How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
So you bought an older RV, nothing fancy but in real good shape?
The floor plan works well for you, the only thing that turns you off is the old and dated look inside your RV?
You want to update the Camper interior but you don’t know how?
If you are ready for a whole new look and you want to be sure all the colors work well together, start by making a mood board.

Let’s start super easy with deciding on how to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer:
If you have bought an RV up to about 20 / 25 feet long, you definitely want to go light and airy and get rid of all the browns and beiges.
Select your favorite color scheme first.
- What are your favorite colors?
- What colors do you like to wear?
- Do you have an item you want to use in your RV which is colorful like a rug, a painting, a bed spread?
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How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
Start with the wall color first
1. Do you like blue?
Fancy RV interiors:
The following colors look great on the walls especially if you want to keep your wooden cabinet color:
- Coastal Mist by Behr,
- Solar Sail by Sherwin Williams or
- Fresh Water Blue by Glidden.
All of these colors fit well with your medium brown cabinet color, see for yourself.
If you pick paint, go with a satin or semi-gloss finish. This makes it so much easier to wipe dirt down.
I love to use Sherwin Williams paint in my house and in my Camper, but Benjamin Moore or Behr are certainly good paints to use also.
Normally I get the paint with primer included, this will save you one coat of paint.
If your cabinets are in pretty bad shape and you decided that you want to paint them, you might want to consider using a separate primer first before you start painting.

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2. Do you like green?
Old Camper remodel:
Wall colors like Misted Mint, Honeyed Mint or GreenWhimsy by Sherwin Williams or a little more yellow like a Pistachio Ice Cream by Glidden will bring light into your camper. Iced green by Benjamin Moore, Softened Green by Sherwin Williams or Lewisville Green by Benjamin Moore also look great with medium brown wood cabinets.

If you want to paint your cabinets green, decide on a very light wall color. It can be green too, but should be very soft and calm. If you are scared it might get too green, pick a neutral grey for the walls. You can definitely pick a pretty colorful and patterned backsplash with this cabinet color.


3. Or do you want to go all neutral?
DIY Camper Trailer makeover:
If you are looking for the Farmhouse look and you want to go all neutral, you have to decide on the right white or light greige wall color. A good white for this look is a neutral white (for example Brilliant White form Ralph Lauren), but it all depends on the other colors you are going to choose. Your cabinet color, your floor color, curtains, sofa color you are going to combine it with.
But don’t make it too complicated. A good neutral white is Alabaster from Sherwin Williams. Get a sample first and see if it looks good inside your Camper.
Here are some options from Ralph Lauren paint and you can see all the different shades of white:

Do you see how these white colors are all going in different directions? The Brilliant White is the most neutral from this palette.
And they will look all different in different lightings. That is why it is so important that you get some swatches and try the paint out inside your Camper.
Here are some more good color options:
- Silent White by Behr
- Nebulous White by Sherwin Williams or
- Passive by Sherwin Williams
- Simply White by Benjamin Moore or
- Notre Dame by Valspar.

Do you like grey?
Small RV interior makeover:
Lighten up the interior with a light grey wall color.
If you have dark kitchen cabinets, dark doors, a dark floor and you don’t want to paint or replace them, at least lighten up the walls.
Always get a couple of samples and paint swatches on your walls. Different lighting makes the paint look different on each wall.
These light grays are very neutral and look great with whatever accent color you are choosing.
- Sterling White by Sherwin Williams
- Nebulous White by Sherwin Williams
- Silent White by Behr
But of course, there are so many more grays which will look great in your camper. But don’t decide on your wall color inside Home Depot or Lowes, rather get some color samples and stick/paint them on to the walls of your RV.

How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
You still don’t know what colors you like for the inside of your Camper?
Check your clothes, your scarves anything you like a lot from the pattern and color combination. You can be sure that if you pick colors from a pretty textile you love, they will work great together.
This color combination will also look good in your home or Camper.
This is one of my favorite scarves.
Pick the greens and add the red as an accent color.

