There is some something profoundly alluring about the idea of being completely self-reliant, free to go wherever you please without having to look for accommodation or a restaurant. The "van life" trend, a low-impact itinerant lifestyle, has seen a massive resurgence in the last few years, with many newcomers joining an already established camper community. This shift occurred due to a number of factors:
Millennials ditching the traditional 9-to-5 life for one of adventure on the open road. Valuing experiences over possessions, they live in a social media space, where influencers and travel enthusiasts sharing images and stories of their beautifully customised RV interiors are a source of inspiration.
Two years of COVID travel restrictions and the desire for safe, self-contained holidays had many people jumping on the RV bandwagon, attracting younger families and professionals seeking to balance remote work with the freedom to explore.
The increasing costs of hotels and Airbnb accommodations have made RV travel a more cost-effective alternative.
While some members of the older generation subscribe to a no-frills lifestyle, current camper van owners pay more attention to their mobile homes’ interior design, seeking to make them a reflection of their personal style. As we will discuss in this article, customising a camper van interior with wallpaper is more than just a trend. In these compact spaces, every decision matters, and a thoughtful approach can significantly enhance both the functionality and the feel of your mobile home.
What are the reasons why you might want to wallpaper the interior of your RV?
Whether you’re revamping a second-hand vehicle or looking to inject some personality into your mobile home, wallpaper can provide a versatile design solution:
It maximises small spaces by visually expanding their perception Wallpaper can help to visually expand perceived space: light colours and subtle patterns make it appear more open, while vertical stripes increase the illusion of height.
It brings new life at little cost to a second-hand camper van With a thriving second-hand market, many opt for a vehicle that has already seen a fair amount of action. Even when it’s perfectly functional and technically sound, chances are that its interior is either worn out or looks a bit dated. Wallpapering is inexpensive and can cover up imperfections, old stains, and faded colours.
It provides additional sound and heat insulation Beyond its aesthetic appeal, wallpaper can offer practical benefits in terms of heat and sound insulation, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself staying in a rowdy campsite.
It allows you to periodically change the vibe of the interiors Nothing lasts forever - and this includes our preferences in terms of style. Wallpaper allows you to refresh the vibe of your RV interiors, introduce new trends, or simply to fulfil a desire for something different.
What should I take into consideration when choosing wallpaper for my camper van?
Unlike in your “stationary” home, where you are free to choose a wallpaper model based solely on its pattern or colour, in a camper van there are some considerations you need to factor in before making your decision. The fact that camper vans are small and mobile demands a considered selection process that also meets practical requirements:
Resistance to humidity With fluctuating temperatures and varying levels of humidity, it’s essential to pick a model that is resistant to moisture to prevent peeling, mould, and mildew. Vinyl wallpaper is an excellent choice, particularly in wetter climates.
Durability in a friction-heavy environment Combine the daily moving around in a very tight space and the constant movement and vibration in a camper van, and it’s clear that whatever wallpaper you choose will need to withstand friction and wear. Non-woven wallpapers are a great option as they are tear-resistant and quite robust.
Ease of cleaning Living in a confined space means surfaces are more prone to getting dirty, so your choice needs to be easy to clean. Look in the “Characteristics” section of your preferred wallpaper model and check its washability rating.
How different patterns and colours affect the space Light colours such as white, cream, and pastels can make your RV interior feel more spacious and airier, while darker hues usually have the opposite effect. Small and subtle patterns work best in confined spaces. Avoid large and bold patterns as they might overwhelm the interior and make it appear cluttered.
Playing along existing interior elements In the cramped spaces of an RV, your wallpaper needs to complement the furniture, flooring, and cabinetry’s colour scheme and materials. If you have wooden cabinets, pick a model with a natural texture or pattern, while if your furnishings are more on the modern and sleek side, consider geometric patterns or metallic accents.
Make spaces seem larger or cosier Wallpaper can be a powerful tool in influencing the perception of space. You can opt for light-reflective models to make the most of natural light, making the area appear more spacious. Wallpapers with 3D patterns add depth and dimension, tricking the eye into perceiving a larger space. Consider the power of stripes: as stated above, vertical stripes elongate the walls, making the ceiling feel higher, while horizontal stripes can widen the space. For a cosier feel, opt for warm colours and textured wallpapers. Models with a matte finish are particularly effective in creating a warm atmosphere.
