12 Ways to Make an RV Look Like a House

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A re-decorated RV looks and feels more like a house with personalized touches!

You’ve bought your RV, and you’re getting ready to hit the road full-time. Now, you have to figure out how to make an RV look like a house. Sure, your RV has a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, but it still doesn’t quite feel like home without some personal touches. 

In this article, we’re going to show you twelve easy and inexpensive ways to transform your camper into a space that feels authentic to you and your family. Let’s get started!

Add Throw Pillows & Blankets

A little textile goes a long way when you’re trying to make an RV look like a house. Use throw pillows, blankets, and rugs in vibrant patterns and colors to liven up a dark interior. They’re also great for covering up stains or scuffs on furniture or flooring. 

And if you’re on a budget, you really can’t go wrong with this option. Stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Goods all sell affordably priced pillows, blankets, and rugs for the budget-conscious decorator. 

A grey couch has 3 green and cactus throw pillows and a cream throw blanket to make this RV feel more like a house.

Hang Wall Decor 

If a picture is worth a thousand words, hanging wall decor in your RV must be worth something too! Not to mention, wall decor says a lot about the person who hung it. 

Let your personality shine with an inspirational quote, showcase a canvas by your favorite artist, or make it personal and hang family photos. The key here is to choose decor that is lightweight and can withstand bumps in the road. 

So how can you make your RV look like a house when you can’t use a hammer and nails to hang wall decor? Try these Command Large Picture Hanging Strips that can hold up to 16lbs. 

Add Rugs

Rugs are an excellent option for decorating your RV, but they also serve functional purposes. If you miss the cozy carpet in your house, adding a rug to your RV can make it look and feel familiar. 

Rugs also provide warmth for your feet on cold days. And a decorative doormat near your RV’s entryway can catch water and debris from your shoes, so the rest of your floors stay clean.

Replace Valances with Curtains

Most RV valances look like they’re straight out of the 80s. The good news is you can quickly take down valances by removing a few screws. Then, you can replace them with stylish curtains to give your camper a homey feel.

Of course, RV windows are usually smaller than residential windows. This means you may have to sew your own or hem store-bought curtains to make them fit. But you’ll quickly find the extra effort pays off tenfold once you see the results. 


Pro Tip: Use blackout curtains in the bedroom for additional privacy and better sleep.

Throw Out The Factory Mattress and Bedding 

If you want to make your RV not just look like a house but feel like one too, the bed is an excellent place to start. Most new RVs come with a mattress installed at the factory. Unfortunately, these factory mattresses aren’t always comfortable or supportive. Consider upgrading your RV mattress for a better night’s sleep. 

While you’re at it, go ahead and throw out your old bedding too. You may have chosen the RV life to live more simply, but there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to new bedding. With softer sheets and a plush comforter, you’ll feel like royalty even in a humble RV.

Decorate with Plants

Bring the outdoors inside. Yes, you probably enjoy RVing because you love exploring the great outdoors. But on rainy days or when you have to stay inside to work, it’s nice to have a little greenery around.

Decorating with house plants can freshen up the interior of your motorhome or trailer. If you don’t have a green thumb, artificial plants are a perfectly acceptable alternative.  

The inside of an RV feels like home with a girl smiling inside, plants and wall art, and customized curtains to replace the factory ones.

Expand Your Living Space to the Outdoors

Or, bring the indoors outside! An outdoor rug, folding chairs, and a table can make the area under your awning feel like a backyard patio. You could even decorate with string lights for a magical evening glow.

If you’re looking for an insect-free experience, consider investing in a screen tent. Unlike a regular tent, a screen tent has – you guessed it – screens on all sides. This outdoor accessory lets you eat, play or hang out without being bothered by mosquitos or flies. 

Add New Furniture or Toppers

New RV furniture can completely transform the inside of your camper. One idea is to replace your u-shaped dinette with a sleek and functional table or desk. Some RVers also choose to upgrade their dated, uncomfortable couch to something more modern and cozy.

If new furniture is not in your budget or removing the existing furniture is too complicated, you have other options. Toppers or covers can make dated furniture look new. You could also shop at IKEA to find affordable, lightweight pieces. And again, a few throw pillows on your couch or a plant on your table can go a long way!

Pro Tip: Choose furniture that can disassemble so it will fit through your RV door.

Paint Your RV Interior

When considering how to make an RV look like a house, you might not have thought of painting. Yet, this simple and inexpensive update can revamp the space.

You might choose to repaint the walls of your RV or just the cabinetry. Either way, you’ll want to use a primer before applying a coat of paint. In some instances, you’ll need to sand and clean the surface before painting as well. 

A woman reaches into the cupboard in her RV that has a unique blue backsplash in the kitcken, and customized map wallpaper in the cupboards to make this RV feel more like a house.

Add Backsplash to Your Kitchen and Bathroom 

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen and bathroom may seem complicated, but you don’t have to be a professional to install new tile. Many home improvement stores sell peel and stick backsplash, making this project easy peasy. 

Plus, with all of the style and color variations available, you’ll be able to match your backsplash to the overall theme of your renovation. Whether your rig is five or fifteen years old, a backsplash will make it look like a new, luxury RV. 

Add Mirrors to Make the Space Feel Larger

Let’s face it; even the largest motorhomes are small compared to a traditional home. However, adding mirrors can create the illusion that the interior is much larger.

Think of looking at two mirrors in parallel. The reflections seem to go on forever, right? Similarly, when you add mirrors to your RV, it creates a feeling of depth. They also reflect light, so the interior of your rig will be brighter.

Let Your Kids Decorate Their Space

Your kids need a space in your camper that shows off their personalities, too. They also need a retreat. While living in an RV might be exciting for your children, it’s also a significant life change.

As much as possible, give your kids their own space and let them decorate it. Even if it’s just choosing the bedding for their bunk, having some agency over their own space will help them feel at home on the road.

With a little bit of time, energy, and flair, you can make your RV look like the house of your dreams. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside of the aluminum-framed box. You’ll be glad you did!

Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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