22 Creative RV Dinette Replacement Ideas
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Looking for creative RV dinette replacement ideas? Many RV owners are replacing their dinette booths with innovative alternatives that maximize space and style as part of their rv renovations. Whether you’re interested in replacing your RV dinette with recliners, converting the booth dinette to a bed, or completely remodeling the space, these inspiring dinette remodel ideas will show you how to transform your camper’s dining area into something that better suits your needs. Certain furniture pieces can serve dual purposes, such as providing storage space or functioning as pet crates, which doubles their practicality and versatility.
Introduction to RV Renovation
RV renovation is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your recreational vehicle, and one of the most impactful areas to focus on is the dinette. The dinette is often a central space in many RV floorplans, serving as a hub for dining, working, and socializing. However, RV manufacturers typically design dinettes to be convertible but can still be bulky and inefficient. By customizing and redesigning your RV’s dinette, you can transform traditional seating arrangements into more functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. Whether you’re looking to add more storage, create a cozy nook, or simply update the look, a dinette renovation can significantly improve your RV living experience.
How To Remove an RV Dinette: The Dining Booth Removal Process
Before we dive into the “after” photos of RV dinette conversions, you may be wondering exactly how to remove an RV dining booth.
Well, it turns out it’s fairly simple: you look for screws and remove them. If you can’t easily lift away the pieces after unscrewing them, you may need the assistance of a pry bar.
We have an in-depth tutorial detailing the complete dinette booth removal process, but we’ll give you the general idea here.
Below is a photo of an RV dining booth being removed. You can see how it’s just a wooden frame screwed to the wall and floor.
You’ll probably also need to fill some holes in your wall, which you can do with some spackling.
But before you completely remove your old dinette, consider if you want to leave one side and replace the other with chairs. This is a popular way to open up your RV floorplan and you can add chairs to match your design style!
Ensure that any new furniture is easily secured to prevent movement while traveling.
RV Dinette Replacement Ideas for People Who Prefer a Table and Chairs
Replacing the dining booth with a traditional table and chairs makes a camper or motorhome feel less like a vehicle and more like a house, with many stylish camper dining tables to choose from.
Here are a few examples of how campers have replaced their booths with tables and chairs.
We’re often asked how people keep their replacement RV furniture in place while driving on the road, so we put together a guide where we share tips for tying down or anchoring dining tables, sofas, decor, and more so things don’t shift around while your RV is in motion.
1. Replacement Dining Table for a Redecorated Airstream
If only two people ever sit at your dining table, you can save space in your RV by replacing the 4-person dinette with a table for two, which is a great option for creating more room. This opens up the space and also doesn’t stick out as far, creating more room for walking. In this case, you may lose the storage from under the benches, so this particular type of table might not be a good idea for you if storage is something you’re short on.
Plus, swapping out your dinette for a table and chairs is a great way to add your own design aesthetic to your RV, like this couple who wanted their camper to feel like stepping back in time. Go here to tour the rest of this Airstream rebuilt with antiques.
Photo Credit: Terri Voight Closs
2. Glamorous RV Dinette Makeover
The owner of this RV loves Victorian decor and decided to remove the dining booth in order to create an intimate dining area better suited to his taste, complete with new full-length curtains and a chandelier.
The new table was covered with a moisture and scratch-resistant veneer to ensure durability and longevity.
Related: Easy RV Window Makeover Ideas
He used museum putty to secure decorative items on shelves and walls so that traveling requires packing away only a few things and securing the furniture.
3. Materials and Designs for Dinette Tables
When it comes to choosing a dinette table for your RV, the options are as diverse as the RVs themselves. RV owners can select from a variety of materials, each bringing its own unique charm and functionality to the dining space. Traditional wood tables offer a warm, cozy feel, perfect for creating a homey atmosphere in your dinette area. On the other hand, modern glass tables can give your RV a sleek, contemporary look, making the space feel more open and airy. For those seeking durability, metal tables are a robust option that can withstand the rigors of RV travel.