Do you need help finding the right color scheme and decor for your RV?
If you are overwhelmed with selecting the right colors and are not sure what will look good in your RV, I can definitely help you.
Just give me the dimensions of your RV, pictures of the inside (from different perspectives), and I will send you a mood board including paint recommendations, rugs, window treatments, and decor. I will even give you a shopping list with links where to order everything.
Want more information about this super-duper-nowhere-to-be-found offer?
Click right here:
You won’t regret this, because the money you invest now is well saved on the right material choices.
No more excuses – How long do you want to keep your RV looking like this? Start changing it now and feel so much better in a pretty interior. And updating the interior of your dated RV is totally worth it.
I made mood boards for Dru Hopkins and this is what she said after she received them: “Oh my gosh – I love these items and ideas. I haven’t thought of wallpaper – really looks good. I especially like the fish wallpaper. Love the rug too. And everything is reasonably priced. Many thanks. Great job”.
Or this is what Ray Baumann said: “Thank you very much for helping me with this. I think you have come up with some great ideas that workaround where I am and the way I need to proceed at this time!”
So what is holding you back?
Want more information about Mood Boards?
Let’s talk cabinet and door color
RV kitchen remodel
If you are thinking about painting the kitchen cabinets and doors, use Milk Paint. I painted my kitchen at home and all the cabinets in my Travel Trailer without sanding or priming. And it looks so good.
It is no big deal to paint kitchen cabinets and it looks so much better afterward, actually a no-brainer. There are a lot of different colors available, so go check them out.

I used Seagull Grey by General Finishes Milk Paint and absolutely love it. No need to sand or prime before painting and it holds up so good if you use a couple of layers of Top Coat for protection.
Here is the tutorial on how to paint camper walls and cabinets:

This is my favorite color ‘Seagull Grey’. A very light grey that is totally neutral and can be combined with any other color.
You definitely need the Top Coat to protect the paint from scratches, no matter what color you choose.
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RV interior remodel – make a mood board
A good way to decide on the right color combination is by creating mood boards. Collect colors and patterns you like, then add them on one board and arrange them. Delete the ones which don’t look good in combination with the rest.
The easiest way to get a feeling for colors is, to collect all the colors and patterns you want to use inside your Camper and see if it works together.
If you are uncertain about colors, pick neutral and light tones and add colorful decor which you can always replace if you don’t like it anymore.

How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
How to find the right Color Schemes for RV’s bigger than 25 feet
DIY RV/Camper interior remodel:
If you bought a pretty big RV with a separate bedroom or with bunk beds, you can also go with 2 wall colors (a different color in the bedroom or nook area). And because you have more space, darker kitchen cabinets will look great.
First decide on a light wall color and then pick the perfect kitchen cabinet color.
One tip: Don’t choose a yellowish beige. This is just an odd wall color which makes it hard to combine with other colors and moreover, a dark yellow sucks all the light in.
Here are more grey choices which will look awesome inside your RV:
- Teal Ocean by Benjamin Moore,
- Commodore by Sherwin Williams,
- Isle of Pines by Sherwin Williams,
- Blue Peacock by Sherwin Williams.
You can paint the upper and lower cabinets the same color. Or you decide on a darker color for the lower cabinets and a lighter color for the upper ones. Always go lighter on the upper cabinets.

Use an accent color to add some more excitement.

Do you want to update your dated looking camper but are not sure where to start? Do you want to make the interior of your camper pretty but don’t know how?
Check out my brand new video course which walks you through a remodel step by step and you are done in 7 days. Seriously!
How to update your camper in just 7 days

How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
Do you like it colorful?
If you like a lot of colors and you want to make the inside of your Camper look really happy, this is what I did:
- Wall color = light blue
- kitchen cabinets, doors, storage cabinets = Seagull grey Milk Paint
- Accessories: pink, blue, green yellow curtain and sheets
- Rug = pink


