10 caravan refurbishment ideas and tips

Refurbishing your touring or static caravan is a fun way to make it your own and ensure you have lots of unforgettable adventures.

In this blog, we look at 10 caravan refurbishment ideas (for tourers and statics) which will help give your home from home a new lease of life, regardless of your budget.

 

5 touring caravan refurbishment ideas

Whether you’re getting excited about your next adventure or simply want to give your touring caravan a makeover, these refurbishment ideas are practical, budget-friendly, and will help you add your personality to the space.

 

1. Add colour to the interior

Adding a splash of colour or refreshing the paint in your touring caravan can instantly make it feel more welcoming. If you’d like to create an illusion of space inside, opt for light, neutral tones like cream or soft grey. Alternatively, reflect your personality with the use of your favourite colours.

Top tips:

• Use primers and paints that are suitable for the material you'll be painting
• Consider vinyl wraps for cupboard doors or counters, as these are simple to use, easy to clean, and come in lots of different colours and patterns
• Create an accent wall using bold paint or eye-catching wallpaper rather than redecorating the whole interior

 

2. Upgrade soft furnishings

Upgrading your soft furnishings is one of the easiest ways to refresh your touring caravan. You could choose to reupholster seating, add removable seat covers, or replace old curtains with blackout blinds or attractive drapes. Investing in throw pillows and blankets is an easy way to create a cosy vibe.

When buying soft furnishings for your caravan, opt for lightweight, durable fabrics that are easy to clean and quick to dry, as these are ideal for life on the road.

 

3. Update the lighting

Good lighting can transform a small space and make your touring caravan appear larger than it is. If your caravan has outdated or dim fixtures, it's time to update these and create a new ambience. If you're often off-grid, it may be worth considering solar-powered options, which are both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Top tips:

• Swap halogen bulbs for LEDs, which are energy-efficient and produce less heat
• Add stick-on LED strip lights under cabinets or around the bed
• Use battery-operated lamps or fairy lights for soft, romantic lighting

 

4. Maximise storage with smart solutions

Caravans don't usually boast loads of space, so it’s important to cleverly integrate smart storage solutions. Use your touring caravan refurbishment as a good opportunity to rethink your layout and make some innovative changes. For example, you could install folding shelves, hooks, or magnetic strips to keep small items off counters, or add hanging organisers inside cupboards and closets where you can easily store clutter.

Another great idea for increasing the amount of storage space in a touring caravan is to add bungee cords or netting to walls or doors, which can hold books, maps, and other items securely while on the move. Decluttering and organising will not only make your caravan more attractive but will also make it safer while driving.

 

5. Check electrics, plumbing, and seals

While making aesthetically pleasing caravan updates is exciting, some of the most valuable refurbishments are practical ones. For example:

• Inspect and repair any leaks around windows and doors, and reseal with caravan-safe sealant
• Check electrical wiring, outlets, and lighting, especially if you're installing new devices or solar panels
• Test plumbing and water pumps to make sure everything flows smoothly, and replace worn taps or connectors
• Consider getting a professional caravan service to check gas safety, brakes, and overall structure

 

5 static caravan refurbishment ideas

Static caravans are more spacious and permanent than touring caravans, so your refurbishment ideas can be bigger and more long-term.

 

1. Make layout changes

Unlike a touring caravan, a static caravan gives you space to make useful changes to the layout. For example, you can add lightweight partition walls to create defined rooms or private nooks, making different areas where people can enjoy some privacy.

Layout changes to consider include:

• Adding a half wall or sliding screen to separate the living area from a workspace or reading nook
• Converting part of a large living room into a guest sleeping area with a divider and sofa bed
• Creating additional storage by sectioning off part of a hallway or bedroom

 

2. Upgrade the heating

 While touring caravans rely on compact heating, static caravans can support more advanced systems, which are ideal if you plan on staying during colder months. You could choose to install electric panel heaters or a wall-mounted electric fire. Other options include upgrading to double-glazed windows and roof insulation for improved energy efficiency and even adding underfloor insulation and insulated skirting around the caravan base for extra warmth.

These heating upgrades can make your static caravan more comfortable throughout the year and improve its rental appeal if you let it out while you’re not there.

 

3. Refresh the bathroom

Unlike space-saving touring caravan wet rooms, static caravans often have room for full bathroom upgrades.

Some great ways to refurbish the bathroom in your static caravan include:

• Replacing a plastic cubicle with a walk-in shower and tiled walls for instant luxury
• Installing upgraded fixtures, like a vanity unit or countertop basin
• Adding built-in storage cabinets or floating shelves to keep the room clutter-free

 

4. Get creative with wall finishes

Touring caravans have lightweight, fixed wall panels, but static caravans give you the freedom to get more creative with wall finishes. You could use on-trend tongue-and-groove panelling to add texture to the space, install brick-effect PVC panels or stick-on stone tiles for a rustic look, or create a feature wall with wallpaper or textured paint.

Fixing cork tiles to a wall and using these to pin photos of your favourite caravan memories is another great refurbishment idea that will bring personality into the space.

 

5. Build an attractive outdoor area

If your static caravan has an outdoor area, like a patio, veranda, or decking, you can refurbish this space to create a mini garden you love spending time in. Popular ideas include:

• Building raised decking with steps, railings, and integrated seating
• Adding a covered area for all-weather use
• Installing outdoor lighting or plant pots to make it feel homely

 

How much does it cost to refurbish a caravan?

While it’s useful to know for budgeting purposes, the cost to refurbish a caravan, whether touring or static, can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The size and condition of the caravan
• If your planned refurbishments are cosmetic or structural
• Whether you DIY or hire professionals
• The materials and fixtures you choose

It can be easier to budget for cosmetic refurbishments, as you simply do what you can afford (for example, buying material to reupholster seating or paint to refresh the interior). However, on the other hand, a full bathroom refurbishment in a static caravan can cost upwards of £4,000 when you hire a professional.

 

How to save money on caravan refurbishments

There are a few things you could do to save money on your caravan refurbishment:

• DIY where possible - for example, painting and decorating yourself and hiring trusted professionals for gas, electrics, and plumbing
• Use second-hand parts, like appliances and seating, where possible
• Shop at caravan scrapyards or check online marketplaces like Facebook or eBay
• Set a budget before you start and keep a close eye on costs to avoid overspending

 

Specialist caravan insurance through Ripe

You’ve probably put a lot of time, money, and effort into getting your caravan where it is today. Caravans are a substantial investment, which is why you might want to consider financial protection for yours through specialist caravan insurance in case something were to go wrong.

Caravan insurance through Ripe can protect both static and touring caravans against theft, loss, damage, and more. Get a quote online today.