8 Campervan Bed Ideas

Where the bed will be is one of the first things you should decide when converting your campervan! Whether you go for a folding/convertible bed or one that’s fixed in place, planning where you’ll hit the hay each night is an essential first step.

In this guide to campervan bed ideas, we look at the most popular setups, including a few clever tips and tricks to help you maximise your sleeping space!

Campervan bed ideas: 8 ways to sleep snug in your conversion

1. Fixed bed

A fixed bed is probably the simplest way to add sleeping space to your campervan. This is usually done by a platform bed, where the mattress fits onto custom-built wood, or by building a fixed one-storey bunk berth for something even sturdier. It can work brilliantly even in smaller vans, as this genius conversion from Exeter shows.

There are huge advantages to adding a fixed bed: it’s easy, cost-effective, and allows storage space underneath. Best of all, you can crawl straight into bed at night without moving anything around! However, as the bed’s fixed in place, this will limit living space in the rest of the van.

2. Rock and roll bed

If you don’t want a fixed bed in your campervan conversion, you’ll need to add a convertible bed, i.e. one that doubles up as living space during the day. There are several ways to achieve this, the most common being a “rock and roll” style bed (also known as a transverse bed), which converts the campervan’s cabin seating into a futon-style sleeping space.

Many custom-built campervans come with a rock and roll bed already fitted, so they’re an excellent option if you haven’t got the time or skills to fit your own bed! This is also a very comfortable bed option as the converted bed usually stretches to fill the entire width of the van. Plus, you get a dining and sleeping area in one - you’ll just need to be okay with switching it up each time you want to change its function.

3. Roof space bed…

Every campervan conversion needs to be clever about space! Combine space-saving with smart bedding by adding a double bed in a pop-up roof. This can be designed to open if you like. Sleeping under the stars and waking up to morning air? Sounds pretty perfect for summer camping trips!

4. … Or bed on the roof

We’ve said that campervan conversions need to be smart about space, and this van for hire in Surrey has certainly taken that mantra on board. This converted Nissan Elgrand includes a roof tent with space for two people to sleep.

5. Table bed

A table bed is one of the most versatile campervan bed ideas around. Fit a convertible table to use as a dining/working space during the day, then fold it down to become a double bed at night. Remember you’ll need space to comfortably fit away the table part of your bed when it’s not in use!

6. Bench bed

If you don’t want a table taking up space in a smaller conversion, consider a bench bed instead. Also known as a flip bench bed, this works as Ottoman-style seating during the day and as a double bed at night when you flip down the bench seat.

As with a table bed, however, you’ll need storage space for your mattress, pillows and bedding during the day. Another option if you have room is to use a fitted bench as a fixed daybed – a couch by day and a bed by night. Or use opposite-facing benches to convert to twin beds.

7. Seating bed

No need to use just one bench or couch when considering a bench bed – why not go for two? This Escape Artist 5 in Kumeu does just that, converting two large day couches at the rear of the cabin into a large traverse double bed.

Sofa beds or futon beds are an even easier way to add a bed space that doubles as seating. They’re comfier during the day than a bench and table, and normally use the cushions as part of the bed, so there’s no need to find extra space. As with other types of convertible beds, however, a sofa bed has the disadvantage of having to be pulled out every night and put away in the morning.

8. Pulldown bed

A style of Murphy bed, pulldown beds are fixed to the ceiling rather than the wall. This can be a lightweight single bed if you’re travelling with a child, like campervan Dave in Watford, or a sturdy affair to hold two adults in either a double or a pair of twins.

As mentioned, it’s essential to think of bed space first when planning a campervan conversion. Have a look at our DIY campervan conversion guide for info on all aspects of van building including fixing beds.

Get some more campervan bed ideas!

From style to use of space, these campervan bed ideas from NZ rentals tick all the boxes!

Let there be (natural) light

Create the feeling of more space with plenty of windows like Larry, a campervan hire in Christchurch - just make sure you don't forget to add curtains for privacy at night and weekend sleep-ins!

Illuminate your sleeping space

Add a touch of magic to your sleeping space with fairy lights strung over the bed, as shown here by The Wanderer, a campervan for hire in Wellington.

Combine comfort with utility!

Make the most of your bed set up with a pull-out table like Bernie, a 'boutique' campervan for hire in Auckland.

As just this small selection from our vans for hire shows, it’s easy to find inspiration for your campervan bed, whatever style you choose. Hiring a campervan for your own van life holiday is a great way to source further ideas, before putting the best of them to work in your own conversion.

Make a return on these campervan bed ideas

And once your van is complete, remember you can make back the cost of your interior decor investment back by renting out your van on Camplify!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by renting out their motorhome through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year if you rent out your motorhome!