Photo Credit: Chantal Keller-Ward

44 Ideas for an RV Window Makeover

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If you’re not loving the factory window treatment in your camper or motorhome, it’s time to give your RV windows a new look! This RV window makeover guide will show how RV owners have replaced or recovered their RV window treatments.

Ideas include no-sew curtains, traditional curtains, and ideas for covering or even painting the installed valances.

How to Remove Your Existing Window Treatments

Factory-installed valances are often bulky and can even block parts of your windows. For most window makeovers, RV owners remove the window treatments altogether. (Skip down to #15 to see examples of valance makeovers that don’t require breaking out the power tools!)

Valances are easily removed and this video from Mountain Modern Life demonstrates how to tackle this project on your own:

Once you’ve removed the existing factory window treatments, they can be replaced with whatever you want.

Just remember to only use screws the same length (or shorter) than the screws that were in the valances you removed. I recommend holding onto the screws from the valances so you can reuse them or measure bracket screws against them.

Adding Curtains

Curtains are an easy and inexpensive way to personalize your RV. (And by far the most popular RV window makeover!)

1. Mount Curtain Rods at the Top of Your Walls

sheer curtains in rv

One common trick that can help make your windows look bigger is to mount the curtain rods along the tops of your walls—or in the case, the ceiling of the slide-out!—instead of just at the top of the window.

2. Add Patterned Curtains

Photo Credit: Emily Brownell

Add a fun pattern or a splash of color with your curtains, like in this retro remodel.

3. Mimic Draperies

Photo Credit: Five Talents Homes

These renovators combined window treatment styles, but we love the floor-to-ceiling drapes on the back windows. The fireplace remodel and light fixture make this trailer feel luxurious!

4. Sheer White Curtains

Sheer white curtains can help an RV feel lighter and brighter (without cracking open a can of paint!).

5. Bamboo Shades

by Wendy Sullivan

The RV above mixed in two styles of window coverings—sheer curtains and bamboo Roman shades.

6. More Bamboo Shades!

Check out this renovated RV for sale here.

Bamboo shades are popular for many different styles right now, including this boho RV. We’re seeing this style again…

7. And Again!

Window Coverings by sincerelysepe

Paired with curtains this time.

8. And Again!

9. Curtains Made from Sheets

White handmade curtains
by Jillian Sirriani

This RV owner made her own curtains out of white sheets to save money. White curtains create a look similar to sheer curtains, but will give you more privacy when they’re pulled closed.

The white curtains in the photo above inspired me so much that I decided to make white curtains for my RV, too! I made mine out of white twin-sized bed sheets from Walmart.

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486,546 Reviews

10. Use Command Hooks to Hang Curtains

When I made my curtains, I realized very quickly how time-consuming installing curtain brackets on so many windows is.

I came across an idea from an RV owner named Vanessa of using Command hooks to hang lightweight curtains as a way to avoid drilling more holes in the wall.

Command hook used for hanging RV curtains
by Vanessa Sumner

These look almost indistinguishable from curtain brackets but save a ton of installation time.

I borrowed Vanessa’s idea and used adhesive hooks to hang my curtains too. 

11. Adhesive Hooks with Floor Length Curtains

RV curtains hung with Command hooks
by Tiffany Mass

RV owner Tiffany Mass also used Command strips and hooks to hang curtains successfully, making Command brand what I would recommend for hanging your curtains.

Create Your Own No-Sew RV Curtains

If you can’t sew but don’t mind a DIY project, here are some curtain ideas that don’t require sewing.

12. No-sew Curtains from Bed Sheets

Cheap and DIY RV window idea: No-sew curtains made out of bed sheets
RV curtains made from sheets

RV owner Danielle cut up inexpensive bedsheets from Walmart to make curtains for her whole RV.  By cutting the open ends of the top of the sheet, a pocket was created for hanging the curtains, and to hem the raw edges, Danielle first folded and ironed them flat, then used No-Sew fabric glue to keep them folded in place.

The thin sheets let in a lot of light during the day while still giving a little privacy.

13. Pillowcases with Drapery Clips

Pillow cases used as curtains in an #RV | Window treatment idea for a #camper, #motorhome, or #traveltrailer
by Tara Medlin via Instagram.com/themobilemedlins

RV owner Tara Medlin used pillowcases folded to the right length to make these pretty curtains for her RV. The drapery clips hang from the rod and keep the pillowcases clipped closed at the right spot—no cutting or sewing required.

14. Kitchen Dish Towels with Drapery Clips

Dish towels used as RV kitchen curtains
by Susie Crabtree

RV owner Susie Crabtree used dishtowels and drapery clips in the same way in her RV kitchen.

