Embarking on an old RV remodel doesn’t have to mean draining your savings account. In fact, some of the most stunning transformations are born from creativity, elbow grease, and smart, budget-friendly choices. The key is to focus on high-impact updates that deliver maximum visual bang for your buck.
Think paint, peel-and-stick products, clever lighting, and upcycled treasures found at thrift stores or garage sales. By prioritizing projects that refresh the space without a full gut job, you can create a beautiful, personalized home-on-wheels that feels brand new. Get ready to be inspired by these 29 amazing ideas that prove style and frugality can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
1. Modernize with Peel-and-Stick Flooring
Gone are the days of dated, floral RV carpet. One of the most transformative and budget-friendly changes you can make is installing modern peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring. This material is incredibly user-friendly; it often requires no messy glue and can be cut with a utility knife, making it a perfect DIY project. It’s durable, easy to clean, and instantly makes the space feel larger, cleaner, and more contemporary. Choose a light grey wood-look or a classic oak style to brighten up the interior and create a fantastic base for your new design.
The beauty of this option is its cost and simplicity. You can often find great deals on these materials at big-box hardware stores, and because RVs have a small square footage, you can complete the entire project for a very reasonable price. It’s also a great way to cover up any existing flooring flaws or stains, providing a fresh, seamless look that ties the whole remodel together.
PRO TIP: Before you begin installation, ensure the subfloor is completely clean, dry, and level. Acclimate your boxes of flooring inside the RV for at least 24 hours before laying it down to prevent expansion or contraction gaps later on.
2. A Fresh Coat of Paint on Cabinets
The honey-oak or dark laminate cabinets common in older RVs can make the interior feel cramped and outdated. A simple coat of paint is the most cost-effective way to revolutionize your space. Start by thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding all cabinet surfaces to help the new paint adhere. Using a high-quality primer designed for laminate or tricky surfaces is non-negotiable for a lasting finish. Then, apply a few thin coats of a durable, scrubbable paint in a light, bright color like white, cream, or light grey.
This project requires more patience than skill, but the results are astounding. Light-colored cabinets will reflect more light, making your kitchen and living area feel instantly larger and more inviting. Don’t forget to update the hardware—new knobs and pulls are an inexpensive detail that makes the entire paint job look professional and complete.
PRO TIP: For a truly high-end look, remove the cabinet doors and drawers to paint them flat on a sawhorse. This prevents dreaded drip marks and ensures a smooth, factory-like finish on every surface.
3. Create an Accent Wall with Removable Wallpaper
An accent wall adds instant personality and depth to your RV without the commitment or cost of wallpapering the entire vehicle. Removable wallpaper is a renter-friendly (and RV-friendly!) dream product that allows you to experiment with bold patterns, textures, and colors. It’s perfect for behind the bed, the dinette, or even on the ceiling to add a surprise element. The application is forgiving; if you make a mistake, you can just peel it back and try again.
Choose a pattern that complements your new color scheme. A subtle geometric print can feel modern, a botanical pattern brings the outdoors in, or a simple shiplap-look wallpaper can add a rustic farmhouse charm. This single feature will become the focal point of your room and a major talking point for anyone who sees it.
PRO TIP: Use a plastic squeegee or a credit card to smooth out the wallpaper as you apply it. This helps eliminate air bubbles for a perfectly smooth, professional application.
4. Swap Out Old Light Fixtures
The dated, fluorescent box lights and dim brass fixtures in old RVs can cast a harsh, unflattering light and severely detract from your new decor. Swapping them out is usually a very simple electrical project that makes a huge difference. Look for modern LED fixtures that are not only stylish but also energy-efficient and cooler-running. Consider installing a statement fixture over the dinette, like a small modern chandelier or a sleek dome light, to create a designated “dining area.”
