Van conversion ideas: 18 easy & effective designs

There are plenty of van conversion ideas on the internet. Some good. Some bad. And some that are just outright useless. If only someone could compile all the best ideas in one place...

Well, you’re in luck – we’ve compiled this list of the 18 best van conversion ideas to help you build your dream campervan!

Every idea, tip and trick comes from a real campervan that is privately owned and listed for hire on Camplify UK! To find out more information or see more pictures, simply click the link to see the van listing.

And if you want even more inspiration, use Camplify’s search feature to quickly look through hundreds of the UK’s most unique van conversion ideas.

But don’t forget to hang around till the end , when we reveal how many Brits are using their camper van to make a return on their investment.

18 van conversion ideas

1. Patterned timberwork and textiles

The timber work in your van conversion is the first thing that will catch people’s eye. Use patterns and textiles like rugs and cushion covers to stand out from other campervan interior ideas.

Campervan example: Candy

2. Movie night at home

There’s going to be times when all you want to do is kick back and watch a movie. Most campervans have small televisions on extendable mounts but these can get in the way. Go for total aesthetics and build your television into the timber work for a flush finish. Alternatively, just mount a projector to the roof with a pull-down screen.

Campervan example: Ducatinho

Get some more tips on how to make camping more comfortable!

3. Drive-in theatre

Not enough room for a TV screen or projector inside your van? You can always just set it up outside and enjoy a flick under the stars. Just throw up a sheet and you’ve got yourself a screen.

Campervan example: Quirky Bongo

4. Stepladder to heaven

You shouldn’t have to be a gymnast to climb into your campervan bed. Particularly after a long day on the road! If your bed is raised, make life easy by building or carving a little step ladder into your van's drawers.

Campervan example: Finn

5. Safer gas storage

It’s dangerous to leave your camper van’s gas tank on when not in use. The tap on this gas system will always remind you to turn off your tank after cooking. Plus, the tank is safely stowed away in a neat little storage unit, protecting it from being damaged.

Campervan example: Obi Van Kenobi

6. Raise the rear bed

Travelling with large items like surfboards, bikes and skis can be a nuisance if your campervan doesn’t have dedicated storage. Raising the rear bed is a great solution for adventurous campers with bulky luggage.

Campervan example: Big Bert, Ultimate Adventure

7. Sliding cupboard doors

You don’t want to be constantly smacking your shin or knocking your noggin. Avoid these mishaps by keeping your living area free of obstructions. Sliding cupboard doors mean that there’s more room to move freely in your van. Plus, they just look tidy!

Campervan example: Oscar

8. Pulldown beds

Floor space is scarce in campervans. It’s important to use the van’s height to your advantage when doing a conversion. These drop-down bunk beds are a clever way to save space in the day whilst maximizing sleeping space at night. Perfect for families.

Campervan example: Bella , Dave the Campervan

9. Double bunk beds

Converting a van for your family but don’t have the room for pull-down beds? Maybe you can consider double bunk beds at the rear instead? The top bunk can be lifted in and out as needed and you can even install a removable ladder for the kids.

Campervan example: Ivan, Fonzo

10. A home on wheels

This is one of the most quirky campervan conversions we’ve seen! But it goes to show, with a little creativity and flair, you can really theme your campervan in any style you want. What theme are you after? Something beachy? Something modern? Or something that’s completely unique to you?

Campervan example: The ChaletVan

11. Slide-out sofa bed

Don’t have the know-how to build your own convertible sofa bed? Not to worry. These days, businesses like MADE Builders (Exeter) sell pre-made sliding sofa beds that can be fitted in most of the best vans for conversion. Plus, underneath, you retain a heap of space for storage!

Campervan example: Lennie the LDV

12. Use the window frames

When installing your camper van's timber panels, consider also panelling over the window frame (if your carpentry skills are up to the challenge)! When you’re lying in bed in the mornings, you can use the frame as a side coffee table.

Campervan example: Cosy Camper

13. A charger next to the bed

Most of us charge our phones next to the bed so that it’s easy to access first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Think about where you want to be charging your devices in the campervan and where the electrics can be most aesthetically integrated into the interior.

Campervan example: Colman

14. Recycled storage solutions

Reduce your campervan conversion cost by installing your own DIY cupboards and drawers. Something as simple as an old wine crate with a bit of netting is a cheap and easy way to build your own storage.

Campervan example: Mrs VanDeKamp

15. Expand your kitchen bench

Crafting a chopping board to fit your sink is one clever way that you can create more room for preparing meals in the kitchen. Plus, it means you don’t have to waste space storing your bulky chopping board in a cupboard.

Campervan example: Chino

16. Choose a colour scheme

The key to aesthetics is balance. Don’t go mismatching a whole range of different colours in your van conversion. Try to pick one core colour and use a colour wheel to find complementary patterns.

Campervan example: Skye, Hetty

17. Skylight curtains

Everyone remembers to stick curtains over their windows. Very few remember to cover their skylights. And they’re not happy about it when they’re first to wake in the morning. Use a simple curtain solution in your van conversion for a better night's sleep.

Campervan example: Frieda, Trixie

18. Outdoor showers keep things clean

Whilst indoor showers might seem more private than outdoor showers, they also create way more mess. For most campervan conversions, the best solution is a simple outdoor shower setup that is heated by a solar panel on the roof.

Campervan example: Frosty

More Van Conversion Ideas

Discover hundreds of van conversion ideas by searching for campervans on Camplify. Take a peek into privately owned rental campervans around the UK. Flick through the photos and source endless ideas for your van conversion.

Once you find a van conversion you like, try before you DIY. Hire the van for a few nights and test whether the idea is right for you before kick-starting your own conversion!

And once your campervan is complete, how about making back the money you’ve spent...

Earn extra income from your van with Camplify

Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers looking to rent the perfect van - all of whom are verified to maximise safety when you hire out your campervan or motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your van.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your van. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your vehicle to get more and more bookings!

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your van with our free income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your vehicle, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!