Retro Revival: Camper Decor Ideas from Days Gone By

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Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

If you’re looking for camper decor ideas with a vintage twist, why not try some retro inspired touches, or maybe totally transform your home away from home into a blast from the past.

There’s something super cool about stepping into a camper that feels like it’s been time warped straight from the 50’s 60’s or 70’s. The colors and the patterns, all the little details, it’s amazingly nostalgic, and will instantly take you back to those times.

The Attraction of Retro Camper Decor

Retro design isn’t just about the cool style, it’s about creating a feeling. Big bold colors, out there prints, and quirky accessories take us back to those times.

You might remember taking family trips in a vintage trailer (I do) or just love that mid century vibe, a bit of retro camper decor in your RV will definitely put a smile on your face.

A blue vintage camper interior.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Classic Color Palettes That Pop

Nothing says “retro” like a splash of turquoise, mustard yellow, or cherry red. These bold colors were run of the mill in mid century campers, and they still look fab today. 

Try painting your cabinets in a 50’s color, add some patterned cushions, or get that retro color in there with funky little accessories. 

You’ve got to get the balance right, put strong colors with plenty of white or neutral shades, it can be easy to get carried away 🙂

Colorful camper decor.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Blue countertop in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Camper interior with blue dinette cushions.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Retro Fabrics and Textures

Patterns were a big thing back in the day, gingham curtains, plaid cushions, and floral prints were everywhere. 

You could easily recreate that look with more modern fabrics. Add a crochet throw on the bed, a patterned rug under your dinette, or maybe some polka dot seat covers for an instant retro vibe.

Retro patterned fabric in a vintage camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Bright and colorful camper decor.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Vintage Furniture and Fixtures

Even in the smallest of camper spaces, furniture can make a statement. Chrome edged dinette frames, pastel appliances (which I love), and fold down tables are all nods to days gone by. 

Even if you can’t find original fixtures and fittings, look for reproduction stuff that gives the same look. Just swapping out cabinet hardware for vintage style pulls can totally change up the look.

Red sofa in vintage RV.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Red and white camper dinette.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Retro camper oven and patterned bench in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Retro Accessories

It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. 

A vintage road sign on the wall, or a retro enamel mug on the shelf, or maybe make a collage with old postcards from travel destinations. 

Retro style lighting is one of the easiest things to change. Old school pendants or string lights can really add a bit of both warmth and character.

Camper decor accessories in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Cozy camper decor.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

DIY Projects for that Personal Touch

If, like me, you love a good project, there are a ton of things you can do.

You can paint old furniture in bright colors, or line your shelves with peel and stick wallpaper in funky prints. 

Here’s a list of some of the more popular colors used in vintage camper decor.

A color chart for vintage camper decor.

You can print this color chart out here.

Endless Possibilities

Maps on a camper ceiling.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Flower pattened dinette cushions in an old camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Multicolored dinette in a vintage camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Blue bed covers and decor in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

The seating area in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Pastel colors in an old camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Bright and colorful vintage camper decor.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Pastel shades and floral patterns in a camper.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Multi colored pattens and color in a vintage trailer.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Retro camper decor in a vintage Scotty travel trailer.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Pastel colors and vintage furniture in an old trailer.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Pastel colored camper decor in an RV bathroom.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Red patterned fabric against wooden camper interior.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Orange colored camper decor in an old trailer.


Photo: Terry Bone on Flickr Licence: (CC BY -SA 2.0)

Helpful Stuff

Vintage Camper Parts

Great places to get vintage camper parts.

Forum

A lively community sharing restoration tips, decor ideas, and parts sources.

Tin Can Tourists

A gold mine for all things vintage camper.

Wanderlust Vintage Trailers

A feast for the eyes.

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Bringing back the super cool camper decor of days gone by isn’t about living in the past, it’s a celebration of the charm of retro design while making it your own.

Whether you just go for a few colorful touches or attempt a full vintage makeover, these camper decor ideas will make your home away from home super fun and cozy.

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AUTHOR

As well as a lifelong passion for RVs, Rich also has a love of fishing, surfing and hiking. His hobbies keep him traveling and he hopes his experiences will help and inspire like minded souls. More about Rich.

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