For other areas, simple puck lights under cabinets provide excellent task lighting for the kitchen, and plug-in wall sconces with trendy shades can add ambient lighting by the bed without any hardwiring required. Lighting is everything in a small space, and layering it effectively can make your RV feel cozy and luxurious.
PRO TIP: Take a picture of the existing wiring before you disconnect the old fixture to ensure you connect the new one correctly (black to black, white to white, ground to ground). Always turn off the power at the source breaker first!
5. Reupholster Dinette Cushions
Those worn-out, patterned dinette cushions are a dead giveaway of an RV’s age. Giving them a fresh new fabric cover is a sewing project that even beginners can tackle. Choose an indoor/outdoor fabric or a durable, high-performance upholstery material that can resist stains, moisture, and fading from the sun. This is your chance to inject color, pattern, and texture into your space.
If sewing isn’t your forte, you can often use iron-on hem tape for a simple “re-cover” or even staple a new fabric layer right over the old one if the cushions are firm enough. For an even easier update, consider buying pre-made stretchy slipcovers. Plopping a few new throw pillows on top of your newly covered seats will complete the cozy, inviting look.
PRO TIP: Before you buy fabric, unzip an old cushion cover and use it as a template to trace onto your new material. This saves time, reduces fabric waste, and guarantees a perfect fit.
6. Update Hardware on Drawers and Doors
You’d be amazed at how much of a difference new knobs, pulls, and handles can make. The original hardware on RV cabinets is often small, dated, and made of cheap, shiny metal. Swapping them out for modern designs in brushed nickel, matte black, or even ceramic is an upgrade that takes minutes per cabinet but completely elevates the entire space. This is a perfect project for a quick weekend refresh that requires no special skills—just a screwdriver.
When choosing new hardware, consider the style you’re going for. Bin pulls offer an industrial vibe, cup pulls are great for a farmhouse look, and sleek, minimalist bars feel modern and clean. Be sure to measure the distance between the screw holes on your existing hardware (“center-to-center” measurement) to ensure your new pieces will fit without having to drill new, unwanted holes.
PRO TIP: For a unified look, don’t stop at the kitchen. Replace the hardware on all bathroom vanities, closet doors, and even switch plate covers throughout the RV to create a cohesive and intentional design.
7. Replace Worn-Out Faucets
A leaky, stained, or outdated faucet can make your entire kitchen or bathroom feel unclean and tired. Replacing it with a new, stylish faucet is a surprisingly easy DIY plumbing project that feels incredibly luxurious. Modern faucets often come with features like a pull-down sprayer, which is incredibly handy in a small RV sink. Choose a finish that matches your new hardware, like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze, to tie the look together.
While you’re at it, consider installing a new, modern faucet in the bathroom as well. A taller faucet can make the small space feel more substantial, and a new showerhead (see idea #25) completes the bathroom spa feel. Remember to use plumber’s tape on all threaded connections to prevent leaks and ensure a watertight seal.
PRO TIP: Take a picture of the existing plumbing under the sink before you disconnect the old faucet. This will serve as a handy reference for how to hook up the new one and where everything needs to go.
8. Add a Stylish & Functional Backsplash
A backsplash is not just for protecting your walls from splatters; it’s a major design opportunity. You don’t need to use heavy tile and mortar. Modern alternatives like peel-and-stick subway tiles, tin ceiling panels, or even beadboard are lightweight, easy to install, and budget-friendly.
The application is straightforward. Ensure the wall is clean and dry, measure your space carefully, and start applying from the bottom up. Many peel-and-stick options can be cut with scissors or a utility knife, making them perfect for cutting around outlets and windows. This single feature adds texture, color, and a finished look that makes your kitchen feel complete.
PRO TIP: For the cleanest look around outlets, turn off the power, remove the outlet cover, install the backsplash, and then use an outlet extender spacer to bring the outlet flush with the new surface before replacing the cover.
