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Decorating a camper is a kind of like decorating your house or apartment on a smaller scale—but that’s part of the fun! Small spaces give you the chance to get creative with storage and multipurpose items, showcase your personality in a big way, and turn even the plainest RV into a cozy, stylish home on wheels.
When I got my camper, I knew I wanted something cheerful and airy—but what I got was dark, boring, and looked like it came straight off the factory floor. Everything was functional, but it didn’t feel cheerful or inviting. And it definitely didn’t reflect my personality.
🧱 Before: Straight from the Factory Floor
The walls are gray. The appliances are black. The bedding? Pale gray. The dinette cushions, tabletop, blinds—more gray. Even the tabletop has a speckled gray finish that looked like something out of a lunchroom.
There was absolutely nothing cozy, cheerful, or welcoming about it. It was dark, dreary, and depressing.
The only pop of color came from a seafoam green mirror left behind by the previous owner. That mirror gave me a happy, beachy feeling–so I decided to use it as my inspiration piece.
📸 BEFORE PHOTOS:
This mirror was the only splash of color in the RV
🌊 Creating My Beachy Retreat
I’ve always been drawn to the calm, happy feeling of the ocean, so I chose soft teals, and crisp whites to brighten things up. Just shifting the color palette made the camper feel larger, fresher, and more inviting.
One of my favorite touches is a wall decal designed to look like a window overlooking the ocean. I affixed it to lightweight foamboard and used Velcro to attach it to the wall. If I ever decide to switch it out, it will be quick and simple to remove.
Since there are no actual windows on the front wall of the camper, the artwork created the illusion of more space and light. The print ended up being a little smaller than I’d hoped, so I may swap it out later for something larger—but for now, it does the trick.
The patterned starfish pillows, and teal and gray pillows add a splash of excitement to the dull gray dinette cushions and pillows.
From there, I added texture and personality throughout:
- A lightweight quilt with seashells and starfish
- Teal and gray throw pillows for the dinette
- A bubble-textured teal shower curtain
- A wooden shelf over the kitchen counter to hold small essentials
And because every camper deserves a little humor, I hung a sign in the bathroom that says:
“Thou Shalt Not Poop in the Camper.”
(It gets a chuckle—and serves as a helpful reminder.)
Storage items like baskets, hooks, and colorful potholders did double duty as decor. I found that when you’re short on space, the best pieces are the ones that are both functional and cute.
🛋️ Design Ideas That Worked for Me
Even if your camper’s layout is totally different, these tips can work in any space:
- Choose a cohesive color scheme that ties the space together from bedding to dish towels.
- Use a focal piece like a mirror or wall art to inspire your theme.
- Soften hard edges with throw pillows, curtains, and a cozy blanket or rug.
- Make your bed a showpiece since it takes up so much visual space.
- Let storage double as design. Cute hooks, crates, and baskets can be decorative and useful.
- Add things that reflect your unique personality. Your RV should feel like you, not a hotel room.
✨ The After Photos
Now the space feels light, cheerful, and full of character. It’s still compact, but it finally feels like home.
📸 AFTER PHOTOS:
It’s amazing what a few changes can do. What was once gray and gloomy is now bright, cozy, and very me.
🧭 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge budget or interior design experience to decorate your RV. A focal point for inspiration, a splash of color, and a few personal touches can make a huge difference.
So if your camper feels more “corporate gray” than “coastal getaway,” don’t be afraid to change it up. Start with one piece that you love—maybe a mirror, a quilt, or even a funny sign—and build from there.
Think about what makes you happy and go from there. It might be a colorful piece of art, a favorite tea kettle, or an embroidered wall hanging. Add some light colored neutrals and lots of pillows, tea towels, or dishes to make it feel homey and comfortable for you.
Trust me, you’ll smile every time you walk in the door.
💬 Your Turn!
Have you decorated your camper or added your own flair? Share your tips in the comments—or tag @GlampingGrannies on Instagram. We’d love to see your before-and-after shots!
To learn more about the glamping lifestyle, be sure to read Glamping 101.