The day I realized my RV needed a serious style upgrade still makes me laugh. I was hosting a small get-together in my brand-new travel trailer, proudly showing off my "home on wheels" to friends.
As we squeezed into the dinette, my buddy Mike looked around and said, "Nice rig! When are you going to finish moving in?" The kicker? I'd been living in it full-time for three months already!
That comment was my wake-up call. My RV wasn't just lacking personality—it felt temporary, like I was camping rather than living.
Over the next two decades, helping thousands of RVers transform their spaces (and completely renovating seven of my own rigs), I've discovered that a well-decorated RV isn't just about looking good in Instagram photos. It's about creating a comfortable, functional home that makes you happy every time you step inside.
In this article, I’m sharing my top space-saving decorating tips and favourite small-space products—clever ideas and practical upgrades that can help you transform even the tiniest RV into a stylish, joy-filled retreat.
Whether you're a weekend wanderer or a full-time RVer, these suggestions are all about combining function and personality to make your RV truly feel like home.
I installed this ceiling mount in my own Class B motorhome after getting tired of my TV hogging precious counter space. Let me tell you—it was a complete game-changer. This clever mount allows your TV to slide out, flip down, and swivel to the perfect viewing angle. When you're done watching, it tucks away against the ceiling like it was never there.
The first weekend after installing it, I hosted a movie night for some fellow RVers. When I pressed the release and smoothly lowered the TV from the ceiling, you should have seen their faces! One friend immediately pulled out his phone to order one.
What makes this mount particularly brilliant is how it transforms the feel of your space. Without a TV dominating your visual field, your RV instantly feels larger and more open. It works with flat panel TVs up to 35 pounds and includes a locking mechanism that keeps everything secure while you're driving.
The installation does require cutting a ceiling section, which might sound intimidating. I was nervous too, but the included template made it surprisingly straightforward. Just measure twice (or in my case, four times) before cutting!
The only downside? You'll need to find a new excuse for why you can't host movie night in your RV.
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Picture this: You're returning to your RV after a late-night campfire, arms full of supplies, and it's pitch black inside. You perform an awkward dance trying to find the light switch without dropping everything. Sound familiar?
That was my nightly routine until I discovered this motion-activated ceiling light. Now my RV lights up automatically when I enter, welcoming me home. The brushed nickel finish looks far more sophisticated than the dated fixtures that come standard in most RVs.
What I love most is the versatility—you can switch between motion-activated mode and continuous lighting depending on your needs. When boondocking and conserving power, I use the motion sensor to ensure lights aren't left on accidentally. When I'm hooked up to shore power, I often switch to continuous mode for consistent lighting.
Installation is simple enough that even I could handle it with my limited electrical skills. It requires just a standard 12-volt connection, and the surface-mounted design means no complex wiring or ceiling cutouts.
One unexpected benefit? This light has saved me from countless stubbed toes during middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. My dog also appreciates not being stepped on when she's sleeping in unexpected places!
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In a small RV, your walls are valuable real estate. This versatile storage rack can be mounted almost anywhere—inside cabinet doors, on walls, even in those awkward narrow spaces that seem useless.
I first discovered these racks when helping a full-time RVing family of four organize their tiny Class C. The parents were at their wits' end with clutter, especially in the kitchen. We mounted these racks inside pantry doors and suddenly they had space for spices, cooking oils, and small kitchen tools that had been cluttering their limited counter space.
What makes these racks perfect for RVs is the raised edge that keeps items secure during travel. I learned the importance of this feature the hard way after an unfortunate incident involving unsecured spice jars and a sharp turn. Let's just say my RV smelled like an interesting combination of cinnamon, garlic powder, and oregano for weeks!
My favorite unexpected use for these racks? Creating a vertical herb garden in the kitchen window of my current rig. Fresh basil and mint while camping is a luxury that makes me ridiculously happy.
The only consideration is ensuring you mount them securely. I recommend using appropriate anchors for your RV's wall material—what works for residential drywall might not be sufficient for the thinner walls in many RVs.
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The first time I installed Smart Tiles in an RV kitchen, the owner cried with happiness. These peel-and-stick tiles look remarkably like real ceramic or stone but weigh a fraction as much and install in hours rather than days.
My own RV came with a beige plastic backsplash that screamed "factory standard." One afternoon and a few sheets of Smart Tiles later, my kitchen looked like it belonged in a custom-built tiny home rather than a mass-produced RV.
What makes these tiles perfect for RVs is their Gel-O component that gives them a realistic 3D appearance without the weight. They're heat and humidity-resistant, which is crucial in the sometimes extreme conditions RVs experience.
Installation couldn't be simpler—just peel, stick, and press. They can be cut with scissors to fit around outlets or irregular spaces, and they're repositionable during installation if you need to make adjustments. No messy grout, no special tools, no complicated techniques.
My favorite Smart Tiles story involves a couple who were trying to sell their older fifth wheel without success. After a quick kitchen and bathroom upgrade using these tiles, they received multiple offers within a week. The new backsplash completely transformed the feel of the RV from dated to contemporary.
One word of caution—removal might require some effort if you decide to change your design in the future, though they won't damage the underlying surface. I recommend being confident in your design choice before committing.
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Sometimes, the most practical items can also be the most decorative. These RV-themed kitchen towels prove that point beautifully. The 6-piece set includes microfiber dish cloths, cotton hand towels, and heat-resistant potholders featuring playful camping motifs.
I discovered these towels after a particularly frustrating trip where I'd forgotten to pack potholders. I ended up using a wadded-up t-shirt to remove a hot dish from the microwave—not my proudest moment! Now, these towels are among the first items I recommend to new RV owners.
