An RV bed can feel a little cramped and factory-plain, but a few smart tweaks can make it feel like a real bedroom on wheels.
Add a Third Bunk in a Bunkhouse
If your RV bed area has the height, a triple bunk can be a game-changer for families. I’ve framed a slim top bunk with lightweight lumber and it felt like we magically found a whole extra bed.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Slim Profile RV Mattress: Choose a low-profile mattress to maximize headroom when stacking bunks in tight vertical spaces like RVs.
- Wooden Bunk Ladder: Ensure safe access to your new upper berths with a sturdy, trimmable ladder designed for bunk beds.
- Bed Safety Rail: Install a protective guardrail to keep sleepers secure and prevent falls from elevated DIY bunk platforms.
Comfier RV Mattress Upgrade
The fastest RV bed glow-up I’ve ever done is adding a thick mattress topper or trimming a foam mattress to fit those quirky RV corners. I’ve cut foam right on my workbench and it instantly made the RV bed feel less “camping” and more “sleeping in.”
Some ideas to consider:
- Thick Quilted Pillow Top Mattress Topper: Add a plush, quilted layer to your existing mattress for immediate softness and improved comfort on the road.
- High-Density Memory Foam Mattress Pad: Trim this supportive foam pad to fit unique RV corners and upgrade your bed’s overall firmness and feel.
- Breathable Cotton Quilted Mattress Cover: Protect your new foam setup and regulate temperature while sleeping with this soft, breathable, and washable cover.
Simple Shiplap Behind the RV Bed
A shiplap accent wall behind the RV bed is my go-to move for hiding dated wallpaper and making the whole nook feel intentional. I’ve installed lightweight wood boards with a clean paint finish, and it reads like a tiny farmhouse bedroom.
May just do the trick:
- Peel and Stick Shiplap Wallpaper: Transform your camper walls instantly without heavy tools; gain that farmhouse look with easy-to-apply adhesive panels.
- Wall Sconce Reading Lights: Add functional ambiance to your shiplap wall with sleek, adjustable lights perfect for cozy evening reading.
- Boho Macrame Wall Mirror: Complete your cozy nook by hanging a textured accent mirror that adds depth and reflects natural light.
Reclaimed Wood Slat Headboard
A reclaimed wood headboard instantly gives an RV bed that cozy cabin feel without taking up much space. I’ve built slat headboards from salvaged boards, and the wood grain does all the decorating for you.
Check these products out:
- Peel and Stick Wood Planks: Transform your camper wall instantly with lightweight adhesive planks that mimic the rustic look of real reclaimed barn wood.
- Textured Knit Throw Pillow: Add comfort and style to your new headboard setup with a chunky, textured pillow in neutral earth tones.
- Wall Mounted Reading Light: Install sleek, possibly battery-operated lights onto your wood slats for practical reading illumination without complex wiring.
Chevron Headboard for Texture
If you want the RV bed to look high-end fast, a chevron wood headboard adds texture even in neutral colors. I’ve made one with thin plywood strips, and it turned a plain RV bed wall into a total focal point.
A few relevant products:
- Peel and Stick Reclaimed Wood Planks: Create a stunning chevron pattern easily without heavy tools using these lightweight, self-adhesive real wood panels.
- Construction Adhesive for Wood Projects: Ensure your custom headboard stays secure on RV walls with this heavy-duty, vibration-resistant construction adhesive.
- Mitre Shears for Angled Cuts: Cut thin wood strips at precise angles quickly and quietly without needing a large, loud power saw.
Built-In Bedside Ledges
Instead of bulky nightstands, I like adding slim bedside ledges to the RV bed area for a phone, book, and water. I’ve screwed in small hardwood shelves right into studs, and it’s the tidy little upgrade I miss most when it’s not there.
Some handy options:
- Floating Wooden Wall Shelf: Instantly create bedside storage without wasting floor space by mounting these sturdy, minimalist shelves next to your sleeping area.
- Wall Mounted Picture Ledge: Keep phones and books secure while you travel using these slim ledges featuring a protective front lip to prevent sliding.
- Compact Bedside Caddy Shelf: Add convenient functionality to tight RV spaces with a small attachable shelf designed specifically for holding your nightly essentials.
Drawer Boxes Under the RV Bed
If your RV bed sits high enough, add shallow under-bed drawers so you’re not digging through bins. I’ve built simple plywood drawer boxes with finger pulls, and it made packing for trips way less chaotic.
These products might be useful:
- Heavy Duty Drawer Slides: Ensure smooth operation for your custom storage by installing these sturdy runners for easy access to gear.
- Matte Black Drawer Pulls: Upgrade your existing drawers or finish a DIY build with these sleek handles for a modern look.
- Non-Slip Drawer Liners: Keep your travel essentials from shifting during transit by lining your new storage spaces with grip material.
Slide-Out Bed Trim Upgrade
When an RV bed is in a slide-out, swapping plastic trim for wood casing makes it feel like a real built-in. I’ve done this with lightweight pine and a clean finish, and it made the whole slide-out look custom.
