RV Makeover Ideas on a Budget

If you are wondering about DIY RV makeover ideas that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of affordable ways that will completely transform your small space.

Simple RV design ideas like updating the interior with new curtains, throw pillows, and adding art to the walls can go a long way.

For a more complete overhaul, consider a budget-friendly RV renovation with DIY projects like giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, installing new flooring, adding a kitchen backsplash, or updating the bathroom with peel-and-stick floor tiles.

With a little creativity, you can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your RV interior.

---

Just a friendly reminder: This tutorial and any opinions or recommendations are genuinely mine, but this is not a substitute for consulting a professional. I also use affiliate links to earn a commission.

---

9 Affordable Camper Makeover Ideas

1. Paint the walls
2. Update the kitchen by painting the cabinets and counters or adding a backsplash
3. Modernize the Bathroom by painting the cabinets, epoxying the sink, and adding peel-and-stick floor tiles
4. Replace the flooring with vinyl plank flooring
5. Add decorative items on the walls
6. Overhaul the furniture
7. Change window coverings for something more appealing
8. Update your light bulbs and light fixtures
9. Create a fun accent wall in the bedroom

Paint Your RVs Interior Walls

Painting your RV walls may be one of the most laborious diy projects, but the transformation makes it completely worth all the time and effort.

The process is so tricky because the walls are different from the ones in our homes. They have more of a plastic finish, which, when you think about that combination, you’ll realize that paint doesn’t easily stick to plastic.

The finish on your camper walls makes your prep process all the more critical. As well as buying a high-quality primer. But not just any primer, so stick around, and I’ll tell you the best one!

If I had to guess, RV walls are brown because that hides dirt. And when you’re camping, there’s plenty of dirt. But who’s to say we can’t have pretty things out in the wilderness?

I personally went rogue and painted my camper walls white. Actually, I painted everything white. And guess what… after several RV trips with two wild boys, my painted white camper interior doesn’t look dirty!

White walls can make a small space feel larger and brighter, while a bold color can add personality and depth. If you’re not up for painting your RV walls, you can also try peel-and-stick wallpaper for a quick and easy update.  

Although hanging the wallpaper is faster than four coats of paint, remember that the prep is equally essential. With just a few coats of paint or some fun wallpaper, you can make a big impact on the look and feel of your RV.

How to Paint RV Walls

1. Prep the space by removing as much as possible – the window coverings, the table and bench, the cabinet doors (if you plan to paint them), and so on.
2. Wash the walls with TSP. Follow the directions on the bottle and make sure you protect yourself by wearing gloves and a mask and having a well-ventilated space. Two washes may be necessary. After the first round, judge this by how dirty your water is. If the water is heavily soiled, then go back and rewash everything with a fresh bucket of TSP.
3. Lightly rough up every surface you plan to paint by sanding the area using 120-grit sandpaper. Take your time and use caution to not miss any spots. The paint will not stick if you don’t sand it. And don’t be too rough. You only need to rough the surface enough, so the primer has something to hold onto. Not so that you are sanding through the top layer of the surface.
4. Remove all the sanding dust by wiping down everything with warm water.
5. Time to prime! As I mentioned, using the right primer is absolutely key to success when painting RV walls. I used Gripper primer and applied two coats. The reason this primer works so well is it essentially has little teeth that grip the wall. 
6. Now that you’re ready to paint your RV walls, you’re probably wondering what type of paint is best. Again, the quality of your paint will affect how well your painted walls hold up. I used Benjamin Moore Advance Paint in a Satin finish because the paint is quality, and a satin finish is easy to wipe clean. I applied two coats and used the color Simply White.

RV Kitchen Updates to Make It Feel More Homey

Updating your cabinet doors with a fresh coat of paint will completely transform the look of your camper’s kitchen.

I suggest white paint for a clean and modern look. Or something a little moodier like sage green, navy, or black would also look great.

If you’ve never paint cabinets before, don’t worry! I’ve done it enough times now to know all the tricks. Check out this post on painting kitchen cabinets for all the details.

Constructing a real tile backsplash in an RV is a little tricky due to all the movement. Things are likely to crack or be disturbed while on the road.

Instead, you can easily add a backsplash using peel-and-stick tiles or a stencil and a sharpie for a more luxurious touch.

The easiest way is “tile” your camper backsplash is to head to Etsy and select one of their numerous stencils to create a backsplash. So, you can create the illusion of a subway tile backsplash for just around thirty bucks. 