Because my camper is pretty small, I kept the walls and cabinets very neutral and light. Staying neutral on the walls and floor allows you to play around with accent colors you like.
And exchanging the colors if you don’t like them anymore is easy. Just add new pillows, a new rug, a new throw and you already created a new look without painting anything.
DIY Camper makeover
Are you looking for ideas on how to update your RV/Travel Trailer? Here are some of my favorite blog posts, filled with ideas and links for your convenience.
How to remodel a camper easy and cheap
The best 5 camper makeover ideas without painting
16 must-haves for your RV/Camper
Get the Ebook and know what you are doing
If you are ready to remodel your Camper, but you are not sure if you can do it all alone, get some help in my Ebook.
Update your Camper/RV – get rid of a dull brown and beige looking interior.
Everything you need to know is combined in this Ebook. You will know what to do and actually how to do it, without searching for answers everywhere.
Because here are all the answers:

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Summary of How to find the right color scheme for your RV/Travel Trailer
Decide on your favorite color and go very light. Try to stay pretty neutral on the walls and the floor so you can add an accent color or wallpaper. If you stay neutral, you can make color changes very easily.
Because RVs or travel trailers are small, you don’t want to overdo it on colors and decor. Try to keep it simple and basic, then add step by step more color, decor, and pattern.
I would love to see your painted RV’s. Send me a picture.
See you on the road,
Conny xoxo
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Thanks for the information! My husband and I started by finding a company to reface cabinets in our RV, but we’re looking for other ways to update it. Painting is such a great idea! Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you Britney, hope you will paint your cabinets. It is pretty easy to do.
Hi Conny,
Stumbled upon your article and in need of help picking colours for interior of 35 foot park model I purchased last season. I do not have an eye for colour or their undertones and knowing the work involved I shudder at me deciding on paint ideas. Is this a service you provide and at what cost for the advice.
(Looking to paint walls and cabinets)
Thanking you in advance!
Hi Tara, thank you for your message. Yes, I make mood boards with color schemes for you if you provide me with pictures of your park model. Here is the link https://colorfuldesigner.com/mood-boards/.
Looking forward hearing from you.
Hi Conny,
So glad to have found you, and would love your advise. We just bought a 2011 Lance 992 Artic Fox truck camper. My husband does not want to paint the wood walls or cabinets. So my compromise is that we paint and wallpaper the walls etc. I found a peel and stick wallpaper called Old Salem Vintage Wood and love all the colors in it. It goes very well with the cabinets etc. I definitely want to use the wallpaper on the bed headboard wall as a feature, and other walls if possible. My dilemma is I’m not sure what other walls I should paint and/or wallpaper? We’re more blue than than green people, so would love to use a very light blue paint from the paper, almost like a french blue? However, I’m open to other color options as well. I don’t want to overwhelm with the paper but trying to lighten everything up!. I thought about a light blue 3D sticker subway tile paper for the backsplash, reupholster the dinette cushions in a blue vinyl, I’d recover the valances and add blackout fabric curtains. Sorry this is a lot of info!..please help LOL.
Thanks so much,
Susan
Hi Susan, you can do a lot if you don’t want to paint the cabinets. The wallpaper you picked is perfect for a camper. You can either paint your walls a light green or blue, or even paint it an off-white then you are totally free in all your other color choices. Everything else sounds like a great plan and I am sure you are going to love how it will look.
Hi Conny,
I’d like to paint my cabinets, but the cabinet doors are covered in a wood printed paper from the manufacturer. Some of the edges are peeling.
Any advice on what to do (peel/sand/chemical)? Looks like press board underneath.
Hi Wendy, I would not sand it. Carefully use a deglosser and wipe the dirt/grease off the cabinets. Then use milk or chalk paint and paint it twice. Before painting, carefully sand over the edges, but use fine sandpaper. This is what I did and it worked well. Check out this article for all the details: https://colorfuldesigner.com/how-to-paint-camper-walls-and-cabinets/
