So you’re thinking of buying an older RV. It’s functional and in good condition, but it doesn’t feel like home – yet. RVs don’t have a good reputation for being easy to renovate, but with these are 9 creative RV renovation ideas, you can turn your used, outdated RV into a cozy mobile retreat.
Before committing to any of these RV renovation ideas, make sure you honestly assess the condition of your RV.
#1: Revamp Your RV Interior with Paint
Cost: Low
The most affordable way to give your RV interior a fresh look is by painting it. It’s amazing how a coat of neutral white paint can brighten up your…
- Cabinets
- Shelves
- RV Walls
- Dinettes
- Ceilings
Most RVs come with specialized wallpaper that doesn’t peel in humid conditions. The good news is you don’t need a blank canvas to start this project.
- Choose your paint: Remember you’re painting a small space, so keep your color palette light so that you don’t make the space feel small. Pro tip: Spend a little more on quality paint and primer. That way, you can paint right over the RV wallpaper and use fewer coats.
- Prep the surface: This step will be different depending on what you’re painting. If you’re painting walls, then make sure they’re clean and remove any wallpaper border that you don’t want. If you’re doing cabinets, then you need to remove the factory finish with liquid sandpaper and clean it with acetone before you paint. That way, the paint will stick to your cabinets.
- Paint the walls: Use a medium nap roller to apply your chosen paint for a professional finish. Also, invest in a quality edging brush to get in the small spaces where a roller can’t go.
What you’ll need:
- Paint
- Rollers/bushes
- Time
- Elbow grease
#2: Upgrade Window Treatments for Style and Function
Cost: Low
Yeah, those ugly valances characteristic of old RVs need to go. Sure, they’re functional, but they also scream “generic”. And you’re looking to breathe character and life into your camper.
New window treatments can have a huge impact on the overall appearance by…
- Modernizing your RV
- Allowing more natural light to flow in
- Providing better privacy
- Improving insulation and energy efficiency
Ready to take down the old and put in the new? Let’s go!
- Remove the old. If you have valances, they’re probably secured with screws, so use a screwdriver to unscrew and take them down. If you’re recovering the valance in an updated fabric, then be careful to take out the right screws.
- Select the new window treatments. You can update the functional valance and blind duo by re-upholstering the valance with some updated fabric that fits your style, or you can ditch them altogether and add curtains.
- Install your new window coverings. whichever option you choose, make sure you install them securely, so they won’t fall off during travel.
What you’ll need:
- Curtains/Fabric
- Hardware
- Blinds
- Time
- Elbow grease
#3: Upgrade your Countertops
Cost: Moderate
If your countertops are worn and stained, upgrade your RV countertops to give your kitchen a fresh finish. You can upgrade to natural stone or a solid-surface countertop, but keep in mind that natural stone is heavy.
Today’s market offers some beautiful, affordable laminate sheeting that mimics popular granite and marble and is much lighter.
The process is pretty simple, but you do need some specialized skills and tools to cut the laminate. Once you have it in the shape you need with the hole cut out for your sink, you apply the adhesive and lay down your laminate.
What you’ll need:
- New countertop material
- Tools to remove the old countertop
- Builder’s Adhesive
- Time (weekend project)
- Elbow grease
#4: Backsplash Ideas
Cost: Can range from low to high
Changing a backsplash can bring texture and flare to your RV kitchen. Home improvement stores offer options like…
- Peel-and-stick tile
- backsplash sheets
- Heavy-duty plastic tiles
- And faux tile contact paper
These are all good lightweight options that are easy to install, lightweight, and roadworthy.
What you’ll need:
- New backsplash material
- Necessary adhesives depending on your material
- Tiling tools if you’re doing an overhaul
- Time (Afternoon or an entire weekend depending on skill)
- Elbow grease
#5: Custom Built-Ins
Cost: High
If you understand the difference between #2 ply board and cabinet grade sheets, then you’re ready to personalize your space with custom built-ins.
Custom built-ins provide tailored solutions for your specific needs while adding a ton of style and character to your space.
Say you’ve got a wall or corner that’s not being used to its fullest potential. Think about how you could better use that space.
- Do you need a coffee bar instead of that bench seat by the door?
- How about adding a foldout desk to that bookshelf?
- Need extra storage space for electronics that you don’t want to store in pass-through storage?
- Do you need a bunk room for additional guests?
Your built-ins are completely dependent on your imagination and skill set.
