Van Life Inspo for Your Next Build

I have combed through van after van to find some of the most inspiring design choices for my current build, my next build, and your next build! There are a ton of things to consider when you’re planning your van build, but some things really just make sense. Here are a few really enchanting ideas to inspire you for your build!

Convertible Furniture

This one is a pretty common feature in most conversions and camper vans and for good reason. When you’re trying to squeeze every bit of functionality out of a multi-use space, its a no-brainer to use your furniture creatively.

With LuLu, I actually opted against having a convertible bed/sofa option because I know me and I know that I could not be troubled to convert my space each morning and evening. That’s why I went with a twin-size mattress that is essentially a “permanent” fixture, but I do have hinges on it to access storage underneath! (See that tutorial HERE.) Here are some design choices you might consider for your bed.

1. Rock and Roll

If you’re looking for a classic, easy way to convert your bed into a bench, the Volkswagen Rock and Roll is a pretty easy option. It’s meant for camper vans and looks really cool doing it. It’s also a manufactured piece, so you don’t have to draw up the schematics to DIY it (even though these next folks did have theirs custom made). I haven’t ever slept on one, but as with many similar options, keep in mind the thickness of your mattress.

Custom Rock and Roll Queen Sized bed 10:35, courtesy of @NateMurphy and @75vibes

And here’s a DIY option and tutorial:

DIY folding sofa bed, courtesy of @ericenjoysearth2756

2. Dinette to Bed

Another classic option is the dinette with table and benches, where the table folds down and the seats fold out. Rearrange some cushions and bam, you have a bed! Here’s some really cool looks for a more modern set-up that don’t require any fancy hardware.

Classic dinette with lagoon mount table, courtesy of @TinyHomeTours and @TropicallyRachel

An ingenious bed/sofa/bath design, courtesy of @liveration and @thefatponyworkshop

3. Partial Conversion

This next van blew my mind. In my humble opinion, this is an ingenious design and one I could even get behind personally. The entire bed doesn’t convert – just the end! That way, you don’t have to fold everything down, but you still get some space for a bench. It wouldn’t work with my twin mattress, but honestly, when I decide to do something different, I might just go this route.

I agree – probably the best design out there right now! Courtesy of @City2_vanlife

Bed to sectional sofa, courtesy of @onthewildside

Creative Window Treatments

Okay, so you might be thinking really, Michelle? We’re talking about window treatments, now? and to that I say YES! Remember – this is your home and not only does it need to be functional, but it needs to be energy efficient and cozy, too. My curtains are pretty traditional in that they are two panel, black-out curtains. So when I saw this last one, I immediately ran outside to try it myself.

1. Black-out Curtains

Living in a van, privacy can be paramount, especially if you’re stealth camping. You don’t need rando’s staring into your windows while you’re hanging out, so black-out curtains are yet another comfort serving double-time. They block out light and prevent your curtains from being see-through. They can also provide some temperature control, which is a huge benefit.

curtain design — The outside of LuLu’s curtains – the white is black-out fabric. See how I made them *here*.

2. Insulated Curtains

This is another brilliant design choice that hadn’t even crossed my mind. Just sew your Reflectix into your curtains. It’s not uncommon to create window covers out of the shiny bubble wrap, but then you have to make accommodations for where to put them when not in use. A simple solution? Tack them to the back of your curtain and now you have extra insulation against hot or chilly windows, the light-reducing effect of black-out curtains, and of course, still some really cute curtains.

3. Roll Your Curtains

Bear with me on this one – it comes as a solution to a problem that I’ve been procrastinating fixing so I’m super excited about it. Want maximum vision out your windows for driving (or just taking in the scenery)? Then instead of tying your curtains to the side, tie them up. Think Roman shades from your house. You mean I don’t have to completely redo the curtains in my back window? What a relief!

@onthewildside with another banger, look how cute those curtains are!

Creative Spaces

If you are looking for creative folks, look no further than the people in the nomadic and tiny house living circles! DIY builds never cease to amaze me and you best believe I’m taking notes. When you’re in a small space, it can be really helpful to separate living spaces, or at least create the feeling in your brain.

1. Convertible Compartmentalization

Just like convertible beds, I just stumbled upon this person’s super cute personalized shutters. I don’t know if she specifically used French windows as her inspiration, but I’m in love with this design. It essentially gives the small space a very purposefully designed house feeling, and you can change it depending on your need and your mood. Feel like cozying up with a book on a chilly evening? Close up the shutters and curl up with a blanky. Or maybe the weather is gorgeous and you want to feel the breeze throughout your van? Open them up and transform the space to light and airy! The mirrors are also genius to make the space look larger.

Cottage core shutters, courtesy of @busoffwithJosie

2. Hidden Tables

The tables we keep in houses are simply massive when you compare to those we have in our vans, so there is something that just makes me giddy when I see a cute, hidden table design. I mentioned On the Wild Side’s convertible bed above, but can we also talk about their table? It’s so simple that I was amazed at how over-complicated I was making my own table.

Or this other table that pulls out from under the bed. Genius.

Table that pulls out from under a lofted bed, courtesy of @tracythetransit

3. Living Space Outside the Van

If you’ve been paying attention, I’m pretty sure I’ve talked about having cooking space outside LuLu. This is the original inspiration. Rewatching this three years later, it’s even cooler than I remember. I love that it opens up the outside as a living area and is also fully functional.

Pull out drawer and work station, courtesy of @NateMurphy and @75vibes

I also really love this next idea for a combination step and bench. I lament a bit that the combination of my bed and the engine bay mean there is not much headroom at all at the rear of my van. This, however, might be my solution. A little pull out seat that I can relax and enjoy the view, perhaps sip on a nice drink and have a snack.