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10 RV Makeover Ideas That Anyone Can Do

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

RV makeover: paint, doors, lighting, wood accent on island

Redecorate Your Camper with these Easy Makeover Ideas

Do you have RV makeover dreams for your new or used camper but think you aren’t handy enough to do it yourself? Well, you CAN! There are so many simple and easy ways to change the look, feel, and functionality of your RV without being a professional contractor or interior designer.

Some RV makeovers do take more time than others, so you need to decide if the time is worth it for the outcome you will gain. For example, painting walls and cabinets will take much more time than swapping out some furniture. This is where you decide what makeovers are most ideal for you and your family based on your daily needs when in your RV.

Let’s explore some RV makeovers that you can do yourself and the best part – they won’t break the bank.

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10 Easy RV Makeover Ideas

1. Decor and personal touches

The easiest way to make a big impact is to let your personality show through your RV decor. One way to do this is to add pops of color. This can be accomplished by adding or swapping out existing throw pillows, area rugs, blankets, and bedding.

Adding plants (real or artificial), candles (battery operated are best), and wall art add some personality and warmness to your RV. Another quick makeover that can change the look of the RV interior is changing the hardware on your doors and drawers.

2. Painting walls, cabinets, or furniture

While some may like the traditional dark wood of an RV, most find it less than desirable in such a small space. This has started a craze to paint cabinets of new and existing RVs. And it has led manufacturers to rethink their tried and true approach to RV interior colors and design. Yay!

RV Makeover in progress: Painting interior cabinets white and light gray
RV Makeover in progress: Painting cabinets. Photo by @freeaswheeleverbe.

Painting is one of the most impactful RV makeover ideas but definitely could take the most time. While painting over wallpaper is easiest, when it comes to cabinets there are more steps involved to ensure that the paint adheres to the cabinet properly.

For more information on painting RV cabinets check out this post on How To Paint the Cabinets in Your RV.

3. Change or add backsplash

A great RV makeover option is adding or swapping outdated backsplash in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you are thinking there’s no way you want to mess with grout and tiles, you don’t have to. There are so many beautiful peel and stick options that look so much like real tile.

Another advantage of the peel and stick backsplash option is that it adds much less weight than tile would. In RV life, that’s a must.

4. Replace outdated upholstery

If sewing is your hobby or you know someone who can lend a hand, you can update worn or outdated dining booth cushions, footstools, or chairs. If you are unsure where to begin, there are plenty of tutorials out there to help you get started.

There is also a simple way to reupholster your cushions with no sewing required! Check out this post to learn the easy process.

5. Replace furniture

Replacing outdated or non-functional furniture is an easy RV makeover option. RV furniture does require some different approaches to removal. Most furniture is bolted to the floor. If it’s on carpet, you probably won’t notice the holes after removing the bolts. If it’s on linoleum or vinyl, that may be more noticeable.

RV Makeover: Removed sofa and replaced with custom desk and chair.
RV makeover: Removed sofa and replaced with custom desk and chair. Photo by @freeaswheeleverbe

Furniture such as large couches and recliners will probably come apart in pieces for easier removal through the narrow RV doors. Make sure to measure your door and any new furnishings coming in to ensure they will fit.

6. Update lighting

The light fixtures that come with RVs usually do not give off much light, are made of plastic, and just don’t look stylish. Well, you can change that.

You may have heard that you can’t use the same light fixtures you would in a traditional home as you would in an RV. That’s not the case. As long as you match the light bulbs to the power source, either 120 or 12 volts, you will be fine. Also, be sure to go with the LED light bulbs to use less energy.

You don’t need to be an electrician to make this easy stylish lighting change, just google how to update RV lighting.

7. Window treatments

One of the biggest complaints about RV interiors seem to be the gaudy window valances that they come with. This RV makeover could be as simple as removing the valances and covering them with a stylish fabric of your choice.

If you are more ambitious, you can remove the valances completely and replace them with blinds or rods and curtains or both. A self-proclaimed non-seamstress, @down.lily.lane, shows her homemade curtains and blinds below. For more ideas and instructions check out, New Window Treatments For Any RV.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3NUhDpvfc/

8. Flooring

Removing old carpet and outdated vinyl flooring can really change the appearance of the RV. While these types of changes can make a big impact, they can also take more time especially if you aren’t skilled in the removal and installation of new flooring.

But don’t fear. If you are willing to take the time to learn and do it yourself, there are plenty of online resources to guide you through the process and save you money.

9. Door removal, makeover, or swap

Many replace their heavy, mirrored closet doors with curtains. It still gives the ability to hide the mess while allowing you to add a splash of color and shed weight.

RV makeover: mirrored RV closet doors replaced with a curtain
RV makeover: Mirrored closet doors removed and replaced with curtains. Photo by @freeaswheeleverbe

Replacing the doors is also an option. Be sure to measure the door carefully. A standard size door usually will not fit. You may need to order a custom door or make one yourself, if you are handy, or have someone else make it.

Other popular options to dramatically change the aesthetic:

  • Paint the door – This will require sanding and priming in advance
  • Wallpaper the door with easy peel and stick options
  • Create an effect on the door such as making a chevron pattern out of wood before painting

10. Outdoor space

Don’t forget the outside space. Your exterior may also need an RV makeover. Think of the outside as an extension of your interior space, so if you make the interior look homier, why not also be creative with the outside space?

Some items that can have a big impact on the look of the outside space are:

  • Outdoor rugs
  • Wicker chairs and side tables
  • Table cloths for picnic table
  • Plants – real or artificial
  • Decorative lighting
  • Blankets
  • Garden flags
  • Grill stand
  • Throw pillows
  • Hammock
  • Firepit
  • And pretty much anything that makes you feel at home outside
RV Makeover: Couple outside RV with cozy chair, plant and blanket
Cozy outdoor RV makeover with wicker chairs, plants and blanket. Photo by Canva.

Another way to improve your outside space which will also affect the inside is to add solar panels and update battery banks. This investment can be done by anyone, with some help from YouTube, and it will give you the ability to camp off-grid, otherwise known as boondocking, which will save you money in the long run. It will also come in handy if you lose power while camping.

For more RV makeover ideas, check out these great resources: