Unique Ways to Make Your RV Feel Like Home

Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie

Favorite Trip

Our favorite trip was when we first hit the road full-time and drove all the way up the coast of California and into Oregon. Our first 3 months as full-time RVers we drove the entire Pacific Coast Highway and camped at different beautiful beaches along the way. We then drove through the towering redwoods in Redwood National Forest and continued on through Oregon and Idaho on our way to Glacier National Park in Montana. There was so much stunning scenery and adventure around every corner that entire trip.

Home Base

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Favorite RV

We loved our Winnebago Navion 24D. It was nimble so we could park it pretty much anywhere but it still gave us a comfortable living space with the Murphy bed. We drove it all over the country!

About Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie travels full-time in her Winnebago Navion with her husband Dan and their 2 dogs. Originally from Colorado, they have been seeking adventure together for 10 years now and have done a lot of international traveling, including living in Costa Rica. They took the leap into full time RVing after experiencing life-altering news. They viewed the news as a life “detour” and started a travel and inspirational blog called Follow Your Detour. Lindsay has grown more passionate about pursuing her dreams and a leading a fulfilling life, while inspiring others to do the same. She loves that RVing allows her to be in nature and do more of what she loves. You can usually find her on the river fly fishing, hiking to sunset spots, or at a local brewery. (All photos by Lindsay McKenzie, except where noted.)

The biggest benefit to RV traveling and camping (other than not sleeping on the ground) is having all the amenities of home with you. Road trips can be much more enjoyable and relaxing when you have a comfortable resting place, from a cozy living room to a tranquil outdoor patio.

But, let’s be honest, an RV won’t feel like home the moment you drive it off the lot. It’s up to you to make it cozy and welcoming. So, whether you’re a full-time RVer or weekend warrior, it’s time to transform your RV interior to make it feel like a home on wheels.

Stop into one of our Camping World Design Centers to speak with a specialist about your RV interior ideas today!

Unique Ways to Make Your RV Feel More Like Home

We asked and you answered––here are unique and simple ways you can transform your RV into your own rolling home!

Hang Wall Decor

This is the easiest way to “spruce up” any space and bring your favorite camper decor. Whether it’s family pictures, inspiring quotes, or photography of the places you hope to visit, hang up whatever makes you happy!

You may think it’s impossible to keep decor on the walls with all the movement that happens when you travel. Maybe you’re also worried about putting holes in your RV’s walls.

But, fear not! Command hooks, putty, and velcro work wonders. Another option is to use decals that stick right on the wall and are removable, reusable, and affordable!

The Rollin Boles RV Interior
The Rollin Boles

“I add decorative touches that are easy to just put away in a tote when we are on the road and just take them out when we get to the campground.”-Karla C

Add a Rug or Two

Most RVs come with laminate flooring, which makes them easy to clean and care for. You can always replace the flooring if you’re ready for a challenging DIY project. Learn about all the kinds of RV flooring and which one is right for you.

One thing is for certain, a cold hard floor is not exactly comfy when you’re traveling full time. A small area rug near the couch can not only add some color and texture but also create some separation of spaces so your living room feels less like a part of the kitchen.

Kitchen mats are great for adding comfort while you cook, runners are helpful for heavily trafficked areas, and every bathroom, no matter how small, needs a bath mat!

“Rug from India, throw pillows, crocheted a blanket for the living room, lots of little knick-knacks that we set out once we’re settled.” – Jayne H

Replace Valances with Curtains

There’s something about valances that feel much more like an RV than a home. It’s amazing what curtains will do to make the space feel warmer and inviting. You can use the same lightweight, adjustable curtain rods you would for a house.

Finding curtains of the right length might be a challenge, but you can easily hem them without a sewing machine using hem tape and an iron! If your RV has a lot of windows, you may not want curtains on every window. Reupholstering the valences with your choice of fabric and a staple gun might be a better option for some windows.

RV window treatments
Be creative with window treatments. Photo by Camping World

Make it Cozy with Throw Pillows and Blankets

Nothing says “cozy” like throw pillows and blankets and having a comfortable area where you can relax is what home is all about. Consider your couch and bed to be naked without some pillows and a throw blanket. This is also a great way to add some color and patterns to the design.

Since most RV interiors are shades of brown, adding color in small ways can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of items within your RV bedroom. If you already have throw pillows but don’t like the fabric, consider purchasing a pillow cover or recovering them yourself.

Again, you can use hem tape and an iron if you don’t want to sew! For small trailers, make the most of your space with savvy teardrop camper additions and accessories.

