RV Design Trends to Elevate Your Home on Wheels

This post may contain affiliate links.

More and more RV owners are discovering creative ways to personalize their interiors, making them feel as cozy and functional as a traditional home. From adding extra storage to infusing character and warmth, a few carefully chosen RV design trend elements can make a big difference.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the latest trends in RV interior design that are helping RVers elevate their spaces. Whether you’re looking to add practical side tables, make a statement with wallpaper, upgrade vent covers with sleek radiator mesh, or bring a rustic touch with board and batten, these trends offer plenty of inspiration. Let’s dive into these popular RV design ideas that can make your travel experience feel uniquely yours, wherever the road takes you.

Side Tables: Compact and Functional Style

Adding a side table to an RV layout enhances the space with a homey feel and provides a convenient spot to place items like drinks, books, or even small plants. These tables are becoming popular as RV owners seek to bring more at-home comforts.

Why Side Tables Work in RVs

• Versatile Storage Solutions: Many side tables for RVs come with built-in storage options, such as shelves, drawers, or compartments, making them perfect for stashing away everyday items like phone chargers, remotes, or travel essentials. This extra storage is precious in compact RV spaces, where every inch counts.
• Creating Cozy, Defined Spaces: You create a dedicated lounging area that feels more structured and comfortable by placing a side table next to a sofa or recliner. Whether it’s a place to keep your morning coffee or a spot for your evening book, a side table can transform a basic RV setup into a cozy, functional retreat.

Popular RV Design Trends for RVs

• Nesting Tables: These compact tables come as a set and can be stacked together when not in use, making them perfect for tight spaces. When you need extra surface area, just pull one out!
• Fold-Down or Wall-Mounted Tables: Some RVers opt for side tables that fold down when not in use, freeing up floor space. Wall-mounted side tables are another practical option, providing a sturdy surface without taking up room on the floor.
• Multi-Purpose Tables with Storage: Side tables with built-in storage compartments or lift-top features offer double functionality. They not only hold items on top but also provide hidden storage for keeping clutter out of sight.

Side Table Tips for RV Owners

When selecting a side table for your RV, consider materials that are durable and easy to clean, as RV life can be hard on furniture. Lightweight materials are a good choice to minimize extra weight, and tables with rounded edges can be safer in a moving vehicle. Additionally, side tables with non-slip surfaces or built-in cup holders can help keep items secure while traveling.

A small side table can make a big difference in the comfort and functionality of an RV. This simple addition can add both practicality and style, giving you a dedicated space for the little things that make life on the road feel like home.

Wallpaper: Adding Personality and Texture

With options ranging from bold patterns to subtle textures, wallpaper can instantly transform the look and feel of an RV interior, making it feel less like a vehicle and more like a cozy home on wheels. It’s an easy way to bring personality, color, and style to small spaces without major renovations.

Why Wallpaper Works in RVs

• Compact Spaces, Big Impact: In an RV, every design choice is visible and impactful. Wallpaper adds immediate visual interest, whether it’s an accent wall behind a dining area, the bedroom, or even a nook in the bathroom.
• Flexible and Removable Options: Peel-and-stick wallpaper is especially popular in RVs because it’s easy to apply, adjust, and remove without damaging walls. This makes it a great choice for RV owners who want to refresh their interior frequently or renters looking for a temporary change.

Popular Wallpaper Styles for RVs

• Botanical and Nature Prints: Many RVers choose wallpaper designs that reflect the natural world, like floral or leafy prints, which bring a touch of the outdoors inside and enhance the feeling of adventure.
• Geometric Patterns: Modern and minimalist, geometric patterns work well in small spaces, adding depth and a sense of order without overwhelming the interior.
• Textured and Faux Finishes: Faux wood, brick, or stone wallpaper adds a rustic, textured look that’s both stylish and durable. These options are ideal for creating a cozy, homey feel and pair well with other rustic decor.

Application Tips for RV Owners

When applying wallpaper in an RV, it’s essential to prep the surface thoroughly by cleaning and drying it to ensure good adhesion. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed for easy application, but a plastic smoothing tool can help eliminate bubbles for a clean finish.

For those wary of committing to an entire wall, start small by applying wallpaper to a cabinet, bathroom wall, or the area behind the kitchen backsplash.

Wallpaper is an easy and impactful way to bring style and character to an RV, allowing owners to create a look that feels personal and unique. Whether you prefer bold patterns or soft textures, wallpaper can make a small space feel fresh, modern, and distinctly your own.

Radiator Mesh: A Modern Twist on Vent Covers

Traditionally used in home heating systems, radiator mesh provides a sleek, modern look while allowing for ample airflow. This versatile material is easy to customize and install, making it a perfect DIY option for RV owners who want to refresh their interiors with minimal effort.

