When it comes to campervans, the layout is everything. A carefully designed interior maximises every inch of space, ensuring comfort, functionality, and a sense of freedom while on the road. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or planning full-time van life, the right layout can make all the difference. Each van type—small, medium, or large—requires tailored design strategies to accommodate your lifestyle, ensuring efficient use of space without sacrificing comfort.
In this article, we explore the top 10 campervan layout ideas for 2024, offering smart solutions for all kinds of travellers.
What Are the Main Types of Campervan Layouts?
Choosing the right layout for your campervan is essential to make the most of the available space and create a comfortable living area. Campervan layouts can be grouped by how the space is utilised, and each type offers unique advantages depending on your needs. Below, we cover four common layout styles—front lounge, rear lounge, side kitchen, and full bathroom—highlighting their best use cases and the lifestyle they suit.
Front Lounge Layout
In a front lounge layout, the living area is positioned at the front of the van, typically with swivel chairs and a foldable table. This layout is perfect for long trips and socialising on the road, providing a flexible space that can easily transform from a lounge area to a dining or workspace.
The driver and passenger seats rotate to create a more open, social area, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy the company of others while on the road.
Rear Lounge Layout
A rear lounge layout places the seating or bed area at the back of the van, creating a cosy, intimate space for relaxation. This layout is particularly suited to couples or solo travellers who prefer a private, quiet area for sleeping or lounging.
It’s also a great option if you’re seeking to optimise the living space for rest, as the rear of the van tends to offer more space for a full-sized bed or a spacious lounge area.
Side Kitchen Layout
A side kitchen layout positions the kitchen along the side of the van, using compact cabinetry and appliances to make the most of the limited space. This layout is ideal for frequent travellers who love to cook on the go, as it allows for easy access to cooking equipment without taking up valuable living space.
Side kitchens can include a stove, sink, and fridge—all carefully integrated to maximise functionality without overwhelming the interior.
Full Bathroom Layout
For those who prefer full amenities, a full bathroom layout integrates a shower and toilet into the campervan design. While this takes up more space, it offers the ultimate convenience for long-term trips or travellers who prioritise having all the comforts of home.
Full bathroom layouts are best suited for larger vans, where there’s sufficient room to accommodate a bathroom area without sacrificing too much living space. Ideal for travellers seeking the luxury of privacy and full amenities on the road.
Matching the Right Layout to Your Campervan Type
Choosing the proper campervan layout goes hand in hand with selecting the right van model. The size of your van plays a crucial role in determining which layout will work best for you. Below, we explain how specific layouts better suit each van’s size.
Small Vans: VW Caddy, Citroen Berlingo
Small vans are designed for compactness and efficiency. With limited space, the focus is on multifunctional layouts that can be easily converted to suit different needs. Convertible seating-to-bed areas are popular, offering flexibility while saving valuable space. See more Citroen Berlingo Accessories in our full guide.
Under-seat storage or foldable furniture further maximises available room, making small vans ideal for urban travel or short-term getaways. Although there’s less space for a complete kitchen or bathroom, small vans are great for minimalist setups and those who prefer easy manoeuvrability.
Medium Vans: Renault Trafic, VW Transporter
Medium vans offer a balance between space and maneuverability, making them versatile for a variety of layouts. These vans allow for larger kitchens, modular storage systems, and expandable bed areas, allowing you to build a comfortable living space without sacrificing practicality. Check our Renault Trafic Accessories travel guide.
Ideal for frequent travellers and tradespeople, medium vans can accommodate more permanent features such as a fixed bed or a side kitchen layout. These vans are also well-suited for those who want enough space for work while maintaining the flexibility to hit the road for adventures.
Large Vans: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit
Large vans like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit offer the space required to create fully-fledged living areas for those seeking luxury on the road. These vans are perfect for layouts that include dedicated zones for living, sleeping, and cooking. Learn more about Ford Transit Custom Accessories.
Large vans can accommodate full bathrooms, spacious beds, and expansive kitchens, making them ideal for full-time living. The extra space provides comfort features such as lounges, multiple storage areas, and workstations. Large vans are best for those who want to travel in style and comfort while having all the amenities for long-term stays.