“Replaced mattress with 13” memory foam mattress right away plus bring along your pillows.” – Patty M

rv bedroom with blanket
Accessorize with cozy blankets. Photo by Camping World

Paint the Walls and/or Cabinets

This is a bigger project, but one that can completely transform the interior of your RV. White walls and cabinets can make a space feel much larger than it is. Painting allows you to add a pop of color to make the interior match your personality and style.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of painting, simply removing the wallpaper border that comes in many RVs can also help. Then you can come into a Camping World Design Center to pick out new paint or interior decor!

bright rv interior
Brighten up the space by painting cabinets or walls. Photo by Camping World

One final pro tip for making your RV feel more like home is keeping it neat and organized. It can be tough to know how to fit all your belongings in such a small space, but avoiding clutter is crucial. Be sure to read our tips for organizing the inside of your RV for helpful products and hacks for maximizing the storage space.


They say, “home is where you park it” but your RV or travel trailer will feel more like home with the tips we shared. A welcoming interior and fully outfitted RV patio make things feel comfortable for you and your guests.

It doesn’t take much to do a makeover, but it can make a world of difference in how it feels. The only thing better than RVing is having a little piece of home away from home wherever you go!

Have you made any other unique renovations or modifications to personalize your RV? Share your ideas in the comments below! 

  • Comment (90)
  • Louise Alexander says:

    We have purchased a 30 foot C class motorhome (new) and it has the most uncomfortable foldout couch ever. Would love to find one that is comfortable to set on to watch TV and then make a bed for the night..

  • Mary T. says:

    I would also like to know how to replace my couch in my slide with recliners. I don’t believe it can be done in my Shadow Cruiser. Slide seems too flimsy to anchor a love seat that reclines or 2 recliners. Anyone? I can’t see myself moving the furniture every time we put the slide in or out.

  • Dale C says:

    Awesome camper.

  • Linda Cox says:

    Would like the answer to Janine’s question, is it necessary to anchor the recliners down?

    • Karen L Gard says:

      I have had recliners in two of my past 5th wheels. They were never anchored down and no problem traveling. We have been back and forth accross the country several times. And, on many different roads.

  • Donna L says:

    I would like to replace the chairs at ur dining set with storage benches. Be alot easier and dont have to tie them down. Is there a place we can trade 4 chairs for 2 storage benches ???

  • Janet says:

    I have looked everywhere for the map of the states, but can not find it. Can anyone provide me with a link to where I can buy it?

  • Janine says:

    We just bought our first motor home (used) and I love the idea of replacing the couch with recliners. Our couch is in the slide out, ho do you anchor the recliners? Or is it even necessary?

  • Debbie says:

    Looking for a short queen bed with radius corners. Any suggestions?

  • Catherine Sitter says:

    How do you go about removing the boarder

  • Tammy Ridout says:

    well I have done 4out of 5 can’t bare rge thought of painting! Plus our Tiffin has beautiful tile onost of the walls. We went with Wayfair(“has just what I need” ), Pier I ,Amazon and Walmart. This expense should figured into the cost of initial ownership just like the taxes!

  • Mary says:

    I agree with removing the valances. I’ve taken mine down and am in the process of putting up curtains with matching valances. I’m going to install the curtain rods higher than the window and wider to create the illusion of larger windows. That method will eliminate the need to hem the curtains. Walmart has the double curtain rods for the valance and curtain to be installed together.

  • G&d gibson says:

    Our ‘new’ prep wed rv has mirrors mirrors and more mirrors backspace wall is mirrors.dont want to get into a mess removing them but would like to cover them with something mor homey any suggestions.

  • Lisa Dias says:

    My boyfriend and I just bought our first RV and we have alot to learn. We love watching your you tube videos they are very helpful. Thank you

  • Linda says:

    Where is VCF? How do you anchor recliners? We don’t have slide-outs.

  • sherry hornbeck says:

    what kind of paint do you use for the interior walls and cupboards

  • Laurie says:

    Where do you buy thermal shades?

  • Marlys thomsen says:

    To make it more homey, I have problems with microwave ovens place so high I see the bottom of the oven – on the outside not the bottom where the turntable is. My question then is “will the manufacturer pay for the emergency room when I get burned by trying to take something hot out of the microwave where I am not sure where the floor of the oven is?

  • Joanne says:

    We bought a double recliner at Bob’s Discount Furniture. Love it and it’s a Wall hugger love seat!

  • Anonymous says:

    I put thermal shades in my RV… makes it homey….

  • kf says:

    My husband tore out the awful bench seat around the dining table and the awful sofa. We bought a leather futon-style sofa at Costco to sit on or lay flat for a bed. He trimmed the dining table a couple of inches and we bought a chair to sit in at the table. That’s where I sit when I’m using my laptop.

