There’s a huge difference between basic RV curtains and ones that make you smile every time you walk into your camper. Good curtains are often the first thing guests notice when they step inside your rig. They set the mood and show off your personality better than almost any other single change you can make. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune or have amazing decorating skills to make your RV curtains look fantastic.
Check out these great RV curtain ideas that will make all the difference for your camper’s interior.
Quick Fixes for Instant Upgrades
Sometimes the easiest changes make the biggest impact. If your current RV curtains are in good shape but just look plain, try adding colorful trim or ribbon along the edges. You can attach trim with fabric glue or iron-on tape without any sewing. Even simple rick-rack or pom-pom trim can turn boring curtains into something fun and cheerful.
Switching out your curtain hardware makes a surprising difference too. Replace basic plastic rings with decorative metal ones, or swap plain rods for ones with interesting finials. These small changes cost very little but make your whole setup look more intentional and polished.
Creative use of tiebacks and holdbacks can completely change how your curtains look and function. Try using rope, chain, vintage doorknobs, or even small hooks positioned at different heights. Tying curtains at unusual spots creates interesting shapes and lets in light in new ways.
Creative Window Treatments Beyond Traditional Curtains
Roman shades work surprisingly well in RVs because they fold up neatly and don’t take up side space when open. You can make simple ones using basic curtain panels and some cord. They give a clean, tailored look that works especially well in smaller RVs where every inch of space matters.
Cafe curtains cover just the bottom half of windows, giving you privacy while still letting in plenty of light. They work great for galley windows where you want to see out while cooking but don’t want neighbors watching you make breakfast. You can make them from any lightweight fabric and hang them on small tension rods.
Valances and swags add decorative touches without blocking light or views. Even if you keep your main curtains simple, a pretty valance across the top of windows adds style and helps tie your whole interior together. They’re also great for hiding curtain hardware that might not look perfect.
Multi-Purpose Curtain Solutions
Think beyond just covering windows when planning your RV curtains. Curtains with built-in pockets can hold small items like reading glasses, phone chargers, or camping supplies. Sew simple pockets onto the back of existing curtains, or look for shower curtains with pockets that might work for your windows.
Room divider curtains create instant privacy in open floor plans. Hang a curtain between your bed area and living space, or use one to hide your workspace when you’re not using it. Ceiling tracks work best for this, but tension rods between walls can work in narrower spaces.
Some RVers use outdoor shower curtains for windows in wet areas like bathrooms or near kitchen sinks. These curtains resist moisture and clean easily, plus they often come in fun patterns that regular RV curtains don’t have.
Seasonal and Theme-Based Ideas
Swapping curtains for different seasons or holidays keeps your RV feeling fresh without major changes. Keep lightweight summer curtains in bright colors, then switch to warmer, heavier fabrics for fall camping. Holiday curtains can make your RV feel festive, whether you’re spending Christmas in a sunny RV park or Halloween in the mountains.
Creating a cohesive theme throughout your RV makes the whole space feel larger and more put-together. Choose colors or patterns that work in multiple rooms, then repeat them in curtains, throw pillows, and other accessories. This doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly, but having some common elements helps create flow.
Quick changes for different types of camping trips can be practical too. Bring extra-dark curtains for urban camping where streetlights might bother you, or pack lighter, more casual curtains for beach trips where sand and salt air might be hard on fancier fabrics.
Installation Tips That Actually Work
The right tools make hanging RV curtains much easier. A good cordless drill saves time and frustration, especially when installing brackets or hooks. Keep a level handy because RV walls aren’t always perfectly straight, and crooked curtains look worse in small spaces than they do in houses.
Curved RV walls can be tricky, but flexible curtain tracks that bend to follow the wall shape solve this problem. If you can’t find flexible tracks, multiple small hooks positioned close together can create a curved line that looks intentional.
Making temporary installations look permanent takes a few extra steps but pays off. Use wall anchors appropriate for your RV’s wall type, and take time to measure carefully so everything lines up. Touch-up paint can hide small holes or marks, making your installation look professional.
Maintenance and Care on the Road
Keeping curtains clean while camping requires some planning ahead. Pack a small bottle of fabric refresher spray for quick touch-ups between washings. Shake out curtains regularly to prevent dust buildup, and spot-clean spills right away before they set.
Storage solutions for extra curtain sets don’t have to take up much space. Vacuum storage bags compress bulky curtains into small packages. Rolling curtains instead of folding them prevents creases, and storing them in tubes made from paper towel rolls keeps them wrinkle-free.
Quick repairs become important when you’re far from home and stores. Pack a small sewing kit with thread that matches your curtains, plus safety pins for emergency fixes. Iron-on patches can fix small tears, and fabric glue handles hems that come loose.
Conclusion
Small changes to your RV curtains can make a huge impact on how your camper feels. Whether you choose quick fixes like adding trim or bigger projects like installing new hardware, the right curtains make your mobile home feel more like home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The worst that can happen is you’ll learn what doesn’t work, and the best outcome is a camper that makes you happy every time you walk through the door.