In addition to material choices, the design of the dinette table plays a crucial role in maximizing space and enhancing functionality. Pedestal tables are a popular choice, providing ample legroom and a clean, uncluttered look. Wall-mounted tables are another great option, especially for RVs with limited space, as they can be folded down when not in use. Fold-down tables offer flexibility, allowing you to create additional space as needed.
To add a personal touch, consider using RV dinette cushion covers to introduce color and texture to your dining area. These covers can be easily swapped out to match your evolving style or seasonal decor. While RV manufacturers offer a range of dinette table options, don’t hesitate to explore custom-made tables or DIY projects to create a unique and personalized space that truly reflects your taste and needs.
4. RV Dinette Modification Idea: Swap the Dinette and Sofa
Want to shake up your RV floor plan?
This RV owner wanted to change the arrangement of where the sitting and dining areas were located, so they decided to remove the jackknife sofa as well as the dinette and replaced them with a sleeper sofa in a lighter color as well as a small table for two.
5. RV Dinette Conversion to a Breakfast Bar
The latest trend we see in renovated RVs for sale is replacing a bulky with a breakfast bar. This opens up the floor space and can still seat a couple or small family.
Consider adding back cushions to the chairs for extra comfort and support.
Plus, these tables could easily double as a desk for a home office.
6. Removing the Benches and Keeping the RV Dinette Table Wall Mount
Keeping your existing table, particularly if it is already anchored to the wall and floor, might limit your renovation options, but it does save you from worrying about a table flipping over while you drive!
The dining booth in this camper was removed and replaced with a custom-built sofa that adds additional seating as well as an extra bed, complete with a comfortable cushion. This not only enhances the comfort but also maximizes the living space in the RV.
This RVer grabbed these comfy chairs off Amazon.
- Stylish Desk Chair No Wheels:An elegant blend of comfort and style, the elimination of armrests and castors removes all unnecessary decoration, effortlessly matching any décor to create an impression of comfort and elegance, the unique black lacquered cross aluminium base with non-slip natural rubber feet attached to each support leg to prevent scratching and slipping, perfect for offices, bedrooms, studies, living rooms, dressing tables, parlours and dorm rooms.
7. Booth Dinette to Bed Conversion Idea
The dining booth in this camper was removed and replaced with a custom-built sofa that adds additional seating as well as an extra bed. The drawers from the original dining booth were kept and used to create storage underneath, showcasing one of the many dinette replacements available.
Our article DIY RV Sofa Ideas & Inspiration has more pictures of custom-built sofas and more ideas for how to turn a camper table into a bed.
8. Removing the Dinette to Add Storage
The owners of this RV felt that their booth dinette was an inefficient use of space, so they replaced the dinette with three cabinets and laid a piece of countertop across the top to create a combination dining and office area. Not only does this solution add extra counter space, which is often limited in an RV, but it also lets you enjoy the view out your large window during your meal!
Replacing the RV Dinette Booth with a Bar
One of my favorite uses of space in an RV is a bar eating area with storage underneath. Not only does this solution add extra counter space, which is often limited in an RV, but it also lets you enjoy the view out your window during your meal!
9. Replacing Dinette in RV with a Bar
The professional team behind Traverse Design Co. continued the countertop and added stools to replace the booth in this camper. Now the kitchen boasts extra surfaces for food prep and kept a spot for two people to sit at a table to enjoy a meal, creating more space for other activities.
10. Bar with Shelves Behind for Storage
To create this space, the owners of this RV bolted together two Walmart bookshelves and placed them behind a sofa table of a similar height and length.
by Janet Riggs
11. Bar with Cabinets Underneath for Storage
I can’t figure out how you can easily sit at this bar because of the height difference the slide-out creates. But with the right spacing, this is a great way to keep your storage options and still have a spot to eat.
RV Dinette Modification Ideas: Remove Just One Bench!
Half the work with major benefits!
12. Bench Seat with Chair
Professional RV renovators RVingDogsAndWine decided to leave one of the dinette benches in this stunning fifth wheel they renovated. This is a great way to free up some space and make the area feel more open without losing all your storage, especially in an RV with limited space.
Related: 99 Ideas for a Budget RV Makeover
13. Turn the Booth Sideways
Completely transform a space by turning the booth sideways. Use one bench flush against the wall and add a table and chairs.