What makes them perfect for RV life is their versatility. Beyond their obvious uses, I've employed these towels as impromptu placemats, table runners, drawer liners, and even as padding between stacked dishes to prevent rattling during travel.
The machine-washable fabric means they're easy to maintain on the road, and their compact size makes them easy to store. Plus, they add a touch of personality that celebrates the RV lifestyle without taking up additional space.
My sister uses hers in a clever rotating display—she hangs different towels depending on her mood or the season, effectively changing her RV's look without storing multiple sets of bulky decorations.
The only consideration is that the lighter colors may show stains more easily, though this is easily addressed with regular washing or choosing the darker color options.
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After that fountain fiasco (and many other trial-and-error moments), I developed three principles that guide every RV makeover I tackle:
I'm ruthless about this one. That cute decorative bowl? Unless it also serves as your fruit bowl or key holder, it's staying in storage.
My current RV has a gorgeous wooden sign that serves as wall art, but flip it over and it becomes a serving tray for movie nights. That's the kind of dual-purpose thinking that makes small spaces work.
This isn't just about staying within your RV's weight limits (though that's critically important). It's about recognizing that in a small space, visual weight matters too.
Heavy-looking furniture and dark colors can make your space feel cramped and smaller than it is. I once helped a couple who couldn't figure out why their fifth wheel felt so claustrophobic despite having slides.
The culprit? Dark brown cabinets, burgundy upholstery, and heavy window treatments that visually shrunk the space.
Your RV should make you happy every time you step inside. For me, that means photos from favorite camping spots, a small plant that thrives on neglect, and a ridiculously soft throw blanket.
For you, it might be something entirely different. The point is to be intentional about including items that spark joy, even in a small space.
Beyond specific products, here are the strategies I've developed after two decades of RV decorating:
Years ago, I had an epiphany about vertical space while staying in a tiny Tokyo hotel room. Despite being smaller than many RV bathrooms, it felt spacious because everything was organized vertically. I immediately applied this thinking to my RV.
Look up!
Your ceiling and walls are untapped resources. The MORryde TV Mount exemplifies this principle, but you can apply it throughout your RV. Magnetic knife strips, hanging organizers for shoes, and wall-mounted spice racks all free up precious horizontal surfaces.
My current RV has a magnetic strip running along the kitchen backsplash that holds everything from knives to the bottle opener to small containers of frequently used spices. This one change freed up an entire drawer and part of my counter.
Just remember that anything mounted on walls needs to be secured or removed before travel. I learned this lesson after finding my favorite decorative wall clock in pieces after a particularly bumpy road.
The quickest way to make a small space feel larger? Strategic use of color.
After experimenting with countless color schemes in different RVs, I've found that light, neutral colors for large surfaces (walls, cabinets, flooring) create a sense of spaciousness.
This doesn't mean your RV has to look boring! Use accessories like the Lippert Kitchen Towels to add vibrant pops of color against your neutral backdrop. These smaller items are easy to change when you want a fresh look.
In my current RV, I have soft white walls and cabinets with turquoise, navy, and green accessories that remind me of my favorite lakeside camping spot. The combination feels both spacious and personally meaningful.
I recommend choosing a simple color palette of 2-3 complementary colors and carrying them throughout your RV. This creates visual continuity that makes the space feel larger and more intentionally designed.
My friend Mark's ingenious coffee table still inspires me. It looks like a normal (if compact) table, but it transforms into a dining surface, a desk, extra counter space for meal prep, and even has hidden storage inside. That's the kind of multi-functionality that makes small space living possible.
Every piece of furniture in your RV should earn its keep by serving multiple functions. Look for ottomans with storage, dining tables that convert to beds, and seating with built-in compartments.
I've seen creative RVers use nesting tables that can be separated for entertaining and stacked for travel, and folding chairs that hang on walls when not in use.
The key is thinking beyond traditional furniture arrangements to find solutions that work harder for you.
The first time I strategically placed a mirror opposite a window in my RV, a visitor asked if I'd added a slide-out. The mirror had so effectively doubled the visual space and light that the RV felt dramatically larger.
Mirrors are a decorator's secret weapon in small spaces. They reflect light and views, creating the illusion of more space. Consider adding a decorative mirror opposite a window to double the natural light and outdoor views, or use mirrored cabinet doors to make a small bathroom feel more spacious.
Just be mindful of what the mirrors will reflect—ideally, you want them to capture light and attractive views rather than clutter or blank walls. And secure them well for travel! A bungee cord across larger mirrors during transit can prevent disasters.
Textiles add warmth and personality without adding significant weight. Lightweight curtains, throw pillows, and bedding can be easily changed to refresh your space or adapt to different seasons.
In my RV, I have three sets of simple pillow covers that I rotate seasonally—cozy plaids for fall and winter, bright coastal patterns for summer. This gives me a completely different look without requiring storage space for bulky items.
Products like the Lippert Kitchen Towel Set demonstrate how even the most practical textiles can contribute to your overall decorating scheme while serving essential functions.
Decorating a small RV is about finding the perfect balance between functionality and personal expression. The products I've highlighted—from the space-saving MORryde TV Mount to the decorative yet practical Lippert Kitchen Towel Set—demonstrate that you don't have to choose between a beautiful space and a functional one.
By prioritizing multi-functional items, being intentional about what you bring aboard, and choosing items that bring you joy, you can create a small RV space that feels spacious, organized, and uniquely yours.
Remember that the best RV decorating reflects your personal story while respecting the unique constraints and opportunities of mobile living. With these products and tips, you're well on your way to creating a small RV space that feels like home, no matter where your adventures take you.
And unlike my early days of RV ownership, when someone asks when you're going to "finish moving in," you can proudly show them how you've already created a perfectly personalized tiny home on wheels!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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