Refurbishing your caravan's interior: how do you go about it?

TL;DR:

Start renovation with an empty caravan; remove old upholstery/boards/curtains.
Choose harmonious colors via paint advice page & use Boho Limited Edition package for complete style.
Paint step-by-step: primer (6h drying), 1-2 coats of paint (4h between coats), topcoat for shine.
Measure surface before paint selection; basic: 20–30 m² per caravan, paint coverage 9–11 m²/L.
Tools needed: brushes, rollers, tape, sandpaper, staple gun, drill.
Use water-based paints (low VOC), PU finish for durability.
MDF/laminate require adhesion primer & light sanding.
Styling tips: light colors in small spaces, combine with rattan, cotton, wall textiles.
Use multi-functional furniture & wall shelves for storage.
Safety: ventilate well, flame-retardant materials, no open flames.
Maintenance: seasonal check + touch-up extends lifespan up to 7 years.

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Refurbishing caravan interiors with Vintage Caravans products: how to start?

Start with an empty caravan. Remove old upholstery, boards, and curtains. This way, you discover the true condition of the interior. Take photos of each wall and cabinet. This gives you a useful overview for assembly later. For inspiration, check out our blog articles or browse our collection of restored caravans to see what's possible. Want a harmonious color palette? Use our helpful page on how much paint you need.

Using the Boho Limited Edition kit effectively

This kit contains everything for a soft, warm boho style. You'll receive colorfast paint, brushes, curtain fabric, wall hangings, and handles. The paint should be applied to a clean, matte surface. Without preparation, the paint will not adhere well. Are you working with MDF or laminate? Then thorough preparation is essential. Also, check out our caravan paints that perfectly complement this kit. Want to order everything with one click? Go for our Boho Limited Edition interior package for a complete look. With every package, you also get boho-style inspiration that matches our boho lifestyle collection.

Step-by-step: painting walls and cabinets

Tape off windows, floors, and edges with painter's tape.
Start with the primer and let it dry for 6 hours.
Then paint the base coat with a roller in 1 m² sections.
Need another coat? Wait 4 hours for better adhesion and a top result.
Finally, apply the topcoat for extra shine and durability.

Also, take a look at our collection of interior items to style your painted walls. Want to learn about our painting process? See what work we carry out during our makeovers. Want to learn more? You'll find detailed step-by-step plans in our caravan renovation guide.

Tools you definitely need

Small paint roller and brushes (synthetic and angled brush)
Masking tape, sandpaper (grit 120 and 180), cloth, and paint tray
Staple gun for new upholstery
Drill or screwdriver for mounting knobs or panels

Do not use a foam sponge or coarse brush. These cause streaks in the finish. Are you looking for more storage options while working? Check out our functional wickerwork and storage collection. For a stylish interior after painting, our coat racks and wall shelves are ideal. Don't forget to add ambiance with lighting and lanterns once all the work is done.

Textiles and accessories for the bohemian atmosphere

Choose fabrics that are easy to staple. Think cotton, linen, or canvas. Make fabric panels on plywood and hang them as acoustic walls. Add macramé, rattan, and beads for a true boho effect. Our macramé wall hangings are a perfect match, as is a light boho door curtain. Play with contrast by combining soft fabrics with a sturdy accessory like a wicker basket.

Opt for light curtains with a loose pleat (Boho kit includes hanging system).
Place wall hangings above the seating area or headboard.
Use cork or bamboo as a floor accent in small zones.

Advice per caravan model

Kip Deluxe: Use Whitehaven White on the cabinets, Sahara Beige on the walls.
Château 320: Choose Daintree Green for kitchen fronts and Sahara Beige for the back seat.
Bürstner models: Keep ceilings light and add color with accessories like a cozy sheepskin rug or a lantern.

Build balance in color and material

Paint fronts and leave original wood panels visible. This adds warmth and texture. Too much color makes a small caravan feel cluttered. Work with a main color, an accent color, and natural details. Combine colors with, for example, a bench cover for dinette seating or a colorful jute flag line for extra playfulness. For retro charm, you can also opt for a mini retro speaker.

When to use which color?

Whitehaven White: neutral base for ceilings and upper cabinets
Pacific Blue: accent color for cabinet fronts or kitchen wall
Daintree Green: combines well with rattan and light wood types
Agafay Brown: warm tone for lower cabinets or sleeping area
Sahara Beige: calming color for back walls or curtain panels

Work with color in daylight. This way, you immediately see the true effect in your caravan. Wondering what else you can add? Also, check out our collection of home decor to style, or complement it with items from our kitchen and dining collection for a complete look.

How much paint do I need and which painting technique ensures a streak-free result?

