How to replace curtains in an RV
How to replace curtains in an RV and make the look of a dated Camper instantly fresher and newer.
Why would anyone put valances in a Camper? What is it good for?
You don’t know what valances are? Well, I am talking about these things on top of the windows, which don’t protect the inside from sun or adds any privacy whatsoever.
Maybe they are supposed to cover up a window frame? Or they are supposed to make the window look nicer?
I have absolutely no clue, but I knew they had to go as soon as I stepped into our new to us Camper.
If you have the same thoughts about valances as I do, but you definitely want to add some kind of window treatment in your RV, here are my tips:
How to replace curtains in an RV
How to update the window coverings in your RV

How to take the valences off in an RV or how to replace RV window treatment?
How to take valances off? There are screws hidden behind the fabric, you have to search for them. Move the fabric and you will see the screws holding the frame on the walls and sometimes also into the ceiling. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws.

You might have to search a little bit for the screws. If you pull on the valance a little, you will notice where it holds on to. The RV valance is probably held by 4 screws or even 8 screws, depending how big your window valance is.
Just be aware that some screws could be hidden behind a bracket if you have a hard time finding them.
TIP: Use extra long bits to reach the screw head better.
I kept my blinds, because they were still in good shape. They are mounted separately from the valances onto the window frame.
Add new blinds for your RV windows
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If your blinds don’t look good anymore, take them off and replace them.
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Here are some different options if you want to add blinds:
The first two are fabric blinds and the third one is a plastic version. I like the fabric blinds better because the plastic one rattles when you are driving. But it is up to you, whatever you like better will work.
Also check out Ikea whenever you have the opportunity, they also have pretty cool blinds.
Black out blinds for your RV windows
Another option are black out blinds to protect the inside of your Camper from sunlight. If you want to keep your RV nice and cool, use black out blinds. It definitely helps during the summer heat.
If you don’t want to attach anything on the walls, you can also just add black out film on the windows. Read the descriptions carefully to be sure the film sticks to the windows .
Your camper will look so much better without valances.
You want to keep the valances?
If you decide to keep them you also have the option to paint the valances. Just use chalk paint or fabric paint and a brush and paint right on the fabric.
Or another option is to get a fabric you like and cover the valances up. Cut the same size of fabric and use spray paint to glue your pretty fabric right on top of the ugly fabric.
But the best option is to add curtains in your RV. Light or colorful curtains add so much more atmosphere and coziness to your interior and brighten it up.
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More RV window treatments
How to add no-sew curtains in your Camper
If you don’t like blinds alone and you want to add curtains on top of the blinds, here are some very pretty options:

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But first you need a curtain rod
Try to use the same holes from taking off the valances and install the correct hardware from the curtain rods. If you are deciding on lightweight curtains here are some options:
1/2 inch diameter and can curtain rods can be adjusted from 9 to 16 inches to hang lightweight curtains. Installation hardware included.
5/8 inch rod diameter capable of handling moderately heavy fabrics, can hold up to 20 pounds. Adjustable length curtain rod form 88″ to 120″.
If you have a rod already and just need the hardware and the clips, you can order them separately.
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And what kind of curtains fit an RV window?
Different curtain options:

Oh if you are creative, you can use all kinds of fabric as curtains on your windows.
I have this cute kitchen towel I am thinking of adding it as a curtain on my kitchen window instead of the blinds. Just clip them onto the curtain rod. No sewing required. Isn’t it pretty? I should iron it before I hang it up…

Check through your drawers, do you have a cute scarf that would fit perfectly on your window and to your color scheme?
Or do you like your accessories be more farmhouse style? Use drop clothes, cut it to the size you need, fold over the rim and use spray adhesive to keep it in place.
I would wash and iron the drop clothes before using it on the windows, it is linen and could look pretty wrinkly. But this fabric looks totally farmhouse. If the color doesn’t fit right, dye it as you like it.
Or cafe house curtains, no need to sew or do anything. They are already ready made, you just have to clip them onto your curtain rod. But measure your windows before you order.
Look, your RV will look so much better without valances. This is such a fast and pretty update if you don’t want to paint your walls or cabinets.
More light will flow into your Camper by adding a pretty fabric and getting rid of the valances. Easy!

