It's not just a van...it's a tiny home on wheels!
Embrace the freedom of van life by making your camper van feel like home. Decorating isn’t just about style; it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality and enhances your journey. In this guide, you’ll find 15 creative and affordable ideas to elevate your camper van, turning it into a cosy, functional, and uniquely "you" space, perfect for life on the road.
Let me start by saying that when it comes to camper van decor, a few scatter cushions alone won’t cut it! Think about the love you'd pour into a brick-and-mortar home’s aesthetics. While a camper van is a smaller space, it still deserves the same attention to detail and care.
"Your home should be a story of who you are and be a collection of what you love." – Nate Berkus
And because it’s a smaller space, decorating it thoughtfully is even more challenging. Camper van and motorhome decor requires you to consider the practicality, size, weight, and durability of your items—can they handle the daily bumps of the road?
I was very hands-on with the design and layout of Alma, my camper van. Starting with a blank canvas—a basic white Fiat Ducato panel van—I worked closely with a fantastic conversion company to turn my vision into reality.
Although I’d been deeply involved in the design, Alma didn’t feel like “home” when I first collected her. The interior was sparkling new and minimalistic but lacked personality and comfort.
I spent countless hours thinking about how to make Alma cosy: browsing Ikea and homeware stores, following van-lifers on Instagram, and trying out different ideas. Now, she finally feels at home, with enough decor to give that cosy, welcoming vibe without feeling cluttered.
Here’s what I learned along the way, and how you can transform your camper van or motorhome into a true tiny home on wheels.
Add a Cactus Shelf for a Natural Touch
One of the easiest ways to add life to your camper van is with a cactus shelf. Succulents and cacti thrive in small spaces and require minimal watering, so they’re ideal for van life. Plus, if mine are still alive, yours will be just fine too (I'm not at all green-fingered!).
Use shelf space to display your cacti, bringing nature indoors without worrying about constant upkeep. You can add personality by naming your plants—mine are named after friends who 'adopted' them for the journey! To create an ambient glow, add a backdrop of fairy lights.
Recommended products
- These cacti sets from Ikea are perfect as they are small enough for a shelf, lightweight and come ready-potted
- Embossed label maker machine for naming your cacti
- Delicate fairy lights for your shelf
Anchor Your Space with a Rug
A rug helps define your living space in a camper van while adding warmth and texture. Trust me, your feet will thank you when you get out of bed on colder mornings - the rug makes a huge difference to the floor temperature.
Choose a rug that fits your motorhome's layout and complements your style, but is also practical for van living.
Opt for an anti-slip bottom to prevent sliding and make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning. A low-pile, tight-weave rug is ideal since it minimizes dust and grit buildup (great for preventing dusty feet in bed!) and allows you to open floor cabinets without obstruction.
Recommended product
- This low-pile hallway runner rug is ideal - the runner shape and available sizes will fit the floor space in most vans. It has an anti-slip coating on the reverse, is lightweight and is even machine washable!
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are now synonymous with interior design - absolutely everyone is using them, whether it be indoors or outdoors. These little lights used to only make an appearance during the festive season; now they're a home staple all year round. And with good reason. There's something magical about the ambience created by those twinkly little lights.
Being lightweight, easy to install and using minimal power, they're perfect for your van or motorhome. String them along the walls, ceiling, or around shelves for a soft lighting effect, creating a cosy, inviting glow perfect for unwinding at night.
Recommended product
- This dimmable light string from The Camplight has a thin and robust copper wire and is designed specifically for camping and motorhomes. It's low power consumption and only requires a USB-C connection, meaning you can run them off 12v or a power bank if needed.
Invest in Nice Bedding for Maximum Comfort
So let's be honest, living in a van does create some comfort challenges. You're living in a very small space, with limited storage and ever-changing conditions. That's why it's so important to make sure you have a sanctuary and the ability to sleep well.
Whether you have a fixed bed or a dinette-come-bed area, you absolutely need nice bedding for both comfort and style.
Choose soft, quality sheets, blankets, and duvets that are easy to wash and durable enough to handle life on the road. Neutral tones or soothing colours can create a relaxing atmosphere, while bold patterns can reflect your adventurous spirit. Good bedding not only improves sleep but also makes your van feel like a cosy retreat.
Recommend products
- This BERGPALM duvet set from Ikea is made from 100% soft cotton and has classic, yarn-dyed stripes, giving a vintage feel.
- I also really like the ÄNGSLILJA set for a soft feel, simple design and wider range of colours.
Layer Up with Cozy Throws and Blankets
Adding throws to your camper van is a simple way to layer warmth and texture into your living space. Throws can double as extra blankets for guests or keep you warm during chilly nights.
Opt for a variety of textures, from chunky knits to soft fleece, to give your van a cosy, lived-in look. They’re versatile and can be draped over seating areas or stored away when not in use, making them a practical styling element.
Recommended products
- This super snug reversible Sherpa Fleece Throw is guaranteed to keep you warm! One side is soft microfibre, the other is Sherpa fleece. I've used this for many winters and it's never failed me. It also washes really well.
Add Cushions for Extra Comfort and Style
Ok, so we're back to the scatter cushions! I admit, they do have their place. Cushions are the perfect way to add colour and texture to your motorhome while providing extra comfort. Whether you’re lounging, reading, or working, a variety of cushions will make your space more comfortable and inviting.
You can mix and match different colours, patterns and textures to reflect your personal style. I have a two-seater bench in my van which is comfy enough as is, but adding one simple cushion elevates it to a snug and cosy corner.