Or move your booth to the back of your trailer or fifth wheel, like in this design:
This may require rebuilding a bench seat to fit the right dimensions of your space. If you build your own dining booth bench, you can create a flip-top seat or add drawers for more storage.
14. Remove just the backs of the dinette booth.
Open up your RV by removing the backs of your dining booth but keeping the bench seats!
Consider adding rv dinette cushion covers to protect the remaining bench seats and enhance the aesthetic appeal.
15. Replace Dinette in RV with a Table and Bench Set
After removing the booth completely, this family still wanted bench-style seating, which is a great option for any travel trailer. They added in a matching set (and turned the bunk beds into a laundry room!).
16. Replacing Dinette in RV by Adding a Bar to the Kitchen Island
Adding a piece of countertop to a kitchen can create a new eating space, allowing the dining booth in this RV to be removed and the space to be used for other furniture. Consider updating the flooring to complement the new bar area and enhance the overall aesthetic of your RV. If your RV doesn’t have an island, get ideas for adding one in our article, How to Add a Kitchen Island to Your RV
Replace Dinette in RV with Custom Furniture
If you can’t find a table to buy for your RV that is exactly what you’re looking for, another option is to build your own or have something made custom for you, creating unique and functional spaces.
17. Replacing RV Dinette Booth With a Pull-Out Table and Desk
This fifth wheel now has a dual workspace and a dining table with this unique setup, which can be adapted for various motorhomes.
18. Replace Dinette in RV with Storage Compartments and a Folding Table
If you are good at woodworking, you can create a custom dining and office area like the unique cabinets and folding table motorhome owner David Barber built.
This setup is highly recommended by fellow RV enthusiasts for its practicality and space-saving benefits.
by David Barber via Motorhome.com
19. RV Dinette Booth Replacement with a Fireplace, Entertainment Center, and Pull-Out Table
After removing the dining booth from their motorhome, RV owners Eric and Katie built this incredible combination entertainment center, dining table, desk, and fireplace, showcasing the versatility of rv’s and enhancing the overall look of RV interiors. You can read about how they removed their dining booth and made it on their blog.
20. Swivel Table Top Dinette Replacement Idea
Professional renovators BB and the RV transformed this toy hauler into a stunning tiny home, showcasing how adaptable these ideas are for travel trailers. To make the dining space highly adaptable, those chairs are patio furniture that can easily be moved onto the back deck.
The table swivels out and a leg is added for support. You can tour this RV in full here.
RV Dinette Conversions
21. Trade the Dining Area for a Coffee Station
As part of the process of turning her RV into a tiny home, this RV owner removed her dining booth and replaced it with a baker’s rack to use as a coffee station. A small electric fireplace shares the space to supplement the trailer’s propane heat.
If you often eat your meals outdoors or sit on the couch to eat, why not use the space for something else, creating more space for other activities?
22. Replace RV Dinette With Recliners
If you prefer to watch RV while eating anyway, why not add comfortable seating to your rv’s by replacing the RV dinette with recliners?
23. Small Square Table with Stools
If you want to save space, opt for stools instead of chairs! They can store easily under your table and give you more open floor space, which is ideal for RVs with limited space. Shop for space-saving RV dining table options here.
Functional Space Creation
Creating a functional space in your RV dinette area starts with considering the activities you enjoy most. If you love cooking and entertaining, prioritize a large dining table and ample storage space for your kitchen essentials. On the other hand, if relaxation and reading are more your style, a cozy dinette booth or a comfortable seating area might be the perfect fit. RV owners can also explore adding a breakfast bar or a small table with stools to create a more social and versatile space. By maximizing space and utilizing the dining area effectively, you can create a functional space that enhances your RV travel experience, making every meal and gathering more enjoyable.
Utilizing the Dining Area
The dining area is a crucial part of any RV, and utilizing it effectively can make a significant difference in your RV living experience. One way to optimize this space is by adding a dinette table with storage underneath, providing additional storage space for dishes, utensils, and other essentials. Consider replacing your old dinette cushions with new ones or adding colorful chairs to create a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, you can transform the space into a breakfast nook or a small office area, depending on your needs and preferences. By making the most of your dining area, you can create a functional and comfortable space that enhances your RV life, making it a joy to spend time in your home on wheels.
