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Oh padded valances…. sigh. Why did you become an RV staple? I’ll never know! When we did all the demo on the fifth wheel I happily took out every last one. I knew this was something I’d do the day we first looked at this unit! It immediately brightened up the space and I was so excited to find new window treatments that kept all the pretty light!
As you can see the valances also covered and enclosed the pull down day/night shades. After spending some time with these shades (and breaking one on our very first trip!) I knew they had to come out as well. Im sure people are cringing at the idea because shades are not cheap to replace but the idea of living full time with these was crazy. So out they went! Also, my fam doesn’t normally or intentionally match on demo day! LOL!
Once everything was gone I realized I really wanted to preserve all that brightness. I looked at several different window treatments… roller shades, blinds, curtains… so many options! It became clear I was going to need multiple solutions to get both the look and privacy we needed.
Eventually I found these curtains on Amazon. Being that RV windows are crazy sizes I didn’t even bother trying to find ones sized to match. I ordered the biggest ones they had and planned to cut down to size. I really liked the linen texture and the sheer coverage. They let in a ton of light and they’re a fraction of the price of true linen.
It took a few days to cut and hem all the panels to size but it was very simple sewing. All straight lines and long stitches! It took 3 sets total to make panels for all the windows and I puzzled out as many as possible per section. We installed light weight wrap around curtain rods to hang them on and even used some of the same holes left from the valances.
*Everything we’ve hung (pre-existing holes or not!) has been mounted with molly bolts. We find its the most secure way to hang anything permanent in our fifth wheel and works perfectly with the luan walls.
When it came to the bedroom we wanted the option for a bit more privacy. I felt like I saw the same cheap rollers used in several RV makeovers. Im sure they are an inexpensive solution if you are working on a budget but again we are talking FULL TIME USE. And the one thing nearly everyone agrees on is the roller shades eventually loose their ability to roll back up. We aint got time for items that have a short shelf life! Ha!
So we headed to Home Depot to check out a few other options. After feeling a few window treatments in person we settled on Cordless Cellular Shades. If you buy them in the store they will also cut them to size for free while you do your other shopping. Obviously this was a perk as we needed some seriously non traditional sizes.
The shades fit perfectly within the curtain rods we had and were incredibly easy to mount. The shades themselves are cordless and move up or down soooooo smoothly! We got the blackout versions which were a little more but totally worth it and doable since its only 3 small windows.
In addition to the shades I also added a bit of tassel trim to the curtains in the bedroom. Im not 100% set on the bedroom color scheme for the new space but I know it will include some Navy as I plan to recycle some pieces from our loft. For now, this little addition is really perking up the simple window treatments!
Have you replaced any window treatments in your living space lately? Is your RV full of bulky padded valances? Do you love em’ or hate em’? You know I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
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Oh my goodness! I never thought the inside of an RV could look so cozy! This looks wonderful! I've always wanted to know what it's like to live in an RV, and this one looks especially comfy!
Well we've only been living in it a few months but Id say its plenty cozy so far! ;D
Love your window treatments! We have been living in ours for 3 years now and I have yet to find something I liked. I definitely hate the valances in there! I love the idea of the blackout shades in the bedroom. You have great ideas! I am so looking forward to throwing the things out!
Thanks Marcie! Those dark heavy valances make me crazy😖Still dont understand why they use them in EVERY RV coming off the line. I'd love to see what you come up with! Feel free to tag @kreatinghomes if you share any of your projects on social 😁
I'm so afraid to put screws in the walls! Do u remember what size/length Molly bolts you used! I love the transformation! Great job..thanks for sharing:)
Hi Kat! I was nervous at first too but once you get a feel for where things are placed in your trailer you'll get more confident drilling into the panels. We bought this set of molly bolts (https://amzn.to/317fTcw) when we first started our renovation and we have used almost all the shorter lengths which are 1/8" x 1 1/4" and a handful of all the others. The length is really dictated by what you are drilling into. Hopefully thats helpful? Good luck on your projects!
What an improvement! Your window treatments should now be the standard for RV's!
Agreed! I have no idea why RV designers havent caught on LOL!
This is so cool I never realized you could remodel an RV.
Absolutely! Some people are even building them from the ground up!
I'm so impressed by what you've done here! I never would have thought of doing this. My hubby and I might want to travel in an RV some day so I'll have to save your post...thanks!
WOW! That is an amazing transformation! It really looks like an actual home on wheels. The padded valences are definitely an RV eyesore LOL
Oh my goodness! This transformation is amazing!! You really turned an RV into a home on wheels. I love it! :)
Amamzing job!! I love the tassel courtains :)
Great remodel. Wonderful ideas!!
Wow, those cabinets! I'm always impressed by people who can do their own home improvements since I can barely hang a picture. This is truly inspiring!
That completely changes the look of the space. I love it! I’m trying to find the best way to hang out curtains in our school bus conversion.