Whether to use Peel & Stick wallpaper Thanks to reasons of convenience and ease of use Peel & stick wallpaper is an increasingly popular option for camper van renovations. It’s easy to apply and remove, making it ideal for those who like to change their décor frequently. As it doesn’t require any additional wallpapering paste, the installation process is simplified – a welcome feature especially for those with little or no wallpapering experience. The downside is that successfully applying it to curved and cramped surfaces without creases can be challenging and the adhesive is not going to hold up as well in high humidity climates or extreme temperature fluctuations. If you decide to use a Peel & Stick model, choose a high-quality product and make sure that the surface you are applying it to is smooth and clean.
Preparing for wallpaper installation
You have a plan of action, you’ve picked your wallpaper model and can already picture how fabulous it will look. Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of what you need to consider when preparing for the actual installation!
Surface preparation If your camper has already seen plenty of adventure and accumulated some grime in the process, it is essential to start with a thorough cleaning and de-grease the surfaces first. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar to scrub the walls. Wipe with clean water and let the surfaces dry completely. Depending on the type of material, it might be a good idea to score the walls with a fine to medium-grit sandpaper to prep and help create a suitable surface for optimum adhesion. Also inspect the walls for any bumps, dents, or uneven areas. Use sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth them out. For larger dents or holes, apply a filler, let it dry, and then sand it down until the surface is even.
Priming Applying a coat of primer specifically designed for the surface you are working with can make a world of difference in terms of longevity and prevent peeling and bubbling later on. Remember: on metal surfaces, an appropriate primer is also an excellent defence against rust.
Choose the right wallpapering paste Only too often people underestimate how crucial is to pick the right wallpapering paste for the type of surface they plan to decorate. This is even more important in the high friction environment of a camper van. Always opt for a higher tack adhesive than you would use on a standard wall. Vinyl glue is a good choice for wooden surfaces, while for metal, fibreglass and synthetic materials you might want to consider adding dispersion glue. This strong, ready-to-use synthetic glue works with almost all wallpaper materials, but bear in mind that it might be difficult to remove in the future.
Have a plan Wallpapering a camper van must NOT be an exercise in improvisation! Don’t just get started and see what happens. In the confined spaces of your RV, you need to know exactly what you are going to do before you get going. Start by measuring the height and width of each wall you intend to wallpaper. Account for windows, doors, and other fixtures, ensuring you have enough wallpaper to cover the entire area (with some extra for mistakes and pattern matching). Speaking of wallpaper rolls: leave them inside your van for a couple of days, so that they acclimatise and adjust to the prevailing temperature and humidity. Next, create a detailed layout to determine where each strip of wallpaper will go. This helps to manage patterns and seams, ensuring a professional-looking finish. Remember to start from the centre of a prominent wall and work outwards to ensure the pattern is centred and symmetrical.
Check you have all the tools you will need Trust me when I say that there are few things more frustrating in life than being in the middle of a wallpapering project and discovering you lack an essential tool to complete the job! Whether this is your “first rodeo” and you need to purchase a whole new set of tools or plan to rely on what you already have (perhaps left from previous projects), make sure you double-check what you still need before getting started. A list of basic wallpapering equipment can be found in this article, in the section “Wallpapering equipment - an overview”, as well as in my answer “What tools do I need for wallpapering?”. To deal with smaller areas where standard tools might be too big, you might also want to acquire a compact smoothing tool, a portable utility knife, and a small seam roller.
Consider the time of the year If you have the luxury of being able to store your RV in an air-conditioned garage at constant temperature and humidity levels, you can safely ignore this point. For the rest of us, season and weather can play a significant role in the success of our wallpapering project. The intermediate seasons (spring and autumn/fall) are the most suitable for wallpapering, while the extremer temperatures of summer and winter might cause your wallpaper to expand or contract more than you would like it to, leading to a less than satisfactory result. For more information on how weather conditions affect wallpapering you can check the answer to “What is the best time of the year to wallpaper?”.
