There is something incredibly romantic about the idea of a cottage on wheels—a serene, sun-drenched sanctuary that follows you wherever the road leads. The shabby chic aesthetic is the perfect fit for camper life, blending elegant, vintage finds with comfortable, lived-in textures. But to truly ground this style and make it feel at home in the great outdoors, adding a few rustic elements is key. By mixing delicate lace and florals with weathered wood and galvanized metal, you create a space that is both beautiful and adventurous. Here are 15 rustic touches to help you achieve the perfect shabby chic camper vibe.
1) Vintage Mason Jar Lanterns
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Mason jar lanterns bring a warm, lived-in glow to your camper. You can hang them from hooks, set them on shelves, or cluster them on a table for soft light.
Use battery tea lights or low-wattage bulbs to keep things safe and easy. Add twine, lace, or a light wash of white paint to match your shabby chic theme.
PRO TIP
Drill a small hole in the lid for the wire or handle, and seal edges with clear silicone to keep drafts out. Change batteries before a trip so your jars stay bright all weekend.
2) Distressed Whitewashed Wood Signs
Whitewashed wood signs add a soft, worn look that fits the shabby chick camper vibe. You can hang one above the bed or on the main wall to set a gentle, welcoming tone.
Use simple words or short phrases on the signs, like “welcome”, “gather”, or the camper’s name. Paint the letters lightly, then sand edges and corners to reveal the wood underneath.
Choose thin, rough boards and sand them unevenly for a natural worn finish. A light coat of white paint followed by a quick wipe will give that faded, sun-baked look.
PRO TIP
Seal the sign with a clear matte finish so it lasts through travel and weather. This keeps the look worn but protects the wood.
3) Lace Curtain Panels
Lace curtain panels add soft light and a vintage feel to your camper. They filter sunlight while keeping the space bright and airy, which makes small rooms feel larger.
You can hang them alone or layer them with a solid curtain for privacy at night. The texture brings a cozy, shabby chic touch without taking up visual space.
PRO TIP
Choose lightweight lace that breathes easily and dries fast after travel. Sew a few simple ties so the panels stay put on windy days.
4) Hand-Painted Floral Tin Plates
Hand-painted floral tin plates add soft color and charm to your camper. Hang them on walls or lean them on shelves to bring in a vintage, cozy feel.
Choose plates with faded tones and small, simple flowers to match the shabby chick style. Mix sizes and shapes for a casual, collected look that feels personal.
You can paint your own plates using enamel paint made for metal. Lightly sand the surface first, sketch a simple flower, then layer thin strokes for a worn, homey effect.
PRO TIP
Group plates in odd numbers and vary heights when hanging. This creates balance and keeps the display from looking too perfect.
5) Woven Rattan Picnic Baskets
Rattan picnic baskets add a warm, lived-in look to your shabby chick camper. They bring texture and a natural feel that softens metal and plastic surfaces.
Place a basket on a shelf or under a table to hide blankets, plates, or board games. You can also use one as a portable snack kit for park days or morning coffee stops.
PRO TIP
Line baskets with a faded cotton cloth or gingham napkin to protect fragile items and add a touch of color. Tie a small leather strap or ribbon to the handle for easy carrying and a bit of charm.
6) Crocheted Doily Tablecloths
Crocheted doily tablecloths add charm and softness to your camper. You can drape a large doily over a small table or layer several smaller ones for a cozy, collected look.
PRO TIP
Choose neutral colors like cream or soft pastels to keep the space light. Mix different patterns and sizes for visual interest without clutter.
Handmade doilies bring a personal touch and a vintage vibe. They also work as runners, placemats, or wall accents when you swap them around.
Care is simple: gentle hand wash and lay flat to dry. This keeps the stitches intact and helps your doilies last through many trips.
7) Repurposed Wooden Crates for Storage
You can use old wooden crates to add charm and function to your camper. Stack them for a book nook or lay them flat for open shelving. They bring rustic texture and keep things tidy.
Place crates under beds or along walls to save floor space. Paint them in soft pastels or whitewash for a shabby chic look. Leave a few raw for contrast.
PRO TIP
Screw crates together for stable stacks and add felt pads to protect floors. Use liners to keep linens and food clean. Mix sizes to fit awkward spaces and create a cozy, organized feel.