What you’ll need:
- Cabinet-grade ply board
- Hardware
- Tools
- Finishing supplies (paint or stain)
- Carpentry know-how
- Time (A couple of weekends)
- Elbow grease
#6: Upgrade RV Lighting for Ambiance and Efficiency
Cost: Moderate
RV lighting has advanced quite a bit in recent years. There are several more efficient, more stylish options that enhance the ambiance and efficiency of your space.
Strategically placing energy-efficient bulbs and stylish light fixtures improves both the appearance and functionality of your RV.
Tips for Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs, can help reduce energy consumption and extend the life of your RV lighting. LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs, helping to reduce energy costs.
And LEDs come in a variety of brightness, including bright white, daylight, soft white, and more.
Tips for Placing Light Fixtures Correctly
There are a few areas that need special care when installing lighting. For example, the mirror in the bathroom needs lighting over it so that your face isn’t shadowed when you look in it.
And if you want a high end camper feel, install under the cabinet LEDs.
Tips for Choosing Stylish Light Fixtures
Stylish light fixtures can enhance the overall design aesthetic of your RV, but only if you have space for them. Adding stylish lighting over an island is a great option because no one is in danger of hitting their head.
From motion-sensing lights to weatherproof exterior string lights and recessed ceiling lights, there are countless options to choose from when updating your RV lighting.
What you’ll need:
- Light fixtures with hardware
- Minor electrical skills
- Time (afternoon)
- Elbow grease
#7: Redo your RV Floor
Cost: Moderate to High
Your RV floors set the tonal foundation of your renovation, and with a wide variety of products on the market, you’ll have a wide variety of options, from inexpensive vinyl to faux hardwood flooring.
Let’s take a look at some RV-friendly vinyl options.
Option #1: Sheet Vinyl
Don’t sneer at this option. I know it sounds old fashioned, but sheet vinyl is durable, easy to install, inexpensive, and brings in modern textures and designs. You can find it at your local hardware store or order it online.
Option #2: Luxury Vinyl Tile
If you’re looking for an upgrade to sheet vinyl but like its durability, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a good option. This flooring comes in planks that adhere to each other to make a floating floor. It’s very forgiving, which makes it great for RVs because you’re not always able to get a perfectly level surface.
LVT also comes in a stunning variety of styles. For a high-end look on a beer budget, choose the faux Carrara marble. It’s clean and has great flow. For a natural minimalist feel, get the faux bamboo flooring.
What you’ll need:
- Flooring of your choice
- Plyboard (if you plan on replacing your subfloor)
- Time (weekend)
- Elbow grease
Pro Tip: I recommend having a buddy help you. The process will go faster with one person cutting and one person laying the LVT. This sidekick will also ensure you don’t make stupid mistakes, like rolling out the vinyl on top of your cutting razor…not that I know what that’s like.
#8: Create an Office Area
Cost: High
In today’s world of remote work, having an office in your camper is a huge asset. But most campers don’t come with a separate space for it, so it’s going to have to be a custom job—which means it’s time to get creative.
- Set up a fold-down desk area with a drawer to store electronics.
- Add a fold-down door to a bookshelf to create a desk that can also hide the workspace when 5:00 comes.
- Add cabinets and a workspace to your toy hauler garage.
- Convert a section of your laundry space
#9: Add Shelves for Storage
Cost: Moderate to High
When in doubt, add storage to your camper. It’s no secret that extra shelves help you stay organized. When everything has a place, it’s easy to keep your camper clean and avoid it looking cluttered.
Here are some types of shelving to maximize your space and minimize your clutter.
- Hang shelving in your wardrobe for shoes or accessories that always seem to get stuffed out of the way and lost.
- Install a medicine cabinet in the bathroom for hidden shelving
- Include cube storage in the bedroom for easily accessed items.
A word of caution: Don’t cram every available space with shelving. Then, you’ll just clutter up your camper. Shelves should have a purpose before you put them in.
What you’ll need:
- Shelving of choice
- Tools to install shelving as needed
- Time (Afternoon or weekend project)
- Elbow grease
Summary: Protect Your Hard Work
Transforming your RV into a cozy mobile retreat that reflects your tastes and needs is a rewarding endeavor that you will enjoy for years to come.
But only if you take care of it.
Once the hard work of your RV renovation is complete, protect it. Find a place to keep your new-and-improved RV safe from theft, pests, and severe weather.
Unless you were working on a teardrop sized camper, your RV will not fit in your home garage.
But there’s a better way. Store it with Neighbor.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace that offers RV storage up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options.
With Neighbor, you can find RV storage options in all 50 states. You may even find storage spaces in your very own neighborhood. Find listings (from pre-screened hosts) nearest you!