Why Radiator Mesh Works in RVs

• Aesthetic Appeal: Radiator mesh adds a unique design element that blends well with various RV styles, from industrial and modern to farmhouse chic. Unlike standard plastic vent covers, the metal mesh gives a polished look, elevating an otherwise unnoticed detail.
• Improved Airflow: The open design of radiator mesh allows for excellent ventilation, which is essential in an RV where space can heat up quickly. It’s functional without sacrificing style, ensuring that air can circulate freely while keeping vents covered.

Material and Style Options

• Metal Finishes: Radiator mesh is available in a range of finishes, including brass, stainless steel, and black matte, allowing RV owners to match it with existing decor or hardware. Brass or bronze finishes can give an RV a vintage feel, while black or silver offers a sleek, modern look.
• Pattern Choices: Radiator mesh comes in various patterns, from classic diamond grids to more intricate designs. These patterns can add a subtle decorative element to the RV’s interior without taking up any extra space, making them ideal for small areas.

Installation Tips for RV Owners

Radiator mesh is easy to cut and fit over standard RV vent covers, making it a simple DIY project. Many RV owners attach the mesh to existing vent frames with screws or adhesive strips for a secure fit. Before installing, measure each vent carefully and wear gloves when cutting the mesh, as the edges can be sharp.

Adding radiator mesh to an RV vent is a quick and affordable way to refresh your space, combining style and functionality in one upgrade. It’s an excellent option for RVers who want a modern, durable solution to traditional vent covers while enhancing airflow and adding a personalized touch to their home on wheels.

Board and Batten: Creating Cozy, Rustic Vibes

Adding texture and depth to flat walls, board and batten can make an RV feel more like a traditional home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere even in the most compact layouts. Its versatility means it works well with various styles, from farmhouse to modern rustic, making it an appealing design choice for RVers looking to personalize their space.

Why Board and Batten Works in RVs

• Adds Texture Without Taking Space: RVs don’t offer much room for bulky decor, so board and batten is a perfect solution for adding visual interest to walls without taking up precious space. This design technique creates clean, architectural lines that draw the eye, making even small areas feel more dynamic.
• A Homely Feel on the Road: Board and Batten’s rustic look brings a sense of warmth and tradition that can help make an RV feel more like a permanent home. It’s a great way to add character to areas like the bedroom, dining nook, or entryway, creating a defined style that enhances the RV’s overall aesthetic.

Installation Tips for RV Owners

• Lightweight Materials: Since weight is a consideration in RVs, many owners opt for lightweight materials, such as thin MDF strips or lightweight pine boards, to create the board and batten look without adding unnecessary bulk.
• Peel-and-Stick Options: For RVers who want a quicker or less permanent option, peel-and-stick board and batten panels are available. These are easy to apply, removable, and ideal for renters or those who like to update their space frequently.
• DIY-Friendly Process: Applying board and batten involves measuring, cutting, and adhering thin wood or MDF strips to the wall, which can be painted to match or contrast with the wall color. For a subtle look, many RV owners choose a neutral tone, while others go bold with deep, moody colors that make the paneling stand out.

Design Ideas and Variations

• Classic White: A classic white board and batten wall works beautifully in RVs, adding a clean and timeless look that brightens up small spaces.
• Dark and Dramatic: For a modern twist, dark colors like navy, charcoal, or forest green can make the board and batten stand out, giving an elegant, dramatic effect that pairs well with minimalist decor.
• Accent Walls: Instead of covering every wall, many RVers choose to create an accent wall with board and batten. This can be a great way to define spaces within an RV, such as setting off the bedroom area or creating a focal point in the dining nook.

Board and batten is an inviting, affordable way to enhance an RV’s interior with personality and warmth. It’s a versatile design choice that can be as subtle or as bold as you like, making it ideal for creating a unique, cozy home on wheels.

Conclusion

From the functionality of side tables to the personality that wallpaper brings, and from the sleek look of radiator mesh to the cozy charm of board and batten, these design choices help RV owners create spaces that feel both practical and personal.

Each of these trends offers a unique way to enhance an RV’s interior, whether you’re looking to add storage, visual interest, or a touch of homey comfort. Side tables add convenience, wallpaper brings texture and color, radiator mesh elevates vent covers with a modern twist, and board and batten creates a warm, rustic vibe. Together, these elements can turn a basic RV layout into a customized space that feels welcoming and uniquely yours.

As you explore ways to personalize your RV, consider which of these trends align with your style and practical needs. With a few thoughtful updates, you can create a beautiful and functional interior that truly feels like home—no matter where your travels take you.