Wallpapering your camper
There’s no denying that wallpapering your camper van is more challenging than an average room. First of all, you will be dealing with a variety of surface materials and each of them, from wood to fibreglass to metal and synthetic materials, will present its own unique set of challenges. From dealing with the tendency of wood to expand as a result of higher humidity levels, to the slippery smoothness of fibreglass, the non-porous nature of metal, or the slick surfaces of modern synthetic materials, addressing these issues requires an extent of understanding what you are dealing with and knowing how to proceed accordingly. Wallpapering a camper van also requires mastering its quirky contours and tight corners. Cutting and aligning wallpaper on curved walls, ensuring pattern continuity, and navigating tight nooks requires a meticulous approach and a keen eye for detail. Your camper van will experience varying levels of humidity and temperature as you traverse different climates. This can cause wallpaper to peel or bubble if not properly managed. Choosing moisture-resistant materials and applying waterproof sealants can help combat these environmental stressors. As if that weren't enough, your RV will flex, vibrate, and shift, creating potential issues for wallpaper adhesion. Choosing the right wallpaper type as well as knowing when and where to reinforce critical stress areas like corners and edges will make a world of difference in the longevity of your project. There is indeed a plethora of challenges to overcome, but luckily there is a solution to most of them. To set you on the best possible path, we have grouped together a list of solutions and answers to the most common issues you will face in the following article: Understanding the challenges of wallpapering camper van interiors (and how to deal with them). It’s well worth reading!
Essential DOs and DON’Ts to consider when wallpapering RVs
Based on our experience supporting a variety of customer projects we have put together some practical tips that cover the most common issues you are likely to face. From how to best clean the surfaces to choosing light-reflective patterns while steering clear of large-scale patterns, which can overwhelm a small space and look distorted on curved walls, these DOs and DON’Ts can make or break your mobile home makeover. Click on “DOs and DON’Ts when wallpapering your camper, RV or mobile home”, to find out more.
Creative ideas and inspirational designs
Your camper is your own private realm, where you can express your creativity without restraints. Here are some ideas to inspire you to explore unorthodox approaches!
Alter your RV’s perceived height by applying wallpaper to its ceiling Why not turn your gaze upward and give your ceiling a makeover? You can use a wallpaper in light colours to make it feel like it’s stretching up to the heavens. Use delicate pastels or soft stripes that make you feel like you’re in a chic Parisian loft, not a compact camper van. Or opt for a model with a slight sheen which will bounce light around and make the interior of your RV look more spacious. Alternatively, you could choose a nature-inspired design like a sky full of fluffy clouds or a canopy of trees to make your van feel like it’s nestled in the great outdoors, even when you’re parked at a roadside diner.
Be creative with wallpaper leftovers If you have some wallpaper left, don’t let it gather dust! You could line your drawers and shelves with it, or frame those pretty scraps and turn them into bespoke wall art. Not only does this add a personal touch, but it’s also a conversation starter - “Oh, this? Just a little something I made from my leftover wallpaper!”
Coordinate fabric with the wallpaper design for a cohesive concept Pick fabrics for cushions, curtains, and upholstery that complement your wallpaper: florals with florals, geometrics with geometrics - you get the idea. You can also mix different textures to add depth. Smooth wallpaper? Add some chunky knit throws or velvet cushions to create a sensory playground in your van.
Maintenance, repair and upkeep of your motor-home wallpaper
If you have followed me this far, you’ve probably taken the plunge and adorned your camper van with a wallpaper model matching your personality, turning it into a cosy, stylish haven. Now comes the part that no one talks about at cocktail parties: maintenance and repair.
Just like the rest of the vehicle, your wallpaper needs a little TLC to keep it looking sharp. Whether it’s scrubbing off mystery stains (was it the pasta sauce or the bug spray?), fixing a pesky air bubble that suddenly pops up, or having a first aid kit for your wallpaper (yes, that’s a thing!) – there are some topics that we need to cover, because nothing says adventure like dealing with wallpaper damage while you’re parked at a scenic vantage point, right?
When and how to clean your camper van wallpaper
Just like for almost everything else, a little routine cleaning is key. Here’s how to tackle it:
Regular dusting Grab a microfibre cloth or an electrostatic dusting cloth and gently wipe down the wallpaper. Start from the top and work your way down - gravity is your friend here. For textured wallpaper, use a vacuum cleaner at the lowest setting with a soft brush attachment to remove dust without damaging the surface.
Spot cleaning Always check the wallpaper manufacturer’s instruction first. For minor stains, use a damp sponge or cloth with a solution of mild dish soap and water. Test the solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the wallpaper. Dab the stain gently without rubbing (which can spread the stain or damage the wallpaper). After cleaning, use a dry cloth to blot away excess moisture. For more detailed information, head here: “How to remove any type of stain from wallpaper”.
Deep cleaning Assuming that you followed my instructions above and opted for a “washable” wallpaper model, when it comes to a more thorough clean you should first prepare a solution of warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Dip a sponge or microfibre cloth in the solution, rinse it well and gently apply it to the wallpaper, working your way from the top of the wall downwards. If you want to know more about this topic, check: “How to keep every type of wallpaper clean?”.
