to installing blackout curtains, the options are endless. Whether you're looking to make minor changes or completely revamp your space, here are some tips to help you create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in your camper.
What You'll Learn
Blankets, cushions and rugs
Blankets, cushions, and rugs are essential for making your campervan a cosy home away from home.
Blankets are a necessity, especially if you plan to live in your van during winter. They are multi-purpose, providing much-needed warmth and a homely feel to your space. Opt for lightweight, breathable linen or cotton blankets during the warmer months, and thicker, snug blankets for the colder seasons. If you're short on space, Rumpl blankets are a great lightweight option that can also be used for hiking. You could also take a leaf out of one van-lifer's book and bring four crochet blankets, swapping them out each month to keep things exciting.
Cushions are another easy and practical way to make your campervan cosy. You'll want to prop yourself up with a few cushions when you're reading or watching a film, and they can be used as lower back support when eating at the table. Just be mindful of how much space you have, and avoid going overboard. You could even save space by buying block-colour cushion covers and buying the middle part separately from a store like Ikea.
Rugs are a great way to add personality to your campervan and make the space feel homely. A rug will also keep your toes warm during the cooler months. A washable runner rug is a good idea if you have kids or pets that are likely to bring in dirt. If you're worried about limited space, a welcome mat or a rug at the foot of your bed could be a good alternative.
With blankets, cushions, and rugs, you'll be able to transform your campervan from "blah" to a cosy home in no time.
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Fairy lights and soft furnishings
Fairy lights are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your camper. Opt for battery-powered string lights that give off a soft, yellow-tinted glow—perfect for snuggling up with a book or watching a film. You can stick or hang them around the van, and they're also handy to have when camping under the stars.
Now, let's talk about soft furnishings. Blankets, cushions, rugs, and curtains are essential for making your camper feel like home. Look for soft, cosy fabrics in complementary colours and patterns that reflect your personality and style. Blankets and rugs will add warmth and comfort, especially during the colder months. Choose lightweight options that are easy to pack and won't take up too much space. Cushions and throw pillows will not only add a pop of colour but also provide extra support when lounging or reading.
When it comes to curtains, go for blackout curtains or blinds to block out light and provide insulation. You can make your own by doubling up fabric with blackout curtain material and looping them over a homemade curtain rod. Curtains are low-maintenance, washable, and give your camper a cosy vibe.
Don't forget to add your personal touches! Maybe include some colourful cushions with fun slogans or a rug that reflects your unique style. You can even bring items from home, like your favourite blanket or a special pillow, to make your camper feel extra cosy and familiar.
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Curtains and blinds
If you're somewhere warm, curtains will be sufficient to keep you cool and shut out prying eyes. If you're somewhere cold, you might want to add reflectix to your windows for extra insulation. Reflectix is a type of silvery bubble wrap that you can cover with a funky pattern so that you don't have to look at the plain material from inside your van. You can also add curtains in front of the reflectix for extra insulation and a homely feel.
When choosing between curtains and blinds, there are a few things to consider: aesthetics, function (blackout/climate control/ease of opening and closing), budget and time. Curtains are the more popular choice as they are low-maintenance, cosy, and provide extra insulation. They can also be easily removed for washing or replacing. Blinds, on the other hand, use less fabric and have a more streamlined look, but they can take longer to put away.
If you want to block out the light, you can make your own blackout curtains by doubling up some fabric with pieces of blackout curtain material. Loop them and thread them over a homemade curtain rod, which you can make from a length of broom handle.
You can also buy ready-made blackout curtains or blinds, or opt for a DIY option. If you choose to make your own, there are plenty of guides online to help you through the process.
For a unique touch, you could use a fun pattern or fabric to cover your reflectix and/or make your own curtains. This will add a pop of colour and a sense of personality to your camper.
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Personal touches and mementos
Adding personal touches and mementos is a great way to make your camper feel like a home away from home. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Decorate with Sentimental Items
Make room for items that hold sentimental value, such as artwork created by a family member or a favourite sculpture. You could even replace one of your cabinet doors with a clear acrylic panel to display these items. Just remember to stow them away safely before you hit the road.
Bring Your Signature Scent
Smells can evoke powerful memories and make your space feel more familiar. Bring your signature home scent with you by using an oil diffuser in your camper. If you don't have a signature scent, try sweet orange, lavender, eucalyptus, or black spruce oils, which are great at eliminating odours.
Display Family Photos and Mementos
Adorn the walls of your camper with fun images and family photos. Use nail-free adhesive hangers to hang framed lightweight posters and pictures. To prevent them from swinging when you're on the move, put a few tabs of mounting putty on the back and gently push the picture against the wall.
Create a Cozy Bedroom
Re-create the comfort of your bedroom at home by bringing your own bedding. Choose a soft and comfortable set of linen or cotton sheets for breathability, or flannel for extra warmth. If you plan to travel year-round, consider having two sets of sheets for different seasons. Most standard bedding will fit RV beds, but double-check the size of your bed before investing in new sheets.
Add Comforting Accents
Bring some comforts of home with you by adding a shaggy rug for your bare feet, a washable runner rug for muddy paws or dirty shoes, and an ottoman for putting your feet up after a long day. Eye-catching pillows, an ultra-soft throw blanket, and flameless candles will also bring homey vibes to your space.
Upgrade Your Bathroom
Outfit your bathroom with good-looking, unbreakable accessories and high-quality towels. Choose bath towels that are at least as nice as the ones you have at home. You could even assign a colour to each family member to keep things clear.
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Comforts from home
Bedding
A good night's sleep is essential, so a comfortable bed is a must. Invest in a thick, organic mattress, soft sheets, and a duvet to make your bed extra cosy. If you're travelling in different seasons, consider having two sets of bedding – one for warmer months and one for cooler months. Most standard bedding will fit RV beds, but some smaller beds may require custom sizes, so always measure before buying.
Soft Furnishings
Blankets, cushions, and rugs can all add pops of colour and make your camper feel like home. Blankets are great for cold nights and can be easily stored when not in use. A few extra pillows will also add comfort and can be used for support when sitting or sleeping. Rugs are a great way to add personality and make your space feel homely, and they keep your toes warm in the cooler months!
Familiar Scents and Sounds
Bring your signature scent from home with you. An oil diffuser can quickly freshen up your space and make it feel familiar. If you don't have a signature scent, try sweet orange, lavender, eucalyptus, or black spruce oils. You could also bring your favourite music or audiobooks to make your camper feel more like home.
Familiar Objects
Add some familiar objects to your camper to make it feel like home. Hang framed photos or posters on the walls, or stick them on with double-sided tape if you don't want to damage the walls. Display ornaments or trinkets that remind you of happy memories, or pick up souvenirs on your travels to decorate your space.
Homely Touches
Add some homely touches to your camper to make it feel more inviting. Fairy lights or string lights can create a cosy atmosphere, and houseplants can bring the outdoors in (fake plants work too!). Bring your favourite mugs from home for a comforting cup of tea or coffee, and stock your kitchen with your usual dishes and cutlery.
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Frequently asked questions
Decorate your camper with posters, postcards, and family photos to make it feel more like your living room. You could also bring your favourite mugs, bedding, and blankets from home to make your camper feel more familiar and comfortable.
Focus on the main seating areas of your camper. Add some throw pillows, blankets, and rugs to make the space feel more textured and cosy. You could also add some fairy lights or string lights to make your camper feel extra snug.
Make sure you have a proper bed. A good night's sleep is essential when you're on the road. You could also add a mattress topper for some extra comfort.