  • Sharon says:

    Great ideas! Thanks!

  • Cookie says:

    Found two recliners. 33 in wide at VCF..Fit perfect and so comfy…way less than rv dealer

  • Donna says:

    My husband and I put up a back splash in our RV kitchen and the bathroom. We love it and get compliments all the time.

  • Gwyned Hill says:

    Can we replace the non-recling sofa in our RV with recliners? The sofa in our A.C.E Thor is NOT comfortable at all AND no place to rest your feet..how much would it cost? anyone?

  • Ruby J says:

    Where can I find the wall decal of the US?

  • Melissa B says:

    Can I paint over the wallpaper? What type of paint should I use?
    Thanks!

  • ANGIE JOHNSON, says:

    ANGIE Need a New home to Live at my Own Motor home to Live,

  • Elaine says:

    Where can I find a curtain rod for over the door?

  • Liz Wilcox says:

    Great tips, Lindsay! Thanks!

  • Sheila S. Jocewicz says:

    We took out the U-shaped dining room table from our Winnebago travel trailer and replaced with 2 recliners, purchased from on-line source, RecPro. Much better seating option for us, minus the table, which works better for us (and seeing the tv is better too). We eat outside most always, or use tv trays to eat off when inclement weather – we don’t miss the U-shaped dinette at all! (it’s just the two (adults) traveling).

  • Ginny says:

    Yes. We did exactly what you described. The recliners are comfy. However, it was a project to get the recliners through the door of the RV. Don’t buy chairs that are too large! Also, we sold the couch on fb. It helped with the cost of the 2 recliners. And btw, we hook the seatbelts from the couch to the chairs when driving, to keep them from rolling around. You have probably made changes already, since your post was 3 years ago.

  • Paula says:

    The RV recliners typically run $650 apiece

  • Tammy says:

    We just replaced our couch with two wall hugger recliners from Walmart. They sit great.

  • Lynne says:

    We just received a double reclining sofa with center console from RecPro. Very comfortable. We had the same problem with our Thor Vegas. Couch was awfully uncomfortable.

  • Hazel 2016 says:

    RecPro makes a loveseat recliner that looks like it will work nicely. We’re planning on replacing ours sometime soon. It will be around $779.00, delivered to our home within the week of ordering. (RecPro.com)

  • Charlene Hanson says:

    Hi, we took our leather couch out and put in two nice lazy boy recliner chairs that we found on sale!! We love it so much, more comfortable and we put the couch in our spare room which has a queen bed in it for when my grandkids come to stay the night. We also changed out the gold bedspread with a pretty color spread, looks so much more like home!! I use place mats for meals and have flowers on the table and by my sink, make it pretty!

  • Harriette says:

    We replaced an old uncomfortable couch in our first fifth wheel and took out two worn out ugly recliners. We did not replace the couch with a couch instead since it is just myself and my husband we put in two glider-rocker recliners. We put one where the couch was with a small narrow end table with a drawer,. And put the other one in the end section where the two other recliners came out of and another small narrow end table with a drawer. Thus giving us our own space. Last Oct. we upgraded from a 32′ fifth wheel to a 36′. The couch in this one is nicer and therefore it is staying. But the two recliners in it were not comfortable at all. So out they went and Lazy Boys came in. Good to go !!

  • Anonymous says:

    We found two really comfy recliners t
    AT VCF…33 INCHES wide…fit perfect

  • Sherry Tysver says:

    Check out the OORRV (off our rocker rv’rs) blog. They just did that in their Thor!

  • Barbara says:

    We are going to replace a love seat with 2 recliners. From the dealership it’s 1400.00. Hoping to do better at lazy boy

  • Janet says:

    My RV store in Leadwood, Missouri had the maps with their sale items on the shelves.

  • Lindsay Mckenzie says:

    I found it at Walmart over a year ago! But I’d still check their decals – near the paint. Also, Amazon has everything 🙂 Good luck

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Sounds like great updates Ginny!

  • Mary says:

    Lazy boy recliner where at
    New to this with travel trailer

  • Kathleen Morrow says:

    got ours at camping world very nice one

  • Anonymous says:

    Amazon

  • Brenda says:

    I was wondering the same thing..

  • Teresa says:

    Dollar Tree!

  • Teresa says:

    Dollar Tree!

  • Anonymous says:

    I saw it at WalMart

  • Becky Gaddis says:

    For the second time in two years my shade came apart.To much Hassel to re string them.They will wrought out again in the hot Nv sun.So went to Walmart and bought spring rods.Works perfect to hang new blackout curtains.Extend the rod inside the valance boxes.Makes my home even more “homey”.