9. DIY Magnetic Knife Strip for Wall Storage
Counter space is a precious commodity in any RV. Free up a large block of it by ditching the bulky knife block and installing a magnetic knife strip on the wall. This is a brilliantly simple and inexpensive solution that keeps your knives organized, easily accessible, and adds a sleek, chef-like touch to your kitchen decor. You can find magnetic strips in various finishes like wood, stainless steel, or even paintable options to match your theme.
Installation is as simple as drilling a couple of screws into a wall stud or using sturdy drywall anchors. Choose a spot that’s convenient for food prep but out of the way of high-traffic areas. Not only is this a space-saver, but it also keeps your knife blades sharper for longer, as they aren’t knocking against each other in a drawer.
PRO TIP: To ensure the strip is perfectly level, use a small bubble level or a leveling app on your phone before you mark your drill holes. A crooked knife strip will be very noticeable.
10. Create Open Shelving for an Airy Feel
Upper cabinets can sometimes make a small RV feel closed in and claustrophobic. If you’re feeling bold, consider removing the doors from a few upper cabinets to create open shelving. This instantly opens up the space, making it feel larger and airier. It’s also a fantastic way to display beautiful dishes, glassware, or decorative items that reflect your personal style.
If removing doors entirely isn’t an option, you can achieve a similar effect by replacing solid cabinet doors with ones that have glass inserts. For a true DIY project, you can build simple floating shelves from reclaimed wood or pre-cut boards to install in blank wall spaces. Open shelving forces you to stay organized and keeps your essentials within easy reach.
PRO TIP: Style your open shelves practically. Use matching baskets or bins to corral smaller, less-attractive items, keeping the look tidy and intentional. Odd numbers of items (groups of 3 or 5) are most visually appealing.
11. Paint Your Appliances with Appliance Epoxy
That avocado green or harvest gold refrigerator doesn’t have to be an eyesore anymore. Appliance epoxy paint is a durable, specialty paint designed to bond to metal surfaces like refrigerators and ovens, and it can completely transform your kitchen’s look for under $50. While white is a classic choice that brightens the space, you can also find epoxy in trendy shades like slate grey or even a bold color to make the appliance a statement piece.
The key to a successful, chip-resistant finish is all in the prep work. Thoroughly clean and degrease the appliance, then lightly sand the entire surface to help the paint adhere. Use a high-quality synthetic brush or a small foam roller for a smooth finish, and apply several thin, even coats according to the can’s directions, allowing proper drying time between each one.
PRO TIP: For the most professional, factory-like finish, remove the appliance doors and handles to paint them separately. This allows you to cover every angle and avoid messy drips on the main unit.
12. DIY Curtains with Tension Rods
Ditch the heavy, dark valances that block precious natural light. Replacing window treatments is one of the fastest ways to modernize your RV’s interior. Sewing simple, light-filtering curtains from modern fabric is an easy project. Best of all, you can hang them using tension rods, which require no drilling, screws, or permanent modifications—a perfect solution for renters or those who want to avoid damaging walls.
Choose a light, airy fabric like linen or cotton to let the sunshine in while still maintaining privacy. You can make them floor-length for a dramatic effect or a simple valance length for a cleaner look. This update instantly makes the space feel less like a generic RV and more like a cozy, personalized home.
PRO TIP: To add a luxurious touch and ensure complete darkness for sleeping, install a second set of tension rods behind your decorative curtains to hold blackout liners or shades.
13. Maximize Storage with Hanging Baskets
Wall and ceiling space is valuable real estate in an RV that often goes unused. Hanging baskets are a beautiful and functional way to add storage without taking up floor or counter space. Wicker or woven seagrass baskets add natural texture and a boho-chic vibe, while metal mesh baskets offer a more industrial feel. They are perfect for storing fruits and vegetables, remotes, knitting supplies, or even bathroom toiletries.
You can hang them easily using small screw hooks or command hooks for a damage-free solution. Hang a cluster of three in varying sizes on a blank wall for a decorative display, or suspend a single larger basket from the ceiling in the bathroom to hold towels. This idea combines organization with decor, solving two problems at once.