It's also common amongst full-time van lifers to use cushions as extra storage solutions, using the inner section to store clothes, towels and other soft items.
Fake Plants for Low-Maintenance Greenery
If you love the look of plants but don’t want the hassle of maintaining them, fake plants are the perfect solution. Artificial plants bring the outdoors in without requiring sunlight or water, making them ideal for a mobile lifestyle. Place fake plants on shelves and countertops, or hang them from the ceiling to add a touch of greenery and freshness to your space.
Recommended product
- I love this hanging eucalyptus plant from Ikea, especially when it’s paired with this grape ivy option. As shelving in vans tends to be positioned higher up on the wall, it's a perfect placement for the plant, allowing the leaves to cascade down for a natural feel.
Use Net Bags for Stylish Storage Solutions
Storage is a big challenge in a camper van, and cotton net bags are an excellent way to maximize space while adding a stylish touch. You can use net bags to hold almost anything - from clothing to books, or even toiletries, keeping them easily accessible but out of the way.
I have three nets in my van - one I use for holding fruit in the kitchen area and the other I keep for storing clothes (you know, the ones you've worn already but don't yet need a wash. Basically a net is now my bedroom chair!)
Net bags are great because they look chic, even with a heap of items inside. Plus, they’re lightweight and take up minimal space. You can even use them as shopping bags.
Recommended products
These organic cotton net bags are washable and come in a pack of 3. Simple yet effective!
Sticky Hooks: The Van Lifer’s Best Friend
Hooks, in general, are essential for van life. With limited space, storage is at a premium and beacuse of the constant moving around of the van, you need hooks for hanging loose items for keeping secure until you need again.
Sticky hooks are preferable as they avoid the need to drill holes into your van's cabinets and walls. These hooks are easy to install and remove: no need to drill holes intoyour motorhome's cabinets or walls.
They're a fantastic way tool for hanging decorations. You can use hooks to hang lights or other small items, like dream catchers, wind chimes and other trinkets.
Recommended products
- These waterproof and rustproof self-adhesive hooks are ideal for use around your van or motorhome.
Display Postcards for Personal Touches
Nothing personalizes your camper van more than a collection of postcards from your travels. Use sticky tack or string to hang up postcards from the places you’ve visited, creating a rotating display of memories. This adds colour to your walls and is a lovely reminder of your journey, plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter when you have visitors!
Find a postcard theme that suits your style. I tend to opt for watercolour-style scenes or arty versions.
Create a Display with Fridge Magnets
Another great way to showcase your travels is by collecting and displaying fridge magnets. These take up minimal space but offer maximum personality, giving you a chance to showcase where you've been. Similar to postcards, they're a great talking point.
And fridge magnets are so easy to find, available in all souvenir shops and markets! Whether they’re quirky designs or mementoes from your favourite destinations, fridge magnets are a fun and functional way to decorate your van or motorhome.
Hang Polaroid Photos on a String
Polaroid photos hung on a string are another great way to capture and display memories from your travels or to display photos of friends and family. Use mini clips to attach photos to a piece of string or twine and hang them along your windows or walls. This adds a personal, nostalgic touch to your van, and the photos can easily be swapped out as you continue your journey.
Recommended products
- If you don't have a Polaroid camera, this service from Snapfish allows you to get all your favourite digital photos transformed into a set of 10 mini Polaroid-style prints. The quality of the prints is very good, with fast delivery.
Always Room for Bunting
Bunting is another festive trend that has crept into all-year-round home decor, instantly making your camper van feel cheerful and festive. Whether you go for bold colours or more neutral tones, hanging bunting across windows or the ceiling adds a playful touch. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and can be swapped out depending on the season or your mood.
Recommended product
- Go for cotton bunting, as it'll last longer and look stylish - this option uses good quality cotton with a range of colours available.
Hang Boho Garlands
Boho garlands are perfect for giving your motorhome a rustic, laid-back vibe. Now very popular with the #vanlife scene, Instagram is full of images of using macramé, beads and feathers to style camper vans and motorhomes. These garlands are so versatile, that they can be hung across windows, walls, or doorways to create a bohemian atmosphere that reflects your free-spirited life on the road.
I even used one to hang across my van's sliding door, using thin nails to tack into the trim to hold it in place.
Recommended products
- This macrame garland is ideal for hanging a wider space, such as a wall or door opening
- For a wall space, go for a macrame hanging tapestry
- For something more vibrant, opt for a cotton psychedelic tapestry
Use Sticky Tiles for a Quick Makeover
Sticky tiles are an easy and affordable way to add character to your camper van’s kitchen or bathroom area. These peel-and-stick tiles come in a variety of designs and can be applied quickly, instantly upgrading your space. And honestly, they do look as good as the real thing!
Whether you prefer subway tiles, bold patterns, or Moroccan-inspired designs, sticky tiles offer a stylish way to decorate without the hassle of traditional tiling. Plus you have the option to change them up after a while if you want to change the design of the van or just want a refresh.
Recommended products
- The Smart Tiles offer a great peel-and-stick tile in classic and timeless designs. They are affordable yet high quality, perfect for adding splashback protection and colour to your kitchen or bathroom area.
Final Thoughts
Styling your camper van for full-time living is all about crafting a space that reflects your personality and fosters a sense of home while you're on the road. By incorporating comfort, as well as personalised decor, you can transform your van into a cosy, inviting retreat.
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment below with any feedback, questions or your own recommendations, I'd love to hear from you 😄
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