The tough bit about finishing touches is actually finishing them. Our experience is when the van is good enough you tend to get travelling and the bits that ‘finish’ the van off are the ones that never get done.
We also know that with limited square footage and the need for practical solutions, staying in a van is never going to be the same as staying in a house, and there are lots of things that you have to give up if living on 4 wheels. In this article, we’ll share a collection of tips and ideas that help you to control your space so as not to miss out on some of them.
It should also serve as a more handy list than we had when we got close to completion, so hopefully you can rattle through and get to ‘finished’ as quickly as possible.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting, such as fairy lights, can effortlessly transform your campervan into a warm and cosy living space. They provide a soft, ambient glow, creating a pleasant atmosphere that makes your van feel more like home. With numerous fairy light options available, opting for simple, small, and long-lasting LED string lights is a smart choice. These battery-powered lights won’t drain your leisure batteries, allowing you to enjoy off-grid living for extended periods.
Fairy lights also come solar powered, which is another great option for vanlifers. Charge them during the day, and they’ll be ready to brighten up your nights. Their portability means you can easily move them around, using them indoors or taking them outside for a campfire, stargazing, or movie night.
There are countless ways to integrate fairy lights into your campervan’s design. Hang them from the ceiling, frame your windows, or outline the entire ceiling perimeter. You can even use them to define specific areas in your van, like your bedroom or dining space, creating a sense of separation and organisation within your compact home on wheels.
Blankets and throws
Snuggling up under a blanket or throw can truly make your campervan feel like a home away from home, whether you’re watching a movie or enjoying a good book. These cosy additions not only add warmth and comfort to your living space but also serve as an essential item for vanlifers who brave the winter months or mountains.
Blankets can also serve as an excellent decorative element for your campervan, adding a touch of personal style and flair. With countless materials, patterns, and colours to choose from, you can easily find blankets that complement your van’s interior design and reflect your personality.
A high-quality blanket can even be taken outside to enjoy a picnic or a night under the stars, further enhancing your van life experience.
Doormats
Doormats, oddly, do give a feeling of entering an inside space, something that you don’t get when your camping. It’s a nice hack this one. A well-chosen doormat not only serves a practical purpose by helping to clean off muddy or snowy boots after outdoor adventures, but it can also add a touch of personality to your van’s entrance.
Rugs
Rugs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as they provide extra insulation and warmth on cold mornings or during winter months. If you have a wooden floor, your feet will appreciate the added comfort of a soft rug on the floor.
You could also consider placing an outdoor rug just outside your van’s entrance to catch dirt and debris before stepping inside, further protecting your living space from unwanted messes. With countless styles, materials, and colours available, rugs and doormats are an excellent way to personalise your campervan and make it feel like a true home on wheels.
There are plenty of places in Europe that you might be able to buy a nice rug from, why not pick one up on your travels.
Final thought; decorative rugs placed at the foot of the bed or in the living area can create a cosy atmosphere.
Good storage
Making a homely space isn’t just about adding choice things, it’s also about removing the right things too. Incorporating ample storage and well-designed storage boxes can significantly impact the comfort and homeliness of your campervan. Clever storage solutions allow you to keep your belongings organised and compartmentalised.
Staying organised is crucial in a small living area, as excessive clutter can make it feel cramped and uninviting. Proper organisation extends to everyday items as well. Having designated spots for cooking utensils, ingredients, and other necessities simplifies your daily routine and makes your campervan feel more like a true home.
Nice mugs and plates and things
Incorporating charming mugs and kitchenware into your campervan is another way to make your mobile space feel more like a cosy home. There’s a certain warmth that comes from sipping your morning coffee or a cup of tea after an adventure from a favourite mug, especially when you’re surrounded by breathtaking views – one of the many joys of campervan living.