PRO TIP: To prevent baskets from swinging while the RV is in motion, use a small dot of museum putty or a removable adhesive strip on the bottom to secure them gently to the wall or counter beneath them.
14. Build a Custom Bed Platform with Storage
Most RV beds are mounted on a solid platform, wasting a massive amount of potential storage space below. Building a custom, slatted platform lifts the bed just enough to create large, accessible drawers or cubbies underneath. This is a game-changer for storing bulky items like bedding, off-season clothing, shoes, or outdoor equipment.
You can build a simple platform using 2x4s for the frame and 1×4 slats for the base, which allows the mattress to breathe. Add full-extension drawer slides to make accessing your stored items easy, even if the bed is tucked into a corner. This project requires basic carpentry skills but pays for itself in added organization and functionality.
PRO TIP: Instead of heavy drawers on slides, use lightweight, individual storage bins that simply slide in and out on the floor. This simplifies the build and allows for more flexible storage options.
15. Install a DIY Fold-Down Desk or Table
Create a dedicated workspace or an extra dining surface without sacrificing precious floor space. A fold-down table, also known as a murphy table, is a brilliant solution for small RVs. You can build one using a sturdy piano hinge and a piece of sanded and stained plywood or a pre-cut tabletop. When not in use, it folds flat against the wall, completely out of the way.
Mount it at desk height next to a chair to create a laptop workstation, or install it at a lower height to serve as a child’s art table. You can even add a small lip or ledge on the sides to prevent items from sliding off when the vehicle is parked. This multifunctional piece is all about maximizing utility in a minimalist way.
PRO TIP: For a secure hold, ensure you mount the table to wall studs. Use a folding leg or a wall-mounted cable support arm to bear the weight when the table is in the down position, preventing strain on the hinge.
16. Use Contact Paper to Refresh Countertops
Replacing laminate countertops is expensive and involved. A fantastic budget alternative is using high-quality, marble- or granite-look contact paper. Modern adhesive films are more durable than ever, resistant to water and heat, and can be applied in an afternoon. This creates a stunning, high-end look for a fraction of the cost, instantly modernizing your kitchen or bathroom.
The application process is key to a seamless look. Thoroughly clean and degrease your existing counters. Measure and cut your pieces slightly larger than needed. Slowly peel back the backing, using a squeegee or credit card to smooth out air bubbles as you go. Use a hairdryer to warm the material around edges and sinks for a tight, conforming fit that looks like it was always there.
PRO TIP: For a more permanent and durable finish, seal the edges around the sink and backsplash with a clear, waterproof silicone caulk that matches the color of your contact paper. This prevents water from seeping underneath.
17. Add Stick-On LED Light Strips
Lighting is everything in a small space. Battery-operated or plug-in LED strip lights are an inexpensive and easy way to add both task and ambient lighting without any complicated wiring. Place them under cabinets to illuminate your countertops for cooking, along the ceiling for modern accent lighting, or even under the bed frame for a cool, floating effect.
Many modern LED strips can be controlled via a remote or smartphone app, allowing you to change the color temperature from bright white for tasks to warm white for relaxing, or even fun colors for party mode. This flexibility lets you completely change the mood of your RV with the touch of a button.
PRO TIP: To hide the LED strip and create a more professional, diffused glow, install them under a lip or ledge, or purchase aluminum channels with diffuser covers designed specifically for strip lighting.
18. Create a Headboard for the Master Bed
The master bed in an RV is often just a mattress shoved into a corner. Building a simple headboard adds a huge dose of comfort and style, anchoring the bed and making it a true focal point. You can create a upholstered headboard with some plywood, batting, and fabric, or build a rustic one from reclaimed wood or pallet boards.