8) Antique Floral Throw Pillows
Add antique floral throw pillows to soften your camper and add pattern without much effort. Choose faded roses, tiny ditsy prints, or watercolor blooms for a worn, cozy look that fits shabby chick style.
Mix pillow sizes and shapes for a collected feel. Use linen, cotton, or lightly frayed edges to keep the look relaxed and lived-in. Stick to a gentle color palette—dusty pinks, sage green, cream—and avoid bright, modern tones.
PRO TIP
Layer a larger neutral pillow behind a smaller floral one to make the pattern pop. Swap covers seasonally to refresh your space without buying new pillows.
9) Rustic Enamel Camping Mugs
Enamel camping mugs add a simple, cozy touch to your shabby chick camper. They feel sturdy and look charming with chipped edges or soft, muted colors.
You can mix plain mugs with ones that have small floral or stripe accents to keep the style casual. Stack them on open shelves or hang them from hooks near the sink for easy access.
PRO TIP
Use a thin ribbon or twine to tie a small wooden tag to each mug with names or drink labels. That keeps things organized and adds a sweet, personal detail without clutter.
10) Soft Pastel Burlap Bunting
Soft pastel burlap bunting gives your camper a gentle, cozy look. You can hang it across the ceiling, over windows, or along the exterior awning for a delicate shabby chick touch.
Choose faded pinks, mint, cream, and light lavender to keep the palette calm. Cut triangles or scalloped flags from burlap and sew or hot-glue them to a cotton ribbon or twine.
Add lace trim or tiny pearl beads for a softer edge. You can mix solid burlap with printed cotton flags to add subtle pattern without loud colors.
PRO TIP
Weatherproof the bunting by brushing a thin layer of clear fabric sealant on the back. This keeps the texture soft while protecting it from damp and light sun fading.
11) Handcrafted Wooden Spice Racks
Handcrafted wooden spice racks add warmth and charm to your camper. They bring a faded, lived-in look that fits the shabby chic style.
Mount a rack near the stove for easy reach. You save space and keep jars from rolling around while you drive.
Choose reclaimed wood or sand and distress new boards for a rustic feel. Simple hooks or small ledges hold jars securely without looking fussy.
PRO TIP
Paint the rack in a soft pastel, then sand edges for a worn look. Label jars with handwritten tags to keep things tidy and personal.
12) Faded Rose Patterned Cushions
Faded rose cushions add a gentle, worn look that fits shabby chick style. You can place them on bench seats, fold-out beds, or metal chairs to soften hard surfaces.
Choose fabrics with muted pinks, cream, and light greens. Look for small-scale rose prints and a slightly worn or washed finish to avoid overly bright colors.
Mix plain cushions with a few patterned ones to keep the look balanced. Vary sizes and shapes so the seating looks cozy and lived-in without feeling cluttered.
PRO TIP
Use removable covers so you can wash them after trips. Add a few thin foam inserts for comfort while keeping that soft, vintage feel.
13) Delicate Beaded Wind Chimes
Delicate beaded wind chimes bring a soft, tinkling sound that suits a shabby chick camper. Hang them near the door or window so a light breeze can catch them and add gentle music to your space.
Choose beads in pastel colors, mixed metals, and small glass pieces for a vintage look. Use twine or thin ribbon to string the beads and attach them to a small driftwood or painted hoop for a rustic touch.
PRO TIP
Mix different lengths of strands so the chimes move at different times. This creates a layered sound and a charming, handmade feel that makes your camper feel cozy and personal.
14) Embroidered Linen Napkins
Embroidered linen napkins add a soft, handmade feel to your camper dining. You can choose simple patterns like wildflowers or tiny hearts to keep the look cozy and calm.
Use neutral linen tones and thread colors that match your camper palette. Small, deliberate stitches make each napkin feel special without being fussy.
Wash them gently to keep the embroidery crisp. Hand wash or use a delicate machine cycle and lay flat to dry.
PRO TIP
Keep a few extra embroidered napkins in a wicker basket by the table. They double as decor and are ready when guests arrive.
15) Shabby Chic Chalkboard Labels
Chalkboard labels add charm and keep your camper tidy. You can stick them on jars, bins, or drawers to name linens, snacks, and tools.
Paint the edges with soft white or pastel for a worn look. Use chalk or a chalk marker to write in neat, casual script that feels homey.
PRO TIP
Cut labels into mixed shapes like ovals and tags for variety. Swap labels seasonally so your camper always feels fresh and organized.