Not only do these mugs add a touch of personality to your campervan kitchen, but they also make an attractive display on a shelf or hanging from a peg when not in use. Enamel mugs are a popular choice among van dwellers, as they’re durable and unlikely to shatter if accidentally dropped or jostled during travel. Plus, any chips or scratches they acquire only serve to enhance their character, making them a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to your campervan.
Plants
Introducing plants or cacti to your campervan can instantly bring a touch of nature and warmth to your mobile living space. They not only brighten the atmosphere but also provide benefits such as improving air quality, boosting mood, and adding fresh oxygen to your campervan environment. However, it’s essential to consider the practical aspects of having plants in a moving vehicle.
While fake plants are a hassle-free option, many van dwellers prefer real plants for their natural benefits. To keep them secure during travel, you can use Velcro to attach the plant pots to countertops or shelves, or use ropes or bungees to hold them in place. Remember, rough roads may require additional measures to ensure the plants stay secure.
When choosing plants for your campervan, opt for low-maintenance, sturdy species like succulents, pothos, or peace lilies. These plants are well-suited to the campervan environment and require minimal care. To keep your campervan conversion lightweight, use lightweight pots for housing your plants.
Curtains
Adding curtains to your campervan is a practical and stylish way to maintain privacy and create a cosy atmosphere. Curtains can help you keep out prying eyes, block sunlight, and even enhance the overall aesthetic of your mobile home. See our full guide on curtains here.
Cushions
Adding pillows and cushions to your campervan can instantly elevate its comfort level.
While you don’t want to overcrowd your small space with too many cushions, having a few strategically placed ones can provide support when watching a movie or reading a book. Opt for patterns if you have a flat coloured sofa cushion.
A clever way to maximise space and functionality is by using a decorative pillowcase to store your jumpers when they’re not in use.
Add colour
Adding colour to your campervan can make it feel more personalised and like an extension of your own home. There are numerous ways to incorporate colour into your van’s interior design. You can choose to paint your walls, cupboards, or shelves, or opt for colourful decor items. Additionally, adding curtains or updating your reflectix with vibrant designs can introduce more colour into your space. Staying grey or white is just a bit boring.
Another approach to introducing colour is through upholstery. For example, you can upholster your campervan’s mattress, especially if it serves a dual purpose as both a bed and a sofa. A touch of colour here and there can truly transform your van, distancing it from its original ‘builder’ interior.
Bring things from home
Bringing finishing touches from your home to your campervan can make the space feel more familiar. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that everything you need for van life must be camping-specific, but everyday items like regular bowls and proper cutlery is fine.
Using familiar items from your home can create a sense of comfort and help the campervan feel more like a home away from home. Of course, it’s essential to choose items that won’t break or get damaged and store them securely to prevent any issues.
In addition to practical items, consider bringing some decorative pieces you already own. These, again, don’t need to be camping-specific, and incorporating items that you have an emotional connection to will enhance the homely atmosphere of your campervan.
Artwork
Vans don’t have flat walls and hanging things isn’t the norm, however, if you can, incorporating artwork into your campervan is an excellent way to personalise your living space and create a unique atmosphere. Choosing artwork that has emotional significance should be a priority, as long as it’s not fragile or prone to breaking.
Embrace the opportunity to display your favourite pieces, including prints, paintings, collages, sketches, or any other form of art that speaks to you. As you travel, you’ll likely encounter artists and creative individuals who share your passion for van life. Displaying artwork from friends met along the journey is a lovely reminder of the connections and experiences you’ve had on the road.
Kitchen tiles
Introducing a tile backsplash in your campervan’s kitchen is a stylish and practical way to elevate your interior design without breaking the bank. You can opt for a partial backsplash or cover the entire wall, depending on your preference. Not only does a tiled backsplash serve as an eye-catching accent, but it also simplifies cleanup after cooking.
Installing tiles doesn’t have to be a lengthy, labour-intensive project. There are convenient solutions available that can help you achieve the desired look in just a few hours. Peel and stick subway tiles are an excellent option, they are long-lasting, and feature a strong adhesive backing that’s waterproof and heat resistant. No glue or messy clean-up is required.