An upholstered headboard adds softness and sound dampening, while a wooden one adds texture and character. Neither needs to be permanently attached; a freestanding headboard can be secured by simply sliding the bed frame against it. This is a weekend project that makes your sleeping space feel like a boutique hotel room.
PRO TIP: Add two wall-mounted reading sconces on either side of the headboard. This saves precious nightstand space and creates the perfect cozy spot for reading before bed.
19. Design a Command Center with a Bulletin Board
Keep your travel plans, mail, keys, and important notes organized in one designated spot. A small command center prevents clutter from spreading over your counters and adds a personal, homey touch. Use a small cork bulletin board, a dry-erase calendar, and a few small hooks. You can hang it on the back of the door, next to the entrance, or on a narrow wall space.
Decorate the frame of the bulletin board with paint or washi tape to match your decor. Use colorful push pins to display photos, postcards from your travels, or upcoming reservations. This tiny organizational hub will keep your life on the road running smoothly.
PRO TIP: Use a magnetic knife bar mounted next to your command center to hang keys with magnetic hooks. It’s a sleek, space-saving solution that keeps them always in sight.
20. Install Vintage Style Switch Plates
It’s all in the details! Those boring, generic white plastic switch plates are a missed opportunity in your old RV. Swapping them out for stylish plates in brushed brass, aged bronze, or even colorful ceramic can subtly elevate every room. This is a five-minute, under-$5-per-switch upgrade that shows you’ve paid attention to every aspect of the design.
You can find plates with unique patterns, Art Deco designs, or even custom maps. Remember to change out the plates for your electrical outlets and light switches to maintain a consistent look throughout the RV. It’s a tiny change that delivers a surprisingly big impact.
PRO TIP: When you remove the old plate, take a picture of the wiring setup before you disconnect anything. This ensures you can easily reconnect everything correctly to the new plate.
21. Build a Pet Food Drawer Slide-Out
If you travel with furry friends in your old RV, their food and supplies can create a lot of clutter. Convert a lower cabinet into a dedicated, slide-out storage space for pet bowls, food, and leashes. You can build a simple wooden box on heavy-duty drawer slides or even repurpose a old wooden drawer that fits the space.
This keeps everything contained, organized, and easy to access. Simply pull out the drawer to feed your pets, then slide it back in to hide the mess. Line the drawer with a easy-to-clean vinyl placemat or contact paper for quick wipe-downs.
PRO TIP: Install a tip-out tray or a small, narrow bin on the inside of the cabinet door to store bagged treats or vitamins, maximizing every inch of the new pet station.
22. Craft a Removable Tile Rug for the Entry
Protect your new floors and define your entryway with a “tile rug.” Using peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles in a contrasting pattern, create a custom-sized rug right on your old RV floor. A classic black and white checkerboard pattern is timeless and hides dirt well between cleanings. The best part? It’s completely removable and leaves no residue.
This is a fantastic solution for high-traffic areas by the door where dirt, sand, and water are tracked in. It adds a punch of pattern and makes cleaning a breeze—just wipe it down! You can change it out seasonally without any guilt.
PRO TIP: To create a perfect “rug” look and prevent the tiles from shifting, frame your design with “border” tiles in a solid color before applying the field tiles in the center.
23. Upcycle Old Crates for Rustic Storage
Wooden crates are the ultimate budget-friendly building block for RV storage. Sand them down and stain or paint them to match your decor. Stack them on their side to create a rustic bookshelf, mount them on the wall as cubbies for shoes and hats, or use a single crate as a stylish end table next to a chair.
They are incredibly versatile and add instant farmhouse or industrial charm. The slatted design allows for air circulation, making them perfect for storing shoes or damp towels. You can often find them for free or very cheap at farmers’ markets, grocery stores, or flea markets.
PRO TIP: Add casters to the bottom of a sturdy crate to create a mobile storage cart that can slide under a table or be moved wherever you need extra surface space.