Useful items to consider:
- Unfinished Pine Boards: Use these versatile boards to create custom frames for your bed slide-out, adding warmth and structure.
- Rattan Webbing Roll: Incorporate natural texture into your trim design or drawers for a stylish, bohemian-inspired camper aesthetic.
- Satin Polyurethane Wood Finish: Protect your new wooden trim with a durable finish that enhances the natural grain without excessive shine.
Cozy Corner RV Bed Nook
A corner RV bed can double as a lounge if you style it like a daybed setup with layered pillows and a throw. I’ve built a small wood rail along the wall edge to keep cushions from slipping during travel.
Give these a look:
- Textured Throw Pillow Covers: Transform your camper bed into a stylish lounge instantly by layering soft, decorative pillows for extra comfort.
- Knitted Tassel Throw Blanket: Add warmth and texture to your corner nook with a cozy throw blanket perfect for chilly evenings.
- Floating Wood Shelf Ledge: Create a secure spot for decor or essentials with a slim wall ledge that saves bedside space.
Privacy Curtains for the RV Bed
A simple privacy curtain around the RV bed makes a shared rig feel instantly calmer. I’ve used a ceiling-mounted track in tight spaces, and it’s amazing how much “my own room” energy it adds.
A few choices to try:
- Linen-Textured Privacy Curtains: Create a calming separation in your RV with these textured curtains that offer privacy without completely blocking light.
- Black Industrial Curtain Rod: Install a sturdy black rod that complements your RV interior while securely holding your privacy divider in place.
- Black Curtain Rings with Clips: Hang your curtains effortlessly and ensure smooth movement along your new rod with these durable clip rings.
Reading Lights With a Tiny Shelf
Wall-mounted reading sconces beside the RV bed free up space and feel surprisingly upscale. I’ve paired them with a little wood shelf underneath, and it’s the perfect spot for glasses and a charger.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Wall Mounted Reading Sconce: Instantly upgrade your bedside lighting with this adjustable fixture, perfect for reading without disturbing your partner.
- Floating Bedside Shelf: Create a minimalist nightstand anywhere with a small floating shelf, ideal for holding your essentials securely.
- Wall Outlet Extender with USB: Keep devices charged easily near your bed by expanding your existing outlet with convenient USB ports.
Sturdy Bunks With Wood Guard Rails
For kid bunks, a solid wood guard rail on the RV bed is non-negotiable for me. I’ve built rails with rounded edges and a smooth finish, and it keeps everyone sleeping without the midnight wobble.
Consider these options:
- Solid Hardwood Lumber: Build your own custom guard rails with durable hardwood boards that sanding down to a smooth finish.
- Decorative countersunk Finishing Washers: Achieve that professional, polished look shown in the photo by using these washers to neatly secure your screws.
- Wood Sanding Block Kit: Ensure rounded corners and splinter-free surfaces for safety by smoothing edges manually with these shaping tools.
Trundle Bed Under the Main RV Bed
A trundle RV bed is perfect when you need a guest spot without sacrificing daytime floor space. I’ve built a low rolling platform that tucks under the main bed, and it slides out smoothly when it’s lights out.
Products that could assist:
- Heavy Duty Drawer Slides: Ensure your custom trundle glides smoothly by installing rugged, full-extension drawer slides built for heavy loads.
- Low Profile Trundle Mattress: Maximize under-bed clearance with a thin yet comfortable memory foam mattress designed specifically for trundles.
- Industrial Caster Wheels: Create a rolling base for your trundle frame using durable casters that handle diverse flooring surfaces.
Cab-Over Bed With a Soft Canopy
A cab-over RV bed can feel cave-like, so I like adding a simple wood valance and a soft canopy curtain to warm it up. I’ve done this with thin boards and fabric, and it turned that top bunk into the coziest spot in the rig.
Explore these options:
- Linen Texture Teal Curtains: Add a pop of color and privacy to your nook with these soft, textured drapes for comfort.
- Curtain Wire Rod Set: Hang your new canopy easily in tight RV spaces using this flexible, unobtrusive mounting hardware solution.
- Woven Throw Blanket: Layer your bedding with a patterned throw to enhance the cozy, bohemian vibe of your sleeping area.
Hammock Bunk for a Wow-Factor Sleep Spot
For a truly unexpected RV bed idea, I’ve seen (and helped test) a properly anchored hammock bunk for a lightweight kid sleeping spot. It’s such a fun “secret nest” vibe, and it frees up the main bunks for taller sleepers.
A few things you might like:
- Indoor Hammock Stand Support: Create a stable and stylish base for your hammock anywhere in your RV with this sturdy freestanding frame.
- White Macrame Cotton Hammock: Add comfort and boho chic to your sleeper setup using this soft, durable cotton canvas swinging bed.
- Square Decorative Throw Pillows: Instantly boost the coziness factor of your hanging bunk with these textured cushions for added back support.