Let me know if it worked out well.
Hi! We have just bought a 2006 Winnebago Itasca Horizon 40’. I would really love your help in choosing the right paint colors. My fear is choosing the wrong white that wi make the ceiling look yellow. I’d like ideas on granite, paint schemes, and back splash. Is this something you can help me with? Thanks I’m advance for your time.
Hi Karla, yes I can definitely help you with this. Send me some pictures and I can make you a mood board with suggestions. Do you have a favorite color or how do you want to feel in your RV? Cozy, vibrant, happy? Send me an email at conny@colorfuldesigner.com
Hello I’m Angela W. We have a 44ft 2018 Forest River Sierra 3350bh 5th wheel.
When you do the vision board is it only for the living space area or do you design ideas all through out the rig? I’m very much interested in how to lighten it up. I can try and get pics for you as soon as I hear back from you via email. Or you might be able to do a Google search of the layout. It has a bunkhouse with half bath. Thank you very much.
Hi Angela,
I sent you an email. I can do vision boards for the whole rig if you want to.
Conny
Hi i bought a 2004 keystone. Sprinter travel trailer and was wanting to update my interior but not sure how or what colors to go..
I. Didnt want to paint cabinet tho i heard tbose other options besides painting…
Maybe you can help me with different options that might be easier and cheaper in the long run but then again still eye catching and comfortable for myself and others
Hi Krystal, congratulations on your Sprinter. If the cabinets are still in great condition, you don’t need to paint them. Paint the walls, add a cool backsplash if you are looking for some texture or add peel and stick wallpaper to make an accent wall. Lot’s of cool options to make it yours. Check out my article https://colorfuldesigner.com/best-5-camper-makeover-ideas-without-painting/
Hope this helps.
I need help I just bought a tent trailer and don’t know what colors to go with . I love modern farm house and boho looks. I will try to upload photos.
Hi Sheena, send me an email with pictures. conny@colorfuldesigner.com
I have recently purchased a 23′ Keystone Springdale travel trailer and want to update the interior. It is soooo dark even on a sunny day! I have that “wonderful” burgundy and beige floral print on the dining table cushions and couch, and wood cabinets. I was thinking going a teal route, but am still wondering if that will work. How can I brighten the interior and still have a fresh look?
Thank you!
Lori, are you thinking of painting your walls? That would be the best way to lighten the Camper up. Remove the wallpaper border and select a very light beige/white wall paint. This color will make the burgundy pop and brighten up the inside. Maybe also consider removing the valances and adding light curtains? If you don’t want to paint, put new light bulbs (LED) in your lights and just add bright decor. I love teal but I would be careful combining it with burgundy. Hope this helps. Conny
What do you think about the inside camper colors “matching” or flowing with the outside colors of your camper? Is that ever an issue in your opinion? I am doing gray cabinets and white walls but feel “pressure” to do the accent colors to match the outside of my camper.
Hi Donna, no my outside decals are red and I have all pastels inside. So it doesn’t really bother me that much. But I am thinking of painting my Travel Trailer next year and I will definitely make it fit to the inside colors.
Hi Conny!
I just found your site and it is making me think creatively. I just bought a 2008 Holiday Rambler 34’ RV. I would like it to have an updated look. The nicer than average, real wood cabinets are a medium color and in great condition. I don’t want to paint them. I think they can be timeless with the right stuff around them. The counter tops are beige corian. Whole rig has beige wallpaper with burgundy accents. I plan to 1) remove the upholstered window trim, 2) recover the dining chairs, 3) remove upholstered headboard and do an accent wall in the headboard space, 4) apply backsplash in kitchen and bathroom, and 5) add new couch pillows, throw blanket, sheets, towels, etc. I was not really planning to paint or paper all the walls, (because I heard it was an awful job!) but I could do an accent wall. I was hoping to make the tan stuff just be a “natural/neutral” and the accents in black, or maybe navy blue. I always like those colors together in clothing. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Carolyn, glad you found me. Yes, definitely do all the things listed. If you don’t want to paint all the walls, I would start by taking off the wallpaper borders and at least paint the entry if it is a tan/beige. It will make such a difference because all your other colors will shine. The wood cabinets will look great in combination with a white/light grey wall color and your navy blue accents would really pop. If you remove the headboard it could make a great space for a wallpaper pattern. Let me know if you need any help. It will look great.