24. Add Peel-and-Stick Tiles to the Shower
You don’t need to fully retile to give your RV shower a new lease on life. Peel-and-stick vinyl wall tiles are a waterproof and affordable solution for covering up dated, ugly shower walls. Choose a classic subway tile look or a fun mosaic pattern to create a mini spa retreat.
Ensure the existing surface is impeccably clean, dry, and smooth before application. Press firmly on each tile, especially the edges, and use a waterproof silicone caulk designed for bathrooms to seal all the seams and corners. This will create a watertight barrier that protects your walls.
PRO TIP: For the most durable hold, use a strong adhesive promoter or primer made for slick surfaces on your existing shower walls before applying the stickers.
25. Replace Showerhead for a Luxury Experience
A new showerhead is one of the cheapest ways to add a daily dose of luxury to your RV life. Swap out the low-flow, cheap plastic one for a model with multiple spray settings, a handheld option, or even a rainfall style. This can dramatically improve your shower experience and make you feel like you’re at a high-end resort.
Most RV showerheads have a standard thread and can be changed in minutes with just a pair of pliers and some Teflon tape. A handheld showerhead is also incredibly practical for cleaning the shower itself and for bathing pets.
PRO TIP: Look for a showerhead with a “pause” or water-saving button. This allows you to stop the water flow while you lather up, conserving your fresh water tank supply.
26. Hang a Macrame Plant Holder
Bring life and boho texture into your old RV with air plants or low-light succulents. Hanging them in macrame planters saves valuable counter and table space and adds visual interest at eye level. The natural fibers of the macrame complement the organic feel of the plants and soften the hard surfaces of the RV interior.
Macrame hangers are gentle on walls and can be hung from a small hook in the ceiling or a cabinet lip. Choose plants that thrive in indoor conditions and require minimal care, like pothos, spider plants, or snake plants.
PRO TIP: To prevent soil and water from spilling while driving, take the plant out of its hanger and place it in the sink or shower during travel. Alternatively, use very lightweight plastic nursery pots inside the macrame hangers.
27. Create a Gallery Wall of Travel Photos
Personalize your old RV space and celebrate your adventures with a mini gallery wall. Instead of one large piece of art, create a curated collection of small prints, postcards, and photos from your travels. Use cohesive frames (like all black, all white, or all natural wood) or mix and match for an eclectic look.
Hang them on a narrow wall along the hallway, above the dinette, or behind the sofa. This adds incredible personal charm and gives you and your guests a constant reminder of the amazing places your RV has taken you.
PRO TIP: Use command strips and hooks to hang your frames. This prevents damage to the walls and allows you to easily rearrange or add new photos as your journey continues.
28. Install a DIY Fireplace Electric Insert
Create the ultimate cozy vibe with a faux fireplace in your old RV. You can build a simple surround using painted wood or even an old entertainment center cabinet. Then, install an electric fireplace insert. These inserts plug into a standard outlet, provide supplemental heat, and have realistic flame effects without any real fire or mess.
This becomes a stunning focal point in your living area and is the perfect spot to gather on chilly nights. The ambient glow and warmth make the RV feel incredibly inviting and homey.
PRO TIP: For a zero-commitment version, simply stream a “fireplace” video on your laptop or TV and arrange a few battery-operated flickering candles on the mantle for a similar ambient effect.
29. Design an Outdoor Entertainment Space
Your old RV remodel shouldn’t stop at the door! Extend your living space by creating a cozy outdoor “room.” An outdoor rug instantly defines the area. Add compact folding chairs, a small side table, and string up patio lights or solar-powered lanterns for evening ambiance.
This creates a perfect spot for enjoying morning coffee, dining al fresco, or relaxing after a day of exploring. Storage for these items is easy—everything can fold down and be stored in an exterior compartment when it’s time to hit the road.
PRO TIP: Use a repurposed wooden pallet as a lightweight, portable deck to create a level surface and keep your chairs and rug off potentially damp or uneven ground.