Adding a Breakfast Nook
Adding a breakfast nook to your RV dinette area can be a delightful way to create a cozy and inviting space. You can use a small table and chairs or even a dinette booth with a built-in table. Consider incorporating storage underneath the table or bench to keep clutter at bay and maximize space. Adding pillows and cushions in bright colors can create a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. A breakfast nook can be a perfect spot to enjoy meals, read the newspaper, or simply relax and enjoy the view. By adding a breakfast nook to your RV dinette area, you can create a functional and comfortable space that enhances your RV travel experience, making every morning a pleasant start to your day.
Designing a Functional Dinette
Designing a functional dinette requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. Think about the types of activities you do in the dinette area, the number of people who will be using the space, and the amount of storage and counter space you need. Consider the style and aesthetic you want to achieve, whether it’s modern, traditional, or rustic. RV dinette replacement ideas can range from simple table and chair setups to more complex renovations involving new cabinets and appliances. By prioritizing functionality and comfort, you can create a dinette space that enhances your RV living experience, providing a comfortable and inviting space for meals, relaxation, and socializing.
Installing a New Dinette Table
Installing a new dinette table in your RV can be a rewarding project that transforms your dining space into a more functional and inviting area. Start by carefully measuring the dinette area to determine the ideal size and shape of the table. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure the table fits perfectly and allows for comfortable movement around the dinette area.
Next, consider the type of flooring and wall construction in your RV, as this will influence the installation process. For instance, if your RV has a wooden floor, you may need to use screws or nails to secure the table firmly. In contrast, a metal floor might require specialized fasteners to ensure stability. It’s essential to ensure that the table is level and securely attached to prevent any shifting or toppling over during RV travel.
A well-installed dinette table not only provides a comfortable dining space but also fosters a sense of community and connection among family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, playing games, or simply chatting, a sturdy and functional dinette table can enhance your RV living experience, making every moment spent in your home on wheels more enjoyable.
FAQ’s About Replacing the RV Dinette Booth
Q: Is weight a concern when replacing the original furniture with residential furniture?
You always need to be mindful of weight when modifying or adding things to your RV, especially in motorhomes. Not only do you need to make sure that anything you add doesn’t put your total weight over your max weight limit, but you also need to be careful to keep roughly the same weight distribution so that you don’t put too much weight on one axle.
However, you’d be surprised how heavy RV furniture is. The solid wood dining table and chairs and sleeper sofa my husband and I removed from our fifth-wheel RV were both heavier than the residential furniture we replaced them with.
Q: If you buy a residential sofa to replace the dining booth, how do you get it through the door?
If you order your sofa online (or purchase it from IKEA), it will come disassembled in a box. You can put it together inside your RV after carrying the pieces through the door.
Additionally, when shopping online you can see the exact dimensions before purchasing to make sure that it fits.
Q: How do these people keep the furniture they’ve added from moving around while the RV is in motion?
A: Larger furniture items like a sofa are not likely to move around. But just to be safe, you can screw D-rings to the floor to hook RV furniture straps, just like the RV manufacturers do at the factory.
Bungee cords are also helpful. For example, you can wrap a bungee cord around your table and chairs to hold them all together.
Items like shelves can be anchored to the wall. If you’re worried about screwing into your RV walls, remove a screw from one of your window valances on the same wall. Make sure to choose screws that are shorter than that one. Then you don’t have to worry about it punching through your RV’s exterior wall.
Read my article about securing your belongings during travel for more ideas!
More questions? Drop a comment below and we’ll be happy to answer!
