Home, for many of us, conjures up images of comfortable furnishings, décor styled to taste, and favorite spaces at which we enjoy spending time in while we’re home. Recreation vehicles, also known as mobile homes, are our homes on wheels. We can take everything with us, anywhere we can set up camp. RVs, however, come decorated and furnished in schemes set by the manufacturer – which may or may not be to our liking or standards when it comes to appearance or comfort. Yet, there are things we can do to make our RVs “feel more like home.” It requires a little imagination, a little time, and a little investment.
Make the space your own. Thankfully, the compact layout of most RVs can enable you to make a big impact with small improvements or changes. Add pops of color or a favorite pattern using fabric in the curtains, pillows, blankets, rugs, and even dish towels. Just avoid heavy fabrics for window coverings. The interior will look more cohesive if you stick with a main color scheme, and it will look larger if you select light colors for the walls, cupboards, and furniture. Darker colors make a room feel more closed in.
It’s also important to not puncture the interior walls if you want to hang items, because of your RV’s electrical system and other vital components running underneath. But this doesn’t mean you can’t add wall hangings. Use the appropriate hanging accessories. Put out interesting bowls or vases of flowers on the counter or tabletop; just make sure they are stored away prior to traveling.
Streamline the furniture. Most RVs come furnished with overstuffed chairs or multiple sofas. But you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for sleekness. There are many pieces of furniture on the market that can be used to replace the original furniture in the RV. This will help to modernize the interior look as well as potentially give you additional storage options.
Upgrade that mattress. Sleep is essential and one of the most common complaints for campers is the inability to get a good night’s sleep. They are simply not comfortable. Well, upgrade that mattress – there are RV-specific ones you can buy – or simply purchase a luxury mattress topper. If purchasing a new mattress, there are two things to keep in mind: (1) foam mattresses are not designed to freeze so if your RV will be in cold storage during the winter, foam may not be the best choice; and (2) take the height of the mattress into account. RV ceilings are not very high, and a 10-inch-high mattress will look and feel different than a 6-inch-high mattress. Do the same for bunks. This way, everyone gets great rest and is ready for the day’s coming adventures.
Layer your fabrics. This applies not just to clothing, but to household fabrics as well, especially when it comes to sleeping areas. A big bulky comforter may only be useful some of the time, but multiple thin down or down-alternative comforters give you the flexibility to layer based on the weather. These are easy to find, pack, and store, too. Sheets should be comfortable and breathable and easy to clean.
Maintain your RV’s interior temperature. If you’re too hot or too cold, you’re not having a good time. You’re spending all your time trying to cool down or warm up. Rollercoaster temperatures are a key trait of camping, as our RVs are more apt to shift with the shifting temperatures. Most RV units come with heating and cooling options, which can definitely help. Sometimes, however, you might need a little extra help or want to avoid from running the AC or heat all night. In that case, electric space heaters and electric fans can come into play. And honestly, you should have these on your packing list anyway in case something goes awry with your RV’s systems.
Create an outdoor space. A colorful outdoor rug, some camping chairs, a pop-up side table, and a screened-in awning adds valuable square footage to your RV’s footprint. Campers can enjoy games, eating, or reading a book in this comfortable “three seasons” room. At night, string up party lights for a festive atmosphere. Plus, the additional space helps to alleviate congestion, and the awning helps to keep your RV cooler during hot weather.