  • Terry Beckner says:

    Where online did you get your recliners that are small and wall huggers i have back issue’s and have been looking all was to big thank you it would be greatly appreciated Terry

  • Anonymous says:

    Where did you order your recliners?

  • Wade Thiel says:

    Louise, Camping World will be offering discounts for RV furniture in 2020. Keep an eye out in January.

  • Sharon says:

    How hard is it to remove 5he valances in order to paint them? Where did you find the paint for fabric?

  • Natasha says:

    We just put 2 new lazy-boy recliners in our RV and we love them. Just measure and be aware of the size you need. We bought 2 for our house and 2 for the RV and of course the ones for the RV are slightly smaller.

  • Joe says:

    In my motorhome my recliner isn’t anchored down. It’s heavy enough that it doesn’t move.

  • Jim Allen says:

    Try Big Lots.

  • Mary says:

    I replaced my sofa with a reclining loveseat. I paid $450 for mine from Wayfair. My brother wanted the same one for his travel trailer and I lucked up and caught it on sale for $384 on Amazon. Look for “Bill reclining loveseat” It comes in a box in 5 pieces which simply slide together for easy assembly. Will easily fit through an RV door. I think the info says it will fit through a 26.6 inch door. Very comfortable and great quality. Has excellent online reviews.

  • Anonymous says:

    Lazy boy has RV recliners with fabric

  • Anonymous says:

    We ordered 2 recliners online for both was less than $300 . a was a bundle of 2. They are also wall huggers are whatever you call them. You can recline them out even though they are sitting close to wall. Make sure and measure your area you are wanting to put them. The shipping was free also.

  • Carol says:

    Glad to hear this. One reason I still haven’t taken the leap to sell home and go full time. I like my decorations and color.

  • Susie Owen says:

    Lazy boy had a small recliner perfect for rvs. I believe we paid about $275 for it.

  • Keith says:

    You could also check big lots,,great recliners at low prices.they also have lay away on all furniture.

  • Mary says:

    We just purchased 2 small lazy boy recliners for our camper and love them! They come in 2 pieces are are easy to get through the door.

  • Donna says:

    Walmart online sells short queen mattress. It has a 2″ gel top…love it!! It coves in a box, and expands when you open it,so you want to open the box in the motorhome.

  • Warren Conklin says:

    Looking for a short Queen air mattress? Any suggestions!

  • Cecelia Hickel says:

    Check out the peel an apply wall coverings you can find even on Amazon and Wayfair. I have seen it in RVs alreayd and it looked great. I am wondering if I should try it.

  • Anonymous says:

    You can use an oul based primer over the wallpaper

  • Dolores Mason says:

    Try Glidden Gripper. It not only paints over wallpaper, it will also paint over fabric if you have ugly fabric valances. I’m using it as a primer while restoring our ’88 Gulfstream.

  • Anonymous says:

    If it’s metal Walmart has magnetic ones

  • alam small says:

    Look on RV. Net they have several ideas.

  • Belinda says:

    Walmart has magnet curtain rods they work fantastic

  • Debbie says:

    WalMart us them. I covered our valences with bright colored material. Different material for the bedroom. I also took a heavy indoor outdoor material in one solid color and sewed it to the curtain for the front of the RV. I call it my accent wall.

  • Lu Ann says:

    We used a dowel rod and command hooks

  • Diana says:

    I am thinking of stapling one over my door. It already has that material on a board thing, afraid to pull that off, so just put new fabric on it ?!

  • Lindsay McKenzie says:

    We found our curtain rods at Walmart! Amazon is always a great place to check too!

  • alam small says:

    HD has rolls of 2 sided adhesive for putting up tile

  • Anonymous says:

    Will a spring tension rod work? I have used them with great results.

  • Judy says:

    You can also find the self-adhesive backsplashes online. Much bigger selection.

  • Edith says:

    You can get thin metal sheets we put a piece next to fridge and stove is awesome got it at Lowe’s or Home Depot can’t remember

  • Tammy Verduzco says:

    Any pictures?

  • Shelia says:

    I found that comand hooks make tje wall bubble, so be careful, for light stuff use strength pins.

  • Anonymous says:

    Home Depot has self adhesive back splash.

  • Peggy L says:

    Donna, what did you put up? I want something by the stove on the wall to protect it.

  • Kay Enochson says:

    Did you put it over the wallpaper or did you remove it first. What type of backsplash did you put up!

  • Joe and NANCY says:

    Joe and Nancy Hoell
    Please post a pic of your backsplash
    Thanks in advance
    Joe

  • Denise says:

    What did you use? I’ve been wanting to do this!

  • Kathy says:

    What type of adhesive did you use?

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