Mirrors
Mirrors are an excellent addition to your campervan’s interior, serving both functional and decorative purposes. How better to make your van feel homely than have you in it! If you have empty wall space in your van, consider hanging a mirror as an attractive accent piece. Mirrors also create the illusion of a larger space, which is particularly beneficial in confined areas like campervan’s.
Bookshelves
All the vans in instagram have a bookshelf. It makes you look intelligent. There are several ideal locations for incorporating a bookshelf into your van’s design.
One bookshelf option is to integrate the bookshelf into your overhead storage, keeping your books easily accessible and on display. Alternatively, you could create a separate wall shelf specifically for your books, or even build a bookshelf on the inside of your van’s backdoors.
Macrame
For those looking to incorporate a boho vibe in their campervan conversion, macrame artwork is a fantastic option. Macrame is not only visually appealing but also lightweight, making it an ideal choice for campervan decor.
If you’re feeling inspired, you can even create your own macrame artwork by using pieces of driftwood and some yarn. This personalised touch will add a unique element to your campervan’s interior, making it feel even more like home.
Personal photos
Incorporating personal photos into your campervan decor is an excellent way to make the space feel more like home and keep cherished memories close. Whether you’re on an extended adventure or just want to have reminders of friends and family, displaying photos can bring warmth and personality to your van.
One creative way to display your photos is by creating a photo wall or a collage of your favourite moments. You can use picture frames, clipboards, or even magnetic photo ropes to arrange your photos in a visually appealing manner. Alternatively, consider using a string and some clothes pegs to hang your photos in a casual, yet charming fashion.
If you’re on the road and want to document your journey in real-time, using a Polaroid or instant camera is fun. Snap photos of your favourite places, people, or experiences and add them to your collection.
What we do
Let’s remember that “homely” is subjective and the above are guides for things you could do.
When we converted our van, we were still siliconing in the shower tray the morning we got our Eurotunnel. So, we didn’t have a whole lot of time for home comforts.
The helpful thing was that we were moving out of an apartment, and so had to bring a lot of stuff (not loads, we didn’t have much, but some) with us as we moved out.
That, plus, we designed the van from the beginning with a very minimalist, clean, vibe.
One of our favourite details to the van build is the plywood that we used throughout. We therefore, did not want to add too much decoration or clutter as we want to keep the focus on the clean wooden design.
In the kitchen, we used a white and grey hexagonal ‘stick and peel’ backsplash. Although it was white and didn’t add any colour, it gave a sense of being in a normal home kitchen.
A few fake plants (taken from our home) and a real cactus for plants (we are actively adding to this collection as we both love plants and miss all the real (big) ones we had to donate to parents and friends when we left.
A DIY curtain which we hung up to separate the cab from the van. (visit our guide on curtains for more details). This was made up of the same green material we used for our sofa. This helped tie in the colour theme throughout the van.
Scatter cushions on the sofa. Again, these were taken from our apartment and added some extra comfort as well as helping make the van look cosy and homely. These were also useful to use when sitting or laying outside in the sunshine too.
Blanket from home which we used either at the end of the bed or on the sofa somewhere. We’d advise having blankets in the van for extra warmth when the temperature drops anyway.
A shelf with a few books on it. We created a small shelf that sat above the side window. Not only does the shelf break up the not-so-perfect grey carpet lining on the walls, but it means we can showcase a few books and our plants. We took a few, small van-and-outdoor-activities-related books with us and put them here.
We’re from Cornwall and have a few friends that make little pieces of artwork. They lovingly gave us one or two bits for us to hang up.
We also brought a lot of our kitchen things from our home, into the van. So, we were drinking out of our normal mugs, eating with our normal cutlery and using our wine glasses for glasses (as opposed to all plastic/camping ones). This gave a sense of being in a ‘normal’ kitchen. Just make sure you have a good storage place for any glass items you bring!