RV flipper Erin Cherry accomplished a similar look with her Turkish hand towels.

renovated rv kitchen with tile backsplash - by erin cherry
Photo credit: Erin Cherry
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Evelynen Turkish Hand Towels for Bathroom & Kitchen Towels Decorative Set of 2 | Boho Farmhouse Hand Towels with Hanging Loops for Face, Tea, Dish, Kitchen & Bath | %100 Cotton (16" x 32" - Beige)
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15. Burlap Curtains Hung with Clothespins

Cheap and DIY RV window idea: No-sew curtains made out of burlap coffee or feed sacks
by Brooke Seaman

These curtains were made by RV owner Brooke Seaman by using clothespins to clip burlap sack material to a piece of wire hung across her windows.  If you’re worried about burlap potentially unraveling, you can glue bias tape around the raw edges.

Cheap and DIY RV window idea: No-sew curtains made out of burlap coffee or feed sacks
by Brooke Seaman

Frame RV Windows with Wood

Several RV owners have covered their RV windows with real or faux wood to make them look more like windows in a house.

16. Cedar Valances

Photo Credit: Chantal Keller-Ward

This RVer kept the brackets from her old valances to reattach her new, DIY cedar valances. The valances steal the show, but she added white accordion blinds as well as decorative curtains to some of the windows.

Love this reno? See the rest of this cabin-inspired renovation.

17. Wood Framing with a Windowsill

John and Robyn Crowhurst used real oak to frame two of the windows of their 1990 toy hauler, and Robyn’s dream of cooling a pie on her windowsill finally came true.

18. Wood Framing

Travel trailer RV with wood framed windows
by Brooke Seaman

RV owner Brooke Seaman framed the window of her travel trailer with real wood as well. 

Believe it or not, that is the same RV as the one with the burlap curtains pictured earlier! She often gets tired of how she’s decorated and enjoys redoing everything. Her remodel is proof of what a big difference window treatments can make in a space.

19. Wood Framing with Burlap Roller Shades

Eric and Katie of ModernMountainLife.com wrote an excellent blog post about how they framed their RV windows (and another one about how they made the burlap roller shades above).

20. Rustic Wood Framing with Copper Pipe Curtain Rods

Painted vinyl flooring used to frame RV window
by Melissa Escobar

The owner of this RV, Melissa Escobar, used Timberwall brand peel-and-stick shiplap lumber to frame her windows. She combined many window makeover ideas using drapery clips, curtains, and DIY copper pipe curtain rods.

Non-permanent RV Window Makeovers

If you want to personalize and brighten your RV but are worried about making any changes that can’t be undone, you might consider one of these ideas.

21. Pinning Fabric over RV Valances

Fabric pinned to cover RV cornice / valance
by Kristin Wissing

RV owners Kristin and Erica pinned new fabric onto their cornices. This can be one of the least costly ways to makeover your RV windows. You could even use thumbtacks!

22. DIY Curtains

Photo Credit: Chantal Keller-Ward

RVer Chantal used this tutorial she found on Pinterest to add roll-up shades to her bedroom. The fabric is actually a shower curtain she found at Target!

23. Recovering Valances + Blinds + Curtains

In addition to pinning fabric over her existing valances, Kristin also added residential blinds and curtains to complete her windows’ new look.

24. Add some macrame!

Why not add a little decor in front of your existing shades to brighten up your RV? This macrame perfectly complements the boho vibe of this RV!

25. Bunching and Pinning Fabric

RV blogger Heather did this as well, bunching the fabric as she pinned. You can read how to copy her no-sew method in this blog post.

26. Lace Table Runners

RV window idea: Lace pinned over cornice / valance

RV owner Cathy pinned lace table runners to her valances, using a butter knife to tuck the ends in at the edges.  She also used tension rods to hang the lace curtains from under the cornices.

27. Ruffle Valance

RV window idea: Ruffled fabric curtain added to wood cornice / valance
by Debbie Gilbert

This RV came with wood cornices framing the windows, so RV owner Debbie added a ruffle hung with tension rods to give her RV a homier feel.

Cornice / Valance Makeover Ideas

28. Hanging Curtains Behind the Valance (+ adding lanterns)

RV window treatment makeover idea: Curtains hung with tension rod
by Penny Adams

RV owners Jenn and Penny worked with their RV’s original decor by hanging curtains from a tension rod under the original cornice. Penny also added battery-operated lanterns on hooks, which she says she takes down while the RV is moving.

29. Hanging Curtains Behind the Valance

RV window treatment makeover idea: Curtains hung with tension rod
by Jenn Hogan

Owner Jenn Hogan used a simple tension rod to hang curtains behind her RV’s valances.

30. Recovering the Cornice/Valance with New Fabric

RV window treatment makeover idea: cornices / valances covered with tablecloth
by Juanita Reeves

RV owner Juanita removed and then stapled new fabric over her cornices and tucked it in along the curved edge using a butter knife.

She started by covering each cornice with fabric cut from a cheap white bed sheet to make sure the original pattern didn’t show through, then added a second layer made from a pretty tablecloth.

31. Recovering the Valances (sometimes keeping the RV blinds, sometimes adding curtains)

Angela Kevin recovered her valances, but mixed up her window treatments, keeping the RV blinds in the bedroom, but adding curtains in the living room and blinds in the bathroom.