Another tip How to replace curtains in an RV:
One last tip:

I was lucky and was able to use the hole from the valances. So whenever possible, get a rod which will work with the already made holes in your Camper.
If you want to add curtains but you don’t want to screw into the wall, use command hooks. That will work if you use lightweight curtains and just hang them in the hooks. But be sure to clean the wall with alcohol before you stick your command hooks on the wall.
Not as pretty as adding proper curtain rods with hardware, but it will work also.
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And now you are thinking of doing a little more to update your Camper? Here are the 5 best tips to update your Camper.
Do you need more information, tips and links how to update the interior of an older RV? Get the Ebook and follow step by step with all the tips around updating the interior of your RV.

Summary of “How to replace RV curtains”
Do it, and if it is the only thing you update in your Camper. This will be a tremendous change. And not hard. The curtains are very reasonable to buy (maybe you can use some fabric you already have) and easy to replace. Add a curtain rod. The only tool you need is a screwdriver, you’ve got this!
And now that you exchanged your valances with pretty curtains you are thinking of going further with your remodel? Yeah, go for it.
Here is my Ebook, which shows you exactly step by step what you should do and how to do it to make your dated Camper a pretty and bright happy place. You are going to love it.

See you on the road,
Conny
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Thanks for such great tips. You did miss the mark on one of my best purchases from Ikea. It’s the 18’x24′ bamboo chopping board. I flip it upside down so the lip will stay on top of the stove while traveling. It adds a ton of space by extending your countertop to include the stove area. This is a great price too. Camping World sells these for about $90.
This may be a weird question but I would like to actually extend the valances in 2 windows of my travel trailer so I can add curtains which when open will go beyond the windows to make the space seem bigger. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this?
Well, this is hard as you would need the same fabric and you would probably have to build two valances. Try to add a long curtain rod with curtain over the valances to get the same effect.
Hope this helps.
This is a great idea, thanks. I recently removed mine because I was going for a spacious, modern look for my RV.
Thank you Juliet, glad it gave you some inspiration.
I love your idea, and am getting ready to attempt in our RV. The only problem is the blinds are mounted to the valance. Have you ever come across that? If so, What did you do?
Thank you
Hi Mandy, unfortunately, you have to replace the blinds if they are mounted to the valances. Probbly hard to take them off and mount them again. You can get pretty good ones at Ikea or Amazon. Or you just stick with no see through curtains.
Hi – I love your ideas and am in the middle of removing my RV valances and blinds. I’m making new curtains and purchased curtain rods. My question is – how do I know what length of screw can be used to mount the curtain rods to the walls?
Thank you
Crystal
Hi Crystal, glad you love my tips and ideas. When you remove your valances, keep the screws. I used the same holes to attach my curtain rod. Also choose a lightweight curtain rod, 1/2 inch screw or even shorter will work definitely.
Please tell me what curtain rods or curtain rod hardware I need. The hardware is the problem. I can’t get anything in these walls.
Hi Bea, there are links in the post you read. Just click on the curtain rod and it will bring you to the Amazon product. Depending on the length of your window choose the curtain rod. 1/2 inch diameter is plenty. Hope this helps.
These are some great ideas! Up to this point, we’ve been tent camping and we love it. However, my husband and I have been talking about purchasing a trailer or RV so that we can take a longer road trip with the ease that they offer moving from location to location. More specifically, we’ve been talking about buying a slightly older one and fixing it up to our liking. After all, as long as the ‘bones are good’ and the engine is reliable, the rest can be changed!
Yes Britt, I love to remodel Campers, because they are all brown and beige on the inside. You can do a lot to make it really pretty.