Calling all campervanners; after a long winter of downtime and drudgery, of stagnant, stationary living, the road is once again calling your name!
We can’t wait.
For those who made an investment in the open road during lockdown, a few home truths may have quickly been realised. One such realisation is that, when you initially buy your campervan, it can look a little bare. Bleak, even.
Now that the summer holidays beckon, you might be looking to spruce up your vehicle so it’s as comfortable and welcoming as possible. With that in mind, here’s how to make your campervan more cosy.
Personal Decorations
Decorating the interior of your van can make it feel more welcoming, and when this is your transport and your hotel during life on the road, it’s essential that it does feel that way, don’t you think?
Surrounding yourself with photos and objects that you love can make you feel more grounded when you’re on the road. Moreover, with all sorts of familiar pictures and postcards lining the walls, it’ll quickly become a more homely place, so do just that; find your favourite photos of friends and family, pictures, wall hangings and paintings and arrange them in an eye-catching manner.
Read: How to frame, hang and display your artwork to catch the attention of guests
Lighting
Lighting can make a significant difference to your campervan’s cosiness, too. In the mornings, you’ll want to make the most of all your windows by allowing natural light to pour in to the van. Accordingly, it’s a good idea to swap out those dusty old drapes for some simple, easy to activate blinds, to allow for maximum light coverage.
In the evenings, on the other hand, you’ll want a lighting setup that can make the van feel cosy. By fitting fairy lights to the walls and ceiling, you can enjoy a relaxing, romantic ambience in your van anytime of day or night.
Greenery
Why not try adding some plants to the campervan to offer some vitality and life? Because, let’s face it, a fair portion of campervan life is spent on concrete and tarmac, rather than out in nature and under the stars.
A little greenery goes a long way. You can introduce some by buying little pots and planting small green plants all around the interior. Alternatively, you could go for a more unique look by adding a few rare and strange-looking house plants to the inside of your campervan.
It’s a good idea to opt for hardy plants that won’t damage easily. The best campervan plants tend to be succulents as they can handle variable conditions. Moreover, some have medicinal purposes; consider aloe vera, which can also be used to treat sunburn.
There are also some edible cacti and succulents that you can adorn your van with, including Elephant Bush, Prickly Pear and Glasswort, the latter of which is sometimes called the poor man’s asparagus; useful if there aren’t any shops open near where you’ve parked up for the night, perhaps!
Hammock
A van hammock can be an excellent way to wind down and relax. Whether you want to set it up outside and doze in the sun or you’re keen to settle in during the evenings, a hammock is a versatile, comfortable option.
For indoor use, look for compact hammocks with simple hanging systems that won’t damage your van’s interior. Outside, consider models with integrated mosquito nets for summer evenings. Many hammocks fold down to the size of a small book, making them perfect for the space-conscious traveller who still wants that touch of outdoor luxury whilst on the road.
Throws, Blankets & Scattered Cushions
When you settle down in the evenings, you’ll want to be as comfy as possible. But ordinarily, your van might not be too suited to colder evenings. Consider purchasing some throws and blankets to up the ante on that cosy factor. These can help soften the texture of the interior and they’ll allow you to wrap up snugly when you’re settling in for the night.
Introducing patterned scatter cushions can really help change the whole dynamic of your van’s interior. They not only bring texture and warmth to your van, but they make any seating so much more comfortable. Experiment with a number of patterned and plain cushions together to create a cohesive look for best results.
Remember that you can change your cushion covers with the seasons. When the temperature drops, we love adding cushion covers in jewel-toned colours, the same hues as gorgeous gemstones, to our sofa; think sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow and emerald green. When it’s autumn, cushions in autumnal hues can bring the requisite warmth to your sofa.
Upholstery
In a similar way, the upholstery matters, too. By adding different colours and patterns, your van can quickly become more homely. You can achieve this by upholstering the seat cushions to something more comfortable.
The fabric of your cushion requires some serious thought, both for your own comfort and for practical reasons. Avoid fabric that can be easily stained or fabric that might cause irritation to those sitting on the sofa. Also, make sure the fabric can be easily washed.
You could also try repainting your cupboards to breathe new life into the van.
Utensils
Eating with plastic cutlery and plates can be useful as a one-off, but if you’re spending a long period travelling in the van, it’s best to have something more luxurious to hand to make your meals feel all the more special.
Try bringing your favourite plates and utensils from home to make meal time that bit more elegant. We’re huge fans of enamel plates for vans, as they’re pretty much impossible to break and look great, too. Today, alongside the standard white plates with a blue rim, you can vibrant Colorama plates which offer a contemporary twist on classic enamelware.
Storage Solutions
In a campervan, every centimetre counts. Clever storage solutions can transform a cramped space into an organised haven. Consider installing magnetic strips on walls to hold metal utensils and knives, freeing up valuable drawer space. Vacuum storage bags are brilliant for compressing bedding and seasonal clothing when not in use.
Look to the ceiling and walls as untapped storage areas – hanging nets or fabric pockets can store lightweight items like hats, scarves, and books. Many experienced vanlifers swear by the efficiency of stackable clear boxes that allow you to see contents without rummaging. Remember that multi-functional furniture, such as ottomans with storage inside or tables with fold-down leaves, will maximise your living space whilst providing places to stow your belongings.
Tech & Entertainment
Even the most dedicated nature lovers occasionally want some digital comforts. A reliable power setup is essential—consider investing in a leisure battery system and perhaps solar panels for sustainable, off-grid power. This will allow you to charge devices and run small appliances without draining your vehicle’s main battery.
For entertainment, a tablet loaded with films and books takes up minimal space whilst providing hours of rainy-day distraction. Bluetooth speakers can transform your van into a mobile disco when the mood strikes, whilst requiring very little storage space. If you’re planning longer trips, a simple wi-fi booster might be worth considering, extending the range of campsite wi-fi or your mobile hotspot to keep you connected when desired.
The Best Vehicles For Campervan Conversions
Selecting the right base vehicle is perhaps the most crucial decision you’ll make on your campervan journey. The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT stands out as an excellent choice, offering a perfect balance of style and substance. Its sporty aesthetic doesn’t compromise on practicality, with generous interior dimensions that provide ample space for creative conversions. The MS-RT’s upgraded suspension also delivers a more comfortable ride than standard vans—a blessing on those long touring holidays.
The Volkswagen Transporter remains the classic choice, with its legendary reliability and strong resale values making it a sound investment. For those with a larger budget, the Mercedes Sprinter offers luxury touches and more headroom, ideal for standing-height conversions. The Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic share a platform and represent excellent value options with good payload capacities.
For the more adventurous, 4×4 options like the Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 or converted Land Rover Defenders offer genuine off-road capabilities, though at a premium price. Budget-conscious converters might consider slightly older Mazda Bongo or Toyota Hiace models, which can often be found at reasonable prices with good reliability records.
Whatever vehicle you choose, ensure you research payload capacities carefully – many novice converters are surprised by how quickly the weight adds up with furniture, water tanks, and all the comforts of home.
The Bottom Line
Making your van cosier can be a fun and rewarding project. By changing the lighting, decorations, and upholstery you might quickly find it becomes a second home.
Remember that personalising your campervan isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that supports your wellbeing whilst travelling. A thoughtfully designed interior can improve your mood, help you sleep better, and make even the rainiest days spent inside feel like a pleasure rather than a chore. Invest the time now, and you’ll reap the rewards throughout all your future adventures.
Go further; check out these 5 top tips for a campervan renovation project, and we’ll see you on the road!
