How to Update Your RV or Camper Decor for Your Next Adventure

Once you’ve taken your vehicle out of its storage unit or parking space, it’s time to de-winterize it. Basically, this means getting your RV or camper “road ready” after a season of disuse. You’ll need to thoroughly check and revitalize all the systems that were put to rest during winter storage — including the plumbing, battery, tires and more — to make sure they’re working properly before you go on your next adventure. For a checklist of essential dewinterizing tasks, visit our blog.

After you de-winterize, it’s time to clean and refresh the interior of your RV or camper — and update any decor you might want to bring with you on your trip.

Before you buy any new items, start with a thorough inventory of your existing decor. This means going into your self-storage unit — or wherever you’ve been storing last season’s items — and seeing what you can reuse. Organize what you find based on their condition, utility and how well they can serve the types of trips you plan on taking this year. For example, if you plan on taking an extended multi-month trip, you may want to bring outdoor decor (like a rug and foldable chairs), a grill, awning lights, extra linens and a TV. If you’re just going on a few short road trips, you may not need as much cookware or bedding.

After you look at last year’s decor, go through your home for any items you seldom use but that may find a second life in your RV or camper. Perhaps there’s a set of vibrant throw pillows that could add a splash of color to your camper’s interior, or a lightweight runner that’s just the right size for your RV’s walking path. Other things, like kitchen items, can be repurposed as well — think portable spice racks, hanging cupboard organizers or compact, collapsible dishware. Adapting your home decor for RV use not only economizes resources but also helps in creating a cozy, familiar environment while you’re traveling.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve put together a list of 12 space-efficient decor ideas designed to maximize every usable inch of your RV or camper.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Multi-functional furniture serves two or more purposes, such as a sofa that converts into a bed or a stool that doubles as a small storage cubby. Consider other multi-functional ideas, like integrating foldable tables that can be mounted to the wall in your RV or camper. This allows you to pull them out when needed and tuck them out of sight when not in use, whether you need a desk for typing and work or a makeshift dining space.

Hanging Organizers and Over-the-Door Storage

Use the vertical space in your RV by installing hanging organizers. These can be used in the kitchen for utensils and spices, in the bathroom for toiletries or in the bedroom area for clothing and accessories — freeing up valuable floor and counter space.

Magnetic Strips

Install magnetic strips on walls or the underside of cabinets in your camper to hold kitchen knives, tools or spices in jars with metal lids. This not only saves space but also keeps these items within easy reach. You can also use magnetic strips to hold under-cabinet LED lighting that can brighten your kitchen and make it feel more open and inviting.

Collapsible Kitchenware

Invest in collapsible items like bowls, colanders and kettles. These items take up minimal storage space in your kitchen because they can be flattened and stacked when not in use. A great alternative to collapsible kitchenware is a set of nesting bowls, pots and pans.

Under-Bed Storage Solutions

Utilize the space under the bed for storage. Use low-profile bins for out-of-season clothing, extra bedding or items you don’t frequently use. Consider beds with built-in storage or hydraulic lifts for easy access.

Removable Wallpaper

One easy trick to transform the interior of your RV or camper on a budget is removable wallpaper, which allows you to add patterns or colors without having to paint or renovate the interior of your RV. Using removable wallpaper also allows you to update your camper as your tastes and styles evolve over time.

Window Treatments

Window treatments like curtains and blinds not only add to the visual appearance of your RV or camper but also provide privacy and light control. Choose lightweight materials for an airy, summery feel or thermal curtains to enhance insulation at night. If you’re sensitive to light while sleeping, consider blackout curtains.

Outdoor Rugs

Place an outdoor rug under your RV or camper’s awning to extend your living space comfortably outside during rest stops. (It’s also perfect for barefoot lounging outside the RV!) Make sure you choose an outdoor rug that’s specifically designed with materials that can withstand rain, moisture and dirt. 

Compact Indoor Plants

Bring a bit of nature inside with small, hardy plants that thrive indoors, like succulents (aloe vera, cacti), pothos and snake plants. If you’re having trouble keeping your plants healthy, check out our guide to repotting or reviving your house plants.

Decorative Throw Pillows and Blankets

Swap out or add new throw pillows for an instant refresh of your space. While keeping your sheets a lighter color can help make your RV feel more spacious, playing with the colors, textures and patterns of your throw pillows and blankets is the perfect way to add a pop of personality.

Artwork and Photos

Hang lightweight artwork or family photos using damage-free hanging strips to personalize your space and make it feel more like home without adding too much clutter. You can also opt for electronic displays that let you change the art or photo depending on your mood.

Foldable Room Divider

Foldable room dividers are a stylish and functional way to create private spaces in your RV or camper as needed, without making any permanent modifications to your vehicle. Be sure to opt for a lightweight, foldable room divider that you can collapse and store out of sight when not in use.

Storing your RV or camper decor during the off-season requires some careful planning to ensure that everything remains in excellent condition for next year’s adventures. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Clean any metal, wood or plastic items with a damp rag (and a mild soap if there’s dirt) and let them air-dry thoroughly before storing. 
• For linens, shower curtains and bathmats, throw them in the wash and dry them on high heat. 
• Soft furnishings like cushions, curtains and rugs should be vacuumed and stored in airtight containers. 
• Any decorative items and kitchenware should be padded in bubble wrap or soft packing material to prevent them from breaking, then placed in labeled plastic bins to keep everything organized.

After you’ve cleaned your decor, it’s time to find a place to store them. Rather than keeping these items in your RV or camper, which may be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations as well as dust and pests, you should consider keeping them in a climate-controlled storage unit. This will keep your actual home free of clutter and ensure that you can reuse your RV and camper decor for years to come.

Storing Your Vehicle

When it comes to storing your vehicle, you have a number of options, including at home (driveway, garage or street) or in a storage facility (indoor unit or covered/uncovered parking space). While at-home storage is convenient and free, storing your vehicle in self storage can protect it from weather, damage and debris. Before making a decision, check out our guide on the pros and cons of each.