Essential Features for Campervan Layouts
Certain features are essential for maximising space and comfort when designing a campervan layout. Here are the must-have elements to consider when planning your campervan interior:
Foldable Beds for Space Efficiency
Foldable or adjustable beds are a game-changer in campervan design, especially in smaller vans where every inch of space counts. These beds can be folded daily to free up space for other activities, such as lounging or working.
Alternatively, adjustable beds can transform into a seating or dining space when not in use, making them ideal for multi-purpose living areas. This feature is essential for maximising interior space while ensuring a comfortable sleeping arrangement when needed.
Modular Storage Solutions
Storage is often a challenge in campervans, but modular solutions make it much easier to stay organised without sacrificing space. Under-bed storage is a popular option, allowing you to keep essential items out of sight yet easily accessible. Pull-out drawers and overhead cabinets are also highly effective for creating innovative storage solutions that don’t interfere with living space.
The key is to use adjustable or movable storage units to keep the van flexible and adaptable to your needs, whether you’re carrying tools, clothes, or camping gear.
Multi-Purpose Tables and Seats
Multi-purpose furniture is another essential for a functional campervan layout. Tables that can be converted into sleeping areas or workstations are incredibly efficient, saving both space and time.
A foldable or collapsible table can be stowed away when not in use, allowing you to convert the area for eating, working, or even relaxing. Additionally, seats that double as storage or beds offer flexibility for van owners who want to maximise every square inch without compromising on comfort.
Campervan Layout Ideas for Specific Activities
When designing a campervan layout, it’s essential to tailor the space to your specific activities and travel style. Below are layout ideas designed to optimise space and functionality for each use case.
Weekend Getaways: Simple and Efficient Layouts
For weekend getaways, the layout should be as simple and efficient as possible, focusing primarily on sleeping space and basic kitchen facilities. In these layouts, the bed often doubles as the primary lounging area, and compact kitchen units with essential appliances such as a portable stove, sink, and fridge can be neatly tucked into available spaces.
Foldable or modular furniture allows you to maximise space during the day, while the van’s layout should prioritise easy conversion between relaxation, sleeping, and cooking. Ideal for short trips or spontaneous escapes, this layout is designed for convenience and ease.
Full-Time Living Layouts
For full-time living, you’ll need a more complex layout with ample room for cooking, sleeping, and working. These layouts often include full kitchens equipped with ovens, fridges, and plenty of counter space for meal prep, as well as a dedicated bathroom area with a shower and toilet.
Many full-time living layouts also incorporate workspaces—whether for remote work or personal projects—so there’s a designated area for your desk or hobby space. Modular storage becomes even more crucial here, as you’ll need ample space to store everyday essentials, clothes, and other personal items. This layout ensures that you’re comfortable and have everything you need for day-to-day life.
Outdoor Adventure Layouts (for cyclists, hikers)
For those who love outdoor adventures, such as cycling or hiking, the layout should prioritise storage space for outdoor gear while keeping the living area minimal. Dedicated bike racks, hiking equipment storage, and easy-access compartments for things like camping gear and tools are essential.
The living space may be reduced to a foldable bed or a small seating area, as the focus is on creating more storage capacity for your gear. These layouts are designed for adventurers who spend more time outdoors and need their van to function as both a base camp and a storage hub for gear.
FAQs on Campervan Layouts
What is the most efficient campervan layout?
The most efficient layouts maximise space by using multi-functional areas, like front lounges or side kitchen designs. These layouts offer ample storage while keeping living spaces comfortable and easily accessible.
Can I build my own campervan layout from scratch?
Yes, building a custom layout is possible. With the right tools, materials, and DIY kits, you can create a layout tailored to your needs, such as maximising storage or creating flexible living spaces.
What layout is best for a small campervan?
For small campervans, layouts that feature foldable beds, compact kitchens, and multi-purpose furniture are ideal. These layouts help you save space while ensuring comfort during short trips.
How do I maximise storage in a campervan layout?
Maximising storage in a campervan can be done with modular solutions like under-bed compartments, overhead shelves, and pull-out drawers. These clever designs make the most of every inch, keeping everything organised. Check our Camper Van Accessories guide for more information.
