An interior pop-up camper remodel isn’t your typical DIY renovation. For starters, you’ll have to work within a confined space–a pop-up camper like The Road Warrier 3965 tallies up to around 390 square feet. While some pop-up camper models sleep 8 people comfortably, add some power tools into the equation (and some restless little ones), and that 390 square feet will start to feel smaller and smaller.
A camper remodel can also unearth some unexpected challenges like concealed water damage or broken black tanks. You may even make a mistake (or two, or two hundred)–using the wrong paint is just one example of a camper remodeling faux pas.
Whether you’re choosing to repair an improperly stored camper that has suffered some wear and tear–or you just want to make your pop-up camper pop–we’ve got you covered.
We’ll equip you with pop-up camper interior ideas that’ll make your camper a cozy home away from home (without emptying your pockets).
Idea #1: Refresh Your Pop-Up Camper Walls
Sprucing up the interior of your pop-up camper with paint is the easiest way to change the ambiance of your camper.
Picture this: you walk into your pop-up camper and are welcomed by a color that reflects your unique personality and style. Because there isn’t a lot of wall space in a pop-up camper, you can introduce a pop of color on the walls or RV cabinets to infuse personality into the space. That’s how the Pop-Up Princess brightened up this camper.
The bright blue cabinets paired with green textiles give the camper a bright, bohemian vibe.
Or.. if you prefer to be boring, you can keep it clean and simple with a coat of bright white to make the space feel bigger.
Pro Tip: use a satin or eggshell finish for your paint. It gives a softer feel and doesn’t show wear and tear as quickly.
Photo courtesy of The Pop Up Princess
Idea #2: Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting is often overlooked in a pop-up camper remodel, but it can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance of your space. The right lighting can create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for those cozy nights after a long day of exploring the great outdoors.
LED lights run off of very little power, making them an energy-efficient option. Typically, they give off a brighter, white light.
If you’re a fan of DIY projects, you could even wire up some light fixtures yourself using LED strip lights. They’re budget-friendly and can be customized to fit your camper’s interior.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself camping where there are no electrical hookups, you can use LED light strips like the ones pictured that run off battery power.
Idea #3: Reupholstering Cushions and Seating
RV cushions take the brunt of the wear and tear of a good camping trip. Dirt, food, sweat, smoke – everything gets on the cushions. And when your camper isn’t stored properly, it’s your cushions that absorb the smells of rodents and start to grow mold.
Breathe new life into those old camper cushions and seating by reupholstering them. Reupholstering is a fun project that can transform the look and feel of your camper.
Use materials like vinyl, faux leather, or a tough canvas. Not only are these materials more durable, they are easier to clean and aren’t nearly as susceptible to mold.
Glamp N’ Chicks gives you a beautiful example of blending faux leather and canvas for a rich-feeling dining area.
Photo courtesy of Glampnchicks on Etsy
Money Saving Tip: If you’re using canvas for your cushion covers, don’t go to Joann’s for the fabric. Canvas drop cloths at your local hardware store are cheaper and still just as durable.
Bonus: You can easily dye the canvas any color you want using DyeRite and a little color theory.
Idea #4: Personalize Your Storage
When it comes to small spaces like a pop-up camper, storage is key. Personalizing pop-up campers transforms the space from a run-of-the-mill camping vehicle to a functional basecamp for your adventures.
During your renovation, you can take out unused amenities or old camper cabinets that don’t serve your needs and replace them with storage.
The Pop-Up Princess gives us a great example of how to create storage and shelving in a pop-up camper using something as unsuspecting as a tension rod.
Pro tip: Add gear-specific wall shelving or racks so that whatever your adventure holds, you know your gear has a place.
Remember, the goal is to keep your camper tidy, functional, and uncluttered. So don’t get carried away with adding too much storage. Keep it only to what you need.
Idea #5: Upgrade Your Flooring
If you’ve ever had to deal with a leaky camper, then you know that you’ll probably need to replace the flooring. After replacing the cheap particle board subfloors with the upgraded ¾ inch ply board, you have several options on the market for camper-compatible flooring–including the following:
Option #1: Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is affordable and easy to install. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. LVT is a floating floor system. That means the tiles adhere to themselves to form a waterproof barrier to protect the subfloor.
Option #2: Peel and Stick Vinyl Flooring
A cheaper option than LVT, peel-and-stick flooring offers diverse, trendy styles. They’re not as durable, but they’re still relatively water-resistant and easy to install.
Warning: If you do a lot of snow camping, these may not be a good option. The tiles are designed to sit flush next to each other, but defects in manufacturing and lower quality mean there’s usually a small space between the tiles. This means that water can seep through the cracks and – over time – cause problems in your flooring.
Even so, these are great options if you need a quick flooring fix.
Option #3: Area Rugs and Mats
If you hate the feeling of a cold floor in the morning, add a nice rug next to your bed. This is a little accent piece that can make cold mornings more endurable. Plus, they can be easily swapped out if you fancy a change.
Some options for flooring for your camping setup include:
- Small welcome mats
- Indoor/outdoor carpet for under the awning
- Carpet runner to protect your new flooring and keep things cozy during colder camping nights.
You can see these flooring upgrades put in action by April Gilleland. She really brightened up her space with light-colored flooring and then defined the living areas with soft rugs.
Photo courtesy of businessinsider.com
Idea #5: Add Your Window Treatments
Updating your camper’s window treatments can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Window treatments are not only essential for controlling light and privacy in your camper, but they also add a finishing touch to your pop-up camper makeover.
DIY Curtains
If you’re a fan of DIY projects, making your own curtains is a great way to customize your camper and save money. With some affordable fabric and simple sewing techniques, you can create custom curtains that reflect your style and personality.
You can even make your own winter shades. Just be sure to use a thicker material that can serve as insulation when it’s cold outside.
If you’re not a seasoned sewing pro, don’t worry. Making your own curtains is as simple as two straight stitched lines to form a casing for your curtain rod. Finish with a simple hem – another straight stitch around the perimeter – and you’re done.
Pro tip: Again, you don’t need to spend $6/yard to make nice curtains. Go to a thrift store and find a pair of pillowcases or sheets in the pattern or color you like. A pair of pillowcases should be enough for four camper windows.
Roller Blinds
For a sleek and modern look, roller blinds are easy to use and offer great control over light and privacy. Plus, they’re available in a variety of fabric options, so you can choose one that suits your style. They’re easy to install, making them a great choice for your pop-up camper remodel.
Pro Tip: Be sure to carefully measure the outside of the frame of your camper windows, so you can find the right size. And don’t be surprised if you have to get blinds cut or make a special order to fit your windows.
Insulating Window Coverings
If you camp a lot in winter, then consider cutting some insulating foam board to fit in your windows. You can layer thick winter curtains or blinds over this, and they’ll keep out the chill on cold nights.
If you use a heater, this insulation foam board will trap heat, so you can use a fraction of the energy and still stay warm.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform your old pop-up camper into a comfortable and functional space that works for you.
Now after putting all that effort into your epic pop-up camper redo transformation, it would be a shame to see it ruined by poor storage practices.
So protect your hard work! Store your camper in a safe place that’s covered and protected from weather and rodents.
Safe…covered… protected…sounds expensive, doesn’t it?
Traditionally, yes! Finding a climate-controlled storage facility is on the pricey side, but with Neighbor it’s different.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units for your camper.
So your camper stays in good condition and ready for you to make some more fun memories.