Repairing wallpaper damage while on the road
Accidents happen - don’t panic! Here’s how to fix small issues:
Minor tears and lifts If you spot a small tear or lifted edge, apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive with a fine-bristled brush. Press the wallpaper back into place and smooth it with a seam roller. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth.
Bubbles A pesky bubble suddenly popped up? No worries: use a sharp pin to puncture the centre and gently press out the air. Inject a bit of adhesive through the hole using a syringe or small brush, then smooth the area with a seam roller or the edge of a credit card. Voilà! Bubble, be gone.
Larger damages If you are dealing with larger damages, simply cut a piece of spare wallpaper slightly larger than the area in question. Make sure the pattern matches perfectly, because mismatched patterns are something you don’t want to stare at for the foreseeable future. Use a sharp utility knife and a metal ruler to cut out the damaged section. Apply wallpaper adhesive to the back of the patch and press it into place. Smooth the edges with a seam roller and wipe away any excess adhesive. For more detailed instructions on how to deal with damages, you might want to read “How to repair damaged wallpaper on the wall”.
The importance of keeping a wallpaper first aid kit
A “first aid kit” for your wallpaper ensures you’re always ready for quick repairs and can keep your camper van looking its best. Make sure it includes:
A copy of the manufacturer's instructions
A large spare sheet of the original wallpaper
Some pre-mixed wallpaper adhesive for the surfaces of your RV
All the basic tools (a seam roller, a sharp utility knife, a small brush, a syringe)
Some soft cloths and clean sponges.
How long your wallpaper will last and when it is time to consider its replacement
With proper care, high-quality wallpaper can last several years - even in a camper van. However, its actual lifespan will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of material it’s made of, the amount of exposure to sunlight, and how well you care for it. Here are some unmistakeable signs that it’s time to replace it:
Persistent damage: if your wallpaper has lots of tears and air bubbles, if it’s been patched more than once, it might be time for a replacement.
Fading and discolouration: Extended exposure to sunlight can cause your wallpaper to fade or discolour over time. You can reduce this development by choosing a model which is more resistant to UV light, but at some point, the strength of the sun will make the colour fade.
Mould or mildew: Persistent moisture issues leading to mould or mildew require immediate replacement of the wall décor for health and safety reasons.
Conclusion
Wallpapering your camper van can turn it into more than just a mode of transportation - it can reflect your personality and lifestyle. To illustrate this, we’ve put together two inspiring case studies showcasing how RV enthusiasts have transformed their own vans. We hope these stories spark your creativity and inspire your own motor-home makeover!
Case Study 1 - An old German army truck transformed into a 1970s-inspired home
Here’s an unusual picture for you: a large military truck, a leftover of the German army, transformed into a cosy mobile home with warm, nostalgic patterns from the seventies. Who could come up with such a quirky idea and turn it into a success story? This case study focuses on the successful project realised by the Casaniers, a French family who turned their 1979 MAN KAT 1 truck into a comfortable abode to fulfil their nomadic dreams.
Faced with some difficult life choices and a sudden health scare, they decided to sell their home, clear all their debts, and embark on a global adventure. When they reached out to us for help with wallpapering their truck, we asked them to keep a journal of their progress. You can read all about it in our case study “Wallpapering a world on wheels – The Casaniers’ globetrotter journey”. The journey of Aline, Erwan and their daughter Hinatea - from choosing a 1970s theme to overcoming the challenges of wallpapering their mobile home - is testament to their resourcefulness and an inspiring example for anyone looking to make their van both functional and inviting.
Case Study 2 - Turning a Swiss postal coach into a home on wheels
Another fascinating case study for those of you planning to embark on a more ambitious conversion project is the story of two adventurous Swiss customers, Stefan and Ursi. When they met a few years ago, they quickly discovered their mutual love for travel and unique design projects. Very soon, a plan was put together, and they were quitting their jobs and travelling around Europe in a mobile home.
Combining Stefan's extensive motorhome travel experience and Ursi's impeccable taste in interiors, they initially planned to convert an American school bus. However, legislative hurdles quickly made them switch to a charming Swiss coach instead. They found a beautifully preserved NAW BH4-23, renamed it "Mogli," and set out to work to turn it into a self-sufficient mobile home equipped with a 6 kW photovoltaic system, a 500-litre freshwater tank, a fully functional kitchen, a bath/shower, and a WC. While Stefan dealt with the technical aspects, Ursi took on the challenge of transforming its interiors, turning bare walls into a stylish and homely abode with the clever use of wallpapers.
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