You know how much paint you need by first measuring all the surfaces to be painted. Measure the length and height of your walls, cabinet fronts, and ceiling panels. Multiply these together to calculate the square meters. Subtract windows, doors, and openings from this total. Also, check out our tips and explanations in the blog article about refurbishing your caravan and discover the right caravan paint for your project. For even more inspiration, you can also take a look at our renovated caravans.

For example: if your wall is 3 meters long and 2 meters high, you have 6 m². If we include the ceiling and cabinets, you'll end up with approximately 20 to 30 m² for a compact caravan like a Kip Deluxe or Château 320. Consider restyling your entire interior at once with one of our interior packages. This way, you combine paint with accessories from our interior items. A fresh foundation starts with smart measuring and design: also read our how much paint do you need page for exact advice.

Our paints cover as follows per liter:

Whitehaven White: 11 m² per liter
Pacific Blue: 10 m² per liter
Daintree Green: 9 m² per liter
Sahara Beige: 10 m² per liter
Agafay Brown: 9 to 10 m² per liter

For full coverage, two to three coats are needed, depending on the color and substrate. Always use a good base coat for initial adhesion, and combine your colors with matching elements from our Boho Lifestyle collection. Want an extra touch? Then add lighting afterwards from the lighting & lanterns collection.

What primer advice do we give per surface?

For laminate, use our water-based adhesion primer. This adheres well under our paint and prevents peeling. For MDF and plywood, choose the same primer, but sand lightly first. Degreasing is always step one, with warm water and ammonia or our Eco Degreaser. For a sleek result, combine with practical storage options from storage & wickerwork. Working in the kitchen? Don't forget our items from the kitchen & dining collection. Refreshing your caravan is easier with the right information: check out our story on the about us page.

Which painting technique yields the best result?

Always work layer by layer and use a roller for large surfaces. For edges and cabinet doors, use a good quality flat synthetic brush. Roll horizontally and vertically in small sections of 50 x 50 cm. This prevents visible brush strokes and transition lines. If you want unity in your interior, combine paint with home textiles or a bench cover for dinette seating. Finish it off with a natural accent like our cozy sheepskin rug.

Drying in between is crucial: 1 hour dust dry, 4 to 6 hours recoatable. Allow each coat to cure for at least 7 days for full durability. Light sanding between coats helps with adhesion. Our paint is low-odor, safe for indoor use, and contains very low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This allows you to work comfortably indoors, even in cold weather or humid outdoor air. However, ventilate well: open windows or work with an open door. Make your workspace special with wall decor such as a boho door curtain or an atmospheric lantern.

Why is layer-on-layer better?

A good base coat prevents peeling. The second coat provides color intensity. A third coat gives extra shine and protects against scratches. Never do everything in one day. Divide your work over two to three days for a sleek and durable end result. For example, use a macramé wall hanging for a natural ambiance or place a rustic item from our retro appliances & decor. Finally, hang an inspiring quote from our text boards collection for the finishing touch.

Do you want to know exactly how much paint you need for your project? Use our paint calculator on the website. It calculates it for you per color and substrate.

Applying bohemian styling in compact caravans: practical tips and color advice

Use light colors to make spaces appear larger. Start with Whitehaven White for walls. This shade reflects light well and forms a neutral base. Accent colors like Sahara Beige or Daintree Green add warmth and ambiance. Use these for cabinets, niches, or details such as shelves and door frames.

Choose your colors based on zones and light incidence. In a Kip Deluxe or Château 320, you can definitely vary. Ensure harmony throughout. Avoid heavy colors in small corners. For example, use Daintree Green on the lower part of the cabinets and combine it with natural elements.

Styling elements that combine atmosphere and function

Work with wall textiles in neutral or warm earthy tones. This dampens sound and adds texture. Do you have a plain wall? Hang a woven tapestry or a macramé. Choose shapes that work vertically to suggest more height. Discover more inspiration through our blog articles.

Hang fairy lights along edges and window frames for soft evening lighting. Choose from our lighting & lanterns here.
Use rattan baskets for storage under benches or above cabinets.
Lay a jute rug with an anti-slip backing for extra comfort from the home textiles collection.

For the seating area, choose loose cushions in natural linen or cotton. Mix earthy tones with accents like soft pink or field green. In the sleeping area, simplicity is important. Combine white bed linen with a vintage bedspread and a wooden wall shelf. Add a scented block or dried flower for ambiance. Also, check out our collection of interior items or choose a ready-made interior package.

Smart use of space in your caravan

Use foldable tables or benches on wheels. Multi-functional furniture is essential in compact models. Think of a stool that also serves as a bedside table or a storage basket that works as a coffee table. Choose light wood types, such as birch or bamboo from our kitchen & dining collection.