If you’re still undecided on whether or not to remove your dinette, give it a makeover! Find inspiration in these articles:
If you’ve already planned to remove your dinette booth and just need ideas for what to replace it with, check out these articles:
- 12 DIY RV Sofa Ideas
- 7 RV Desk Ideas: Inspiration for Your RV Office
- 15 RVs with Custom-Built Bunk Beds Added
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Ashley Mann founded RVinspiration.com in 2017. She handed off the website to new owners in 2022 to launch a new business as an online entrepreneur coach, but she still helps out as the blog editor. Ashley spent three years living full time in a 38-foot, 5th-wheel RV with her husband Josiah and their cat, Kitty. Her favorite thing about RV life is the challenge of finding the perfect way to organize a space, and she loves seeing all the creative and clever ways people come up with to customize their RVs.
I did this in my motorhome a couple years ago…… twice !!! first made a desk where the booth was then re-designed it again for more room….. felt great 🙂
Would love to see a photo if you have one!
We took out our dinette on our RV too. We opted to replace with an additional sofa so we have more seating & sleeping area, so our super slide is all sofa. When we eat, we bring out small folding tables we bought at BJ’s (the rectangular plastic ones) that we put up and take down in a flash. Much more comfortable to eat than being squished in that dinette!
That does seem like a smarter use of the space, especially with all the multi-use furniture that’s available nowadays – sofas with hidden storage, coffee tables that lift up for eating, etc. I’ll bet it’s nice to have extra comfortable seating.
Those are the same RV? The flooring r different, so r the light fixtures and where did the upper cabinets go?
We did a major overhaul – new flooring, light fixtures, furniture, and we painted SO MUCH. The cabinets are all there, but we painted them (the angle of the shot isn’t the same, so you can’t see them in the “after” picture. I’ve attached another that has a better shot of the cabinets. If you want to see more pics of our renovation, you can see them at this link.
can you tell me where you bought those gorgeous tan sofas ???
Certainly!! Here is the link.
Moderator’s note: Link no no longer works – sofa was called “Heritage Jackknife Sofa” – I think it’s Thomas Payne brand.
We have an RV as well would like to do the same. Where did you buy the sofas?
Which sofa are you referring to exactly? When we replaced our RV sofa we bought one from Ikea (but it’s not pictured in this blog post). We liked that our Ikea sofa came unassembled so it was easy to move through the door. I actually have a blog post about sofas that might work well for RVs, too, if you want to check it out: 8 Space-Saving Sofas
I love this!!!! Can you tell me where you found these sofas?
Hi! Which sofa in particular are you referring to? Or do you just mean where to get sofas for RVs? You can use any kind of sofa in an RV as long as you’re mindful of weight and can fit it through the door.
We bought a sofa from Ikea for our own RV that was much lighter in weight than the one we replaced, and getting it through the door was no problem because it came unassembled in boxes and we put it together inside our RV. 🙂 Wayfair.com has a lot of sofa options, and most of them come unassembled. The descriptions usually tell how much they weigh as well as the dimensions.
This one I like. I use my dinette for sleeping area for grands, so I didn’t want to do away with it totally, adding sleeper sofa would work. I like it! Thanks for sharing.
Where did you get the replacement couches
Where did you buy these sofa beds ?
Nice ideas, have had several RV Trailers always replace the booth. Current one had furnace under one bench ,air duct, and water pump under other bench. Custom built cabinets to accommodate those items, put a modified counter top on top, shelves underneath, then used countertop to make a table that slides out, added two padded chairs and waalaa.
I did the same thing! It added so much more storage room and floor space! Also took out the sofa and built a work station!
I’ve got a newer travel trailer with the horseshoe style table. It’s nice for us as there’s storage under each side seat and the back seating area can be rolled out and used as a foot rest. If I were going to change anything at this time I would make a swing out tv stand as the tv currently turns but doesn’t allow people sitting on the couch on the left to see all of the tv.
I am curious how this furniture travels – does it move around much – do you have extra ways to secure it when you travel? All looks great but what about movement?
That’s a great question, and one that I can’t answer directly since I’m sure the answer is different for each of the RVs pictured here (and none of them are my RV). However, I do know that many or most of these RV owners DO travel….to ask people who have replaced or added to their RV furniture exactly how they travel with it I would suggest posting your question in the Facebook group called “RV Interior Ideas” as many of the people whose photos are in this article are in that group! You could even search the group for the names of the people who own these RVs (their names are given below each photo).