RV Bathroom Ideas

Following your kitchen remodel, updating your bathroom is another space that can significantly impact your RV’s overall aesthetics. Here are some ideas to get you started with your RV bathroom remodel:

• Update the floor with peel-and-stick tiles.
• Epoxy your RV sink and countertop for a more modern look (if you’re feeling ambitious you can also epoxy the shower and tub).
• Install some farmhouse hooks for towels and other essentials.
• Hang a decorative mirror to make the space feel more modern and larger.
• Incorporate some baskets to double as storage and decor.
• Add some artwork to personalize the space.
• Consider installing board and batten behind the toilet area for a stylish accent wall.
• Hang a decorative shower curtain.

Replace Your RV Floor

Consider replacing your RV flooring, especially for older RVs, which are more likely to have soft spots.

My camper had a soft spot near one of the beds, so it seemed like a good idea to tear up the ugly vinyl and see what was happening underneath.

We laid new subflooring and then used vinyl planks to give the illusion of a real wood floor.

Replacing the flooring can completely transform the look of your RV, making it feel more updated and expensive (without actually costing much).

With so many options available, from vinyl to laminate, you will definitely find a flooring option that fits your style and budget. 

Also, since the square footage of a camper is so small, replacing the flooring is super affordable because you don’t need much to get the job done!

RV Decorating Ideas

Here are some RV decor ideas to make your camper feel like home. First, consider adding wall decor such as framed art and decorative items like hanging plants. Adding area rugs will also make your RV feel more cozy. 

Other decorative items like throw pillows and blankets are a great way to add a pop of color.

When used in small, strategic doses, bright colors can make a small space more lively and inviting.

And remember, the best way to make your RV feel like your own is to add personal touches that reflect your style and interests.

RV Furniture

The furniture that comes with the camper is, let’s face it, downright awful. So, updating the furniture is a great way to create a big, positive impact on your RV’s overall look and feel. 

Before you go out and buy all new furniture, or if it is out of your budget, then one thing you can do instead is to recover the cushions. No sewing skills are required! 

I found high-quality boat vinyl at Joann Fabrics for my RV remodel and recovered the table bench seats using a staple gun.

I opted for boat vinyl for durability and also ease of cleaning. I then found a black and white geometric patterned fabric and covered the bench backs. 

To update the camper living room I simply covered the couch with two king-size bed sheets. Instant update! Plus, the bonus is removing the sheets and washing them after use.

Without a doubt, updated or new furniture will give your RV a fresh look, choose whatever option best fits your space and needs.

Also, if you are replacing the furniture, take careful measurements, and consider how things will hold up while on the road. 

Update Your Window Coverings

RV walls, cabinets, and furniture are all wrong; the same goes for the window treatment.

Window treatments can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of your space. Plus, they’re a great option for adding privacy and controlling the amount of light that enters your RV. 

Start by removing that hideous valance and mini-blinds. In its place, a great option is a no-drill bamboo blind. Tea towels also make the best curtains for campers.

RV Lighting

If you want to give your RV a makeover, don’t overlook the importance of lighting.

Upgrading your light fixtures and bulbs can make a big difference in your space’s overall look and feel. Consider swapping out outdated fixtures for modern, energy-efficient options. 

Spray painting the current fixtures is a great option if you’re on a budget, as I was doing my camper remodel.

I used Rustoleum gold spray paint. The trick is to either remove the fixtures for painting or, if you can’t, make sure you have properly prepped the area so you don’t get any paint on the surrounding walls.

In addition to updating the fixtures, you can also experiment with different types of bulbs to create the perfect ambiance, whether you prefer warm and cozy or bright and airy.

Personally, I love amber bulbs, but I went with daylight for my camper. This option seemed to provide the most workable light without being too bright combined with my white walls.

Create an Accent Wall

Last but not least, consider an accent wall. Creating an accent wall is the perfect added touch that transforms your camper from drab to cozy home on wheels.

Some options are to add an accent wall behind the primary bed or the toilet in the bathroom.  

Adding board and batten to either of these places and then painting it a moody color like green or black will create an eye-catching focal point in your RV. You can add wallpaper above the board and batten for an even more customized look.

RV Makeover Before and After

If you have a tiny budget for renovating an RV this isn’t a problem. Simple diy projects make a significant impact. Here are some before and after pics for your inspiration!

---

If you’re looking to give your RV a makeover without spending a fortune, there are plenty of DIY projects you can do to make a big impact for very little money. 

From painting the cabinets to adding new curtains, there are endless possibilities for transforming your space. Which of these RV makeover ideas will you try for yourself? Share with me in the comments!

---

Hey Girl!

---

---

---