Want extra storage space? Mount wall shelves above eye level or use door pockets. When renovating a Château 320, we recommend dividing deep cabinets into compartments. This keeps things organized. Be inspired by our work.

Choosing accessories from the Boho collection per zone

Kitchen: wooden spoons, cork placemats, bamboo drying rack – discover more through the boho-lifestyle collection.
Seating area: cotton blankets, soft rugs, retro poufs.
Sleeping area: wall textiles, crocheted night light, linen clothes bags.

Combine new items with vintage finds. Look for metal coat racks, old dish racks with text signs, or a second-hand stool. This makes it more personal. Make sure it is safe and sturdy. Everything that is loose must be able to be secured during the journey. Also, discover our paint tips per caravan size.

For the wall, you can choose cork panels or fabric wallpaper with a botanical pattern. For the floor, natural vinyl with a wood look or cork works well. Easy to lay and resistant to moisture and sand – ideal in combination with the Boho Limited Edition interior package.

Finally, don't forget the mirror. Choose a lightweight model with a rattan frame. Hang it by the entrance or opposite a window. This brings in outdoor light and makes your caravan optically more spacious. More tips? Check out our About Us page.

How do I ensure sustainable results, maximum safety, and long-term ease of maintenance?

Always use low-VOC water-based paint. This is better for your respiratory system and nature. It smells less strong and dries smoothly. Our Whitehaven White and Daintree Green colors have been tested and are safe for indoor use. For an overview of all colors and their applications, check out our caravan paint collection.

For areas with high humidity, such as the kitchen or laundry room, choose moisture-resistant paint. Our moisture-resistant paints adhere more strongly and do not peel. They are heat-resistant and suitable for areas with heavy use or exposure to condensation. Also, check out our range for kitchen & dining to adapt your interior accordingly. For combining paint and accessories, we offer complete interior packages.

Use a durable finish on floors, countertops, and edges. This is essential, especially when traveling a lot or with children. Our durable PU-based paint provides years of protection, without you having to repaint constantly. For decorative and functional additions, find inspiration in our home decor collection. Also, consider sturdy storage solutions to limit wear and tear.

Seasonal maintenance

A quick check each season extends your renovation by years. Review the following points:

Check if paint layers are still smooth and intact.
Inspect edges of countertops for loosening or stains.
Lightly oil metal hinges and latches.
Remove dust from air vents with a narrow brush.
Ventilate the caravan during storage, especially in autumn or winter.

Touch up small damages immediately with leftover paint. Then re-cover with a thin coat of varnish. This way, everything remains neat without starting over. For custom paint advice, check our page How much paint do you need?. Also, consider periodically inspecting your caravan internally. Check our interior items for easily replaceable accents.

Safety when working and painting

Fire safety starts with good ventilation. Always open at least two opposing openings. Use air vents or a small fan to exhaust fumes. Do not work with open flames nearby. For extra ambiance without risk, use a safe lantern for lighting, for example. Find more ideas in our lighting & lanterns collection.

Keep electrical cables, extension cords, and plugs out of the painting area. Cover switches with painter's tape. Roll up replaceable cables first or disconnect them from the power. Additional tips for this type of job can be found on our work page. Also, create ambiance with safe accessories from our retro appliances & decor.

For interior installation, always choose materials with flame-retardant properties. Think of cork, cotton with B1 certification, and hard foam boards with extra coating. Avoid low-quality plastic or acetone-based glues. Our style products within the boho-lifestyle fit well with this. For wall decor that is safe and stylish, check out our coat racks & wall shelves.

Lifespan of our products

With proper application and normal use, an interior will remain beautiful for 5 to 7 years. If you use our maintenance tips every year, you can even extend this. For this, also read our blog Caravan renovation: how to give your old caravan a second life. For more tips and inspiration, visit our complete blog overview.

Our best tested primers and paints are specially developed for caravans. They remain flexible, even with temperature fluctuations during seasonal travel. A complete solution can also be found in our Boho Limited Edition interior package. See who we are and what we stand for on our About Us page.

For Kip Deluxe and Château 320 models, we recommend an extra coat of primer on MDF or smooth laminate parts. This provides much better adhesion and prevents peeling after a year or two. Regular inspection and touch-ups with durable bench covers for dinette seating help address wear and tear. Also, use a stylish wicker basket for storing maintenance materials.

You now know what you need for a Boho makeover. From sanding to styling.

You've learned how much paint to use, how to prevent streaks, and what really works.

With the Boho kit, you can make any caravan unique, atmospheric, and durable.

Use light colors smartly, choose accessories with care, and work in steps.

Do it well, and you'll enjoy your bohemian holiday spot on wheels for years to come.