32. Painting the Fabric Window Cornices/Valances

Before:

by Lisa Braddy

RV owner Lisa painted the fabric of her cornices using flat latex paint before adding curtains underneath. 

After:

RV window treatment makeover idea: painted valances / cornices
by Lisa Braddy

She used the same red paint on the upholstered chair as well.  

If you’re new to painting fabric furniture, this article can teach you how.

DIY Shades and Blinds

33. Roll up Fabric Shades

DIY fabric shades are a great way to personalize your RV. Just choose a fabric you love that fits your design style!

34. Again, but with leather clasps!

This look is everywhere! This couple opted for black fabric to match their bedroom, but we love the metal clasps they chose to hold the shades open.

35. Dowel Rods and Ikea Curtains

dining area remodel in fifth wheel by @gumboblood
Photo Credit: Victoria Jones

This RVer took the curtains from her home—purchased from Ikea—and cut them to size for her RV windows. She bought inexpensive dowel rods from Home Depot and cut them to size for simple curtain rods.

36. DIY Roman Shades

RV owner Debbie Watt covered her park model RV’s cornices with fabric and turned cheap mini blinds into pretty Roman shades using this DIY method.

Here is what it looks like on the back to give you an idea of how it works:

RV window treatment makeover idea: DIY Roman shade made from mini blinds
by Debbie Watt

37. DIY Stagecoach Valances

RV shade makeover by Christina. Visit RVLifeMilitaryStyle.com for tutorial.
by Christina via RVLifeMilitaryStyle.com

Another RV owner, Christina, gave the shades that came with her RV a makeover in stagecoach style. These valances stay up and give the RV a more country style.

38. DIY Burlap Window Shades

Burlap Window Shades by MountainModernLife.com
Photo credit: Mountain Modern Life

I already mentioned this renovation for their gorgeous wood frames, but I love these DIY burlap window shades Katie and Eric of Mountain Modern Life made for their motorhome. 

You can read their tutorial on how to make them here.

Wood Blinds and Curtains

39. Wide-Slat Residential Blinds

Photo Credit: Rain2Shine Ventures

The wide-slat residential blinds and curtains used in this RV give the room the look and feel of a real house.

You don’t often see wood blinds in RVs because they will swing and move as an RV moves down the road and can be heavy.

If you’re stationary in your RV, this isn’t a concern. But if you’re a traveler, you can opt for faux wood blinds which are much lighter, and use L brackets to secure the base of the blinds.

40. Wood Valances

Reclaimed wood valance - DIY window treatment makeover idea for a rustic farmhouse style
by Kim Schmid & Jason Rotz

RV owners Kim and Jason built this wood valance for their RV by attaching old barn wood to their RV’s factory-installed cornices.  The barn wood was screwed in from the back so the screws wouldn’t show. They then hung curtains made from canvas painter’s drop cloths from their RV’s original curtain rods using drapery clips.

More Unique Ideas

41. Lace Screens

RV owner Madeleine replaced the screens of her camper with lace, gluing the fabric to the inside of her window frames.  A similar (but easily removable) idea is to use a homemade starch mixture to paste lace to windows, resulting in a frosted privacy window effect. Learn how here.

42. Privacy Window Film

You could also do away with window coverings altogether and apply removable privacy window film that lets light in but can’t be seen through.

43. Upgrade Your Blinds with RV Day/Night Window Shades

Photo Credit: Lauren Keene

If you want to keep the factory-original look of your RV but simply need to replace your existing blinds, quality day/night shades can easily replace worn-out shades. 

These are a great option for keeping your privacy while letting light in during the day, and they do a great job of keeping the RV dark at night.

Shop RV Day/night roller shades here.

44. Day Shades

Photo Credit: Jeff Myers

Skip the blackout shades and opt for just day shades!

Bonus: Insulate Your Windows

If you’re RVing in the winter, one of the best things you can do is insulate your windows. This quick makeover prevents condensation and can keep your RV several degrees warmer. Here’s how:

Get Started

I hope these RV window makeover ideas make you eager to tackle your RV renovation project. Questions on these window treatments? Drop a comment and our team is here to help!

Need more RV decor inspiration?  Check out these articles:

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57 Comments

  1. This will be such a good reference for anyone wanting to do any redecorating in their RV. It is done so well….. good job !!

  2. I removed the window treatments and bought bedsheets from Walmart. I measured each window cut the sheets and used double sided fabric tape instead of sewing. I used command hooks and small round rods to hang them. The transformation is fantastic. My next project is to recover the table using vinyl placemats. My color scheme is teal with burnt orange accent. This camper is our home I want it to look like a home. Great ideas!

  3. Looking to replace our current balances in our motorhome in a cherrywood fabric. Not like traditional valances you’de put in a house, but the motorhome type balance that is stiff and comes across and down the sides.

    1. Have you considered just recovering the ones you have with different fabric? Or is that what you plan on doing?

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