Upgrading your RV window treatments can be an easy DIY renovation project. Especially in the offseason, it gives the interior of your towable or motorhome an easy, affordable facelift without much work. Over time, almost every owner chooses to update their RV’s interior – and window treatments are a great place to start.
How the interior looks can quickly change how you feel inside your RV. One of the best ways to transform an RV’s interior is to change the window treatment. Many RVs come with something from the factory, but there’s no reason you have to keep that.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you upgrade your RV window treatments:
RV Door Window Shade Options
Not all RV entry doors come equipped with a window shade. Even those that do often require frequent replacement because the door is one of the most-used components of your RV. Therefore, the RV door window shades tend to see more wear and tear than other window treatments.
Whether you need to replace an existing shade or install a new one, here are three of our favorite options:
Lippert Thin Shade
Fits any prepped Lippert Components entry door window
RV entry doors are sometimes prepped by a third-party manufacturer and installed by the RV manufacturer in the factory. Lippert Components (LCI) has prepped more than 100,000 RV doors for this window shade, so there’s a good chance that the Thin Shade will work with your RV door.
It integrates into the inside dimensions of the entry door window to provide sun protection and privacy. The shade easily extends and retracts without any Velcro or snaps. Installation is also easy for interested DIYers. Here are the basic steps:
- Pop the interior window frame out with a screwdriver.
- Install the pleated shade.
- Replace the window frame.
See if it fits your RV entry door.
Camco Solar Window Cover
Fits 24” x 16” entry door windows
Those without an LCI-prepped RV entry door should consider this Camco window shade. It’s also a versatile cover that can be used for skylights and entry doors. Check the dimensions above to ensure compatibility with your entry door window or skylight before purchasing. The installation is simple with the included hook-and-loop tabs. Once installed, it provides shade protection, privacy, and added insulation to help regulate your RV’s interior temperature.
AP Products Thin Shade RV Door Window Assembly with Built-in Shade
Fits 1.5” thick RV entry doors
Cutout Size: 15-3/16″ x 24-3/16″
Glass Dimensions: 12.5″ x 21″
This product is designed to replace the existing window in your RV’s entry door. Or, it allows you to install a window where one didn’t previously exist. It’s a direct replacement for the cutout size listed above, featuring a black frame, a tinted window, and a recessed pleated shade that provides privacy and light control.
Find it at your local Camping World or order online.
Technician Tip: For this particular product, we highly recommend contacting a Camping World Performance & Improvement Division to have it professionally installed. That’s true whether you’re replacing an existing entry door window or installing a new one. The installation should be completed by certified RV technicians to ensure the integrity of your RV’s entry door is retained, and the installation is properly sealed to prevent water damage when completed.
RV Window Valance Ideas
RV window valances go over the top – and sometimes along the vertical sides – of the window. Check out the example below to see what we’re referring to. Those are the valances above each window.
Ideas for revamping valances range from replacing, installing new (if yours didn’t have them from the factory), or removing them altogether. There are plenty of options, and you can always make your own if you feel that none of the pre-made options for sale suit your interior design preferences.
Modern RV window valances are generally simpler than their older counterparts. I’ve seen plenty of older valances that are tough to describe in any other way than “cringe-worthy.” Even if yours aren’t bad, updating your valances can dramatically change your RV’s interior design.
If you want to bring some color to your RV, this is a great way to do it without doing an extensive amount of work. Many RV owners simply remove their window valances to let in more natural light. Here’s a quick video to show you the effect of removing RV window valances:
With the current design trends and some RV manufacturers focusing on decontenting their models, RV window valances aren’t as common as they once were. Still, Camping World specialists can help you find the resources you need to replace, remove, or install new valances in your RV. Contact a performance and improvement division near you today.
How To Do an RV Valance Makeover
To upgrade your RV’s window valances, begin by removing the old to make way for the new. Determine how the existing valances are secured to your RV’s wall and acquire the proper tools to remove the hardware holding them in place. Screws and brackets secure many valances I’ve seen, but methods may differ depending on the manufacturer.
Technician Tip: Check with your manufacturer or warranty provider to ensure an RV valance makeover won’t void any existing warranties.
If you’re simply removing old valances to let more light in, you’re done! But if you want to install new valances, find the length of valance that matches the size of your RV’s windows. Also, consider how you’ll secure them. The simplest method is to use the hardware from your old valances to install the new ones. So save it!
If that’s not possible due to the differing design of your new valances, you’ll need to get creative. Our article on tips for hanging pictures in your RV has helpful hints about alternative methods for securing items to RV interior walls.
RV Curtain Ideas
Curtains provide another way to change things up inside your RV. Most RV owners who change or upgrade their valances also revamp their RV curtains at the same time. It’s all about creating a match and updating your RV’s interior decor.
With older RVs, darker curtains made the spaces feel smaller and, well, dark. To lighten up your RV’s interior, consider installing simple white or off-white curtains on your windows, like these:
Or these…
If you recently repainted your RV’s interior or used one of these popular wall covering kits to change the interior color, consider finding curtains that match or accent the new wall color you’ve chosen, like this DIY RVer:
If your RV has a couple of different rooms, then consider having different curtains in different rooms. This will help make each room feel unique. When you have the same colors and curtains throughout the RV, it can feel a little boring. Breaking things up with color creates separation between rooms.
RV Replacement Blinds
Not a fan of curtains? You’re not alone. Plenty of people prefer blinds over curtains. If you’re one of them, then it’s important to note that there are tons of options for blinds, too. Don’t think you must stick with whatever came on your RV from the factory.
You can go with a wide variety of colors or a natural wood if you want something that feels slightly more natural, like this:
Or, if you want to install something darker to keep the sun out so you can sleep in on your RV vacation, consider something like this:
When it comes to upgrading your RV window treatments, the choice is yours. If you combine new window valances and blinds, you can totally transform the look and feel of the interior of your RV.
Explore Camping World’s complete collection of RV blinds.
Where To Find Modern RV Window Treatments
For more ideas regarding window treatments and all things design-related, stop at a local Camping World where specialists help RVers plan and execute custom interior design projects, including window makeovers, unique to their RV. Explore what options might be perfect for your interior setup today.
If you’re looking for new window treatments, check out Camping World’s selection online.
What changes have you made to your RV window treatments? Leave a comment below!
When we bought our used 5th wheel, all the blinds, curtains and valances were gone. We bought pleated pull down blinds from Walmart and within a couple of hours had the 9 windows done. Got light filtering, though may change the bedroom to room darkening.
My wife and I just up graded our blinds in our 2012 Keystone Bullet. We simply went to Menards and purchased some similar blinds as the original ones and installed them ourselves. They came out better than expected.
Excellent!
I kept our valances and side curtains in the rv (and we have neutral folding shades). In the bedroom and bunkroom, I added full curtains to all windows, but in the living/dining/kitchen area, I added home sewn tiebacks to the side curtains. Since we replaced the pleather sofa that came with the rv, I used the same fabric that is on the replacement sofa to make the tiebacks. That and some purchased throw pillows transformed the whole look, and gave us a much needed accent color throughout.
Hi Suzanne, it sounds like you’re making the most of the space. Excellent point about the throw pillows. They can really do a lot to change the look of the interior!