Thanks for the reply. I’m preoccupied (in a good way!) with updating our new RV! What do think is easier, painting the walls or applying wall paper? All of the paint instructions seem to require 2 coats of primer and then multiple coats of paint! It seems daunting. I want what ever I do to be washable, I have 3 large dogs and 2 young nieces who will travel with us. Durability is important.
Also, I have corian counter tops. I have see many people use contact paper to cover theirs. That does not appeal to me. I like the butcher block, but that is too much wood with natural cabinets. What are the other options? Preferably not too expensive.
I will likely do a few trips and see how I use the RV and let that guide me…I do not have my heart set on any decor theme other than “updated! “. Just like clean lines and less clutter.
Thank for all of your suggestions!
Carolyn, when I painted my Camper I applied 2 coats of paint with primer included and it was enough. You can get a washable paint which is a little more expensive but you can wash dirty little hands off. If you want to add some decor and have a wall without a lot of outlets buy a good wallpaper and add a pretty decor. You can wipe any dirt off too.
I painted my countertops with Milk Paint and added 3 layers of Top Coat and it works great.
Take your time and do whatever you feel like doing. It is not hard.
HI. I live in a 2012 Lynx Prowler with my loyal White German Shepherd. I took out the storage of my bedroom to make it bigger. i want to take down the cabinet in there, too, but unsure. I cannot stand the colors it came with. I also tore out the bathroom with plans to put a hula hoop shower, you get the idea. I also do not like the bathroom cabinet and want to replace everything with a wooden stand and put a bowl sink and go from there. i have no idea about the toilet. Ain’t sure if i want to mess with the toilet except to paint it? Anyway, I discovered there is a leak/very wet spot under the tub. I’ve never remodeled a camper before. So far i have painted bedroom with kilz… on my budget, I must wait a long time between fixings. I’m at my wits end with the bathroom floor.
Melanie, before you go any further you have to get the bathroom floor fixed. If it is linoleum take it off and check how bad the leak is and where it comes from. Maybe it is an easy fix and you can just let it dry and spray it with mildew remover before adding a new floor. If the floor is good to go, just add easy to lay peel and stick vinyl tiles. I wish you luck.
I owned an RV since 2016 and its cabinet has a little old, so I want to make up for it by painting. I am not sure what is the best paint for the RV cabinet on the market. Are you willing to recommend a good brand for me? Thanks!
Hi Samantha, I have been using Milk Paint from General Finishes for a long time and I love it, because you don’t need to sand before painting. You have to clean them well with deglosser and then you start painting. Check out my post ‘How to paint camper walls and cabinets’ and you will get all the details there.
Thanks for sharing! I will try it soon before I start my new trip and I am very expecting it.
So I just bought this 2017 South Fork 5th wheel and it is gorgeous but It’s too dark….I have a couple of questions…I have gray countertops with hunks of black and white and the bar is lit up around it too..so I love the gray cabinets idea but would it be too much gray to do my cabinets in a gray too…and my floor is done in a gray color as well…And should I do the walls in white? There is wood all around the slide outs so what color should I change them to? Hoping you can help me with these issues….as I’m ready to start remodeling
Hi Lisa, congratulations on this awesome addition.
Because there is already a lot of grey inside your RV, I would try to add a color. How about a light blue or green on the wall? Or if you rather have white walls I would add a color to your lower cabinets in the kitchen. You could also consider a dark blue or green for the lower cabinets and the upper cabinets a light grey. The wood trim might even look good as is if you paint the rest. Could be an accent.
Send me a picture of the inside of your 5th wheel and I can get more specific. Hope this helps.
Hugs from Conny