Small campervan interior ideas: complete design guide

There are plenty of small campervan interior ideas on the internet. Some good. Some bad. And some that are just outright useless. If only someone could compile all the best ideas in one place...

Well, you’re in luck – we’ve compiled this list of the 19 best small campervan interior ideas to help you build your dream vehicle! It’ll give you plenty of tips and tricks on how you can plan your van conversion to look and function as your own tiny home.

Every idea comes from a real campervan that is privately owned and listed for hire on Camplify! To find out more or see more pictures, simply click the link to the van listing.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL-w__BPJo1Nv4l8-pMgIhQrj6vXUsXLNY

19 small campervan interior ideas

1. Sliding benchtop and storage

Don’t be left wanting more benchtop space for chopping veggies and preparing meals. Save a tonne of room in your kitchen by installing an oversized benchtop that slides in and out of storage. Go even further and install a sliding removable sink to maximize your interior living space.

Campervan example: Yoshi

2. Cover the sliding door

Panel over the inside of the sliding door to create a balanced interior. The other side of the panelling can then function as a luxurious outdoor shower with dedicated storage for the water pump and heater. Hang your towel on the little hooks and you’re good to go!

Campervan example: Florence

3. Sketch a mural or throw up some wallpaper

It’s amazing what a simple art mural can do for the interior. Pick a theme, sketch a few stencils and give your campervan a vibe of its own. Or, if you’re less artistically inclined, you could always just stick up some wallpaper.

Campervan example: Coko

4. Add a splash of colour

Break up the repetitive pattern of timber panels with a splash of colour. Whether it’s the cupboards, cushion covers, tea towels or drawer knobs, there are a million ways you can create some contrast and add depth to your small campervan interior.

Campervan example: Bertie

5. Light up the night sky

Some simple LED fairy lights hung across the roof can make it feel like you’re still staring at the night sky long after you come in from the campfire. They create a calming ambience and can help to make small campervans feel larger at night.

Campervan example: The Dream

6. Raise the rear bed

Create extra-tall storage space at the rear of your campervan by raising the bed just a few inches. You’ll lose a little bit of head clearance (which doesn’t matter when you’re sleeping) but you can fit much larger objects in the rear hold. If you don’t enclose the rear storage, you can also slide through large objects like surfboards and store them on the floor of your campervan.

Campervan example: Augustana

7. Install a rear kitchen

Installing a rear kitchen is one of the most popular space-saving ideas for the interior of any small campervan conversion. But it’s not for everyone! If you install your kitchen at the rear, you can expect to get a little wet when it rains. On sunny summer days, however, it’s bliss.

Campervan example: Harlow

8. Install a projector and screen

Want to stream your favourite shows or movies but don’t want to lug around your laptop or tablet? A projector is an affordable solution that’s easy to install on the roof of your campervan, where it’s out of the way. Hang a sheet or install a pull-down screen and you’re good to go.

Campervan example: The Bondi Traveller

9. Build a ladder into bed

It shouldn’t be a struggle to get into bed at the end of a long day. Consider building a small set of stairs or even carving little rungs out of your current timber frame, so that it’s easier to access raised beds.

Campervan example: Yoshi

10. Use soft and neutral colours

Use light or neutral colours to naturally brighten up your small campervan interior. Not only does it look comfortable and inviting, but it also makes the van feel larger than it actually is.

Campervan example: Ukiyo Van

11. Put your appliances on slides

Want a nice and clean aesthetic to your interior? Install your kitchen appliances on sliding drawers so that they’re hidden from view. Not only does it look better but you also save a heap of bench space.

Campervan example: Big Gary

12. Choose a bold colour

One cheap and easy way to add a bit of character to the interior of your small campervan is to choose a bright and bold colour that you carry throughout the entire van. This is particularly helpful for older vans that need a bit of a facelift.

Campervan example: Harry the Hiace

13. Create a lid for your sink

In chic modern campervans, the sink can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb. Go for total aesthetics and buy or make a chopping board that you can place over the sink when not in use. Every bit of bench space counts!

Campervan example: Ace the Van

14. Use your fridge as a seat

Don’t have the room to stow your campervan fridge away in a sliding drawer? Find it inconvenient trying to access your fridge in the cupboard? Why not keep it where it’s easily accessible, throw a cushion on top and wallah - you’ve got a second seat!

Campervan example: Augustana

15. Mosaic tiles

Lining your kitchen or a feature wall with some simple mosaic tiles is an easy way to make your small campervan feel more like home.

Campervan example: Sandy the Van

16. In-built tailgate shower

Don’t waste time packing up dripping shower heads and hoses. This inbuilt tailgate shower is the perfect solution. Once it’s hooked up, all you have to do is refill the fresh water tank. Plus, it’s perfect for rinsing things off whilst using the rear kitchen.

Campervan example: Mystery

17. Surf and ski rack

Storing your surfboard or skis on the campervan floor can be a hassle. Instead, put up some simple wall or roof racks inside your van. When you arrive at your campsite, simply remove the items to create more space inside.

Campervan example: Burleigh Bus , Joy

18. Magnetic and hanging kitchen storage

Don’t have enough drawer space for large kitchen spatulas, tongs and knives? Putting a magnetic strip on the wall is a trendy and convenient way to store your metal utensils when not in use. You can also install hanging racks for things like wine glasses and spices.

Campervan example: Florence, Bilbo

19. Build a removable hanging table

Want a full-sized table or desk inside your van for eating or using your laptop? Most convertible campervan tables are too small and pokey. Instead, create a hanging table using a few pieces of rope and snap hooks. When not in use, you can simply unhook the table and stow it away.

Campervan example: Cece Couples Getaway

More small campervan interior ideas

To discover hundreds of unique interior ideas for a small campervan, use the search feature on Camplify. On our homepage, simply click “Find a van” and set the van type to campervans.

Take a peek into hundreds of privately owned rental campervans around Australia. Flick through the photos and source endless ideas for your small campervan conversion.

Additionally, check out some of the coolest Kombi campers and other vintage campervans for hire on our platform for some retro interior inspiration!

But before you do, we want to help you with one more thing...

Earn a return on your campervan

Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 RAC nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!