Vintage Camper Interior Update Ideas

Make the interior work for you

Modern or Vintage

We have seen many retro looking updates made in homes – kitchens with Formica topped tables, chrome legs and padded chairs with seats and backs covered in red vinyl. Some manufacturers now offer round top 50’s style refrigerators and other period appliances. But for some, that great idea at home isn’t always what they want in their vintage Airstreams. They have the vintage exterior and that’s enough for them. The inside can be made as modern as possible, and they don’t miss the aging wood panels and metal corners.

We’ll take a look at some interior updates, some modern – some vintage, and see what works for your taste.

Keeping Vintage with Updates

Our first two trailers show some tasteful updates to the existing interior while still maintaining the original look. The first example, a ’64 Safari, shows a new stove, sink and fridge built into a cabinet. A long bench/bed is handy for enjoying your morning coffee while gazing out the window at the view.

1964 Airstream Safari interior
1964 Airstream Safari interior
1964 Airstream Safari updated interior
1964 Airstream Safari interior

This ’54 Wanderer ‘Whale Tail’ still has its rustic charm even after a few minor changes.

1954 Airstream Wanderer - before updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer – before updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer - after interior updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer – after updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer - after front seading area updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer – after updates

All the new wood was stained to match existing. Original checkerboard flooring was preserved just to keep it real!

1954 Airstream Wanderer - after bedroom updates
1954 Airstream Wanderer – after bedroom updates

Yes, it’s a ‘Whale Tail’… we want one!!

1954 Airstream Wanderer Whale Tail trailer w/red bumper
1954 Airstream Wanderer Whale Tail trailer

The (kinda) Vintage Look

1956 Airstream Bubble - new interior
1956 Airstream Bubble – new interior

This trailer’s interior dances in both the old and new. The polished endcap interior of this 1956 Bubble proudly shows off the ’50’s appearance but dark rich wood tones and crushed red velvet is not the first thing that comes to mind in that era. Well, unless you are Marilyn Monroe.

An under counter mounted sink and modern faucets with a custom mixed wood cutting board finishes the story that this owner preferred an updated look. And we must agree that it looks sensational.

Here’s a look at the above trailer before built-ins were added. Those reflective 13 panels almost do away with the need for mirrors!

13 Panel interior polished aluminum endcap - 1956 Airstream Bubble
13 Panel interior polished aluminum endcap – 1956 Airstream Bubble

The modernized space has a very open inviting feel for such a small space.

1956 Airstream Bubble interior
1956 Airstream Bubble interior

Hickory Wrapped

The interior of this 1964 Safari is wrapped with real hickory panels.

Hickory wrapped interior endcap - 1964 Airstream Safari
Hickory wrapped interior endcap – 1964 Airstream Safari
Hickory wrapped interior - 1964 Airstream Safari
Hickory wrapped interior – 1964 Airstream Safari

Did we mention ‘Vintage Fridge?’

Orange 50's style fridge in 1963 Airstream Overlander
Orange fridge in 1963 Airstream Overlander

Modern

Modern conveniences, like washers and microwaves in your camper can really make a camping trip much more enjoyable. You know darn well that if microwaves existed in the 50’s, they would have had one in the camper. They had a fridge instead of an ice box, didn’t they?

Modern Airstream interior w/baby bed
Modern Airstream interior w/built-in baby bed

In addition to adding plenty of storage space, this wall of cupboards also includes a built-in baby bed.

A new modern kitchen with aluminum lined walls for easy cleaning. In this case the couple wanted a clothes washer built in. The convenience of this location really makes a lot of sense.

1969 Airstream Overlander new kitchen green countertop
1969 Airstream Overlander new kitchen

White and clean prevails in this newer trailer buildout. Wood plank vinyl flooring warms the feeling of the space.

Alli Harvey Mobile Art Studio Airstream interior
Alli Harvey Mobile Art Studio Airstream interior

Modern with an Industrial Twist

This 1957 Sovereign interior is totally redone with a dark interior which makes the details pop.

1957 Airstream Sovereign kitchen makeover w/butcher block countertop
1957 Airstream Sovereign kitchen makeover w/butcher block countertop

Regular chairs instead of built-ins adds to the charm.

1957 Airstream Sovereign interior makeover w/regular chairs
1957 Airstream Sovereign interior makeover

A black front fridge/freezer blends it into the cabinetry.

1957 Airstream Sovereign interior makeover w/TV and black fridge
1957 Airstream Sovereign interior makeover

Carrying through with the butcher block counter theme, these bedside tables are a great place to lay your book and set your coffee. Wall mounting reading lamps in black are a nice touch. 13 panel polished aluminum endcap plays with the lighting.

1957 Airstream Sovereign bedroom makeover
1957 Airstream Sovereign bedroom makeover

Bathroom Ideas

Just because the bathroom is in a camper doesn’t mean it has to look like a camper bathroom. This layout makes efficient use of space and still looks great. A stainless bowl with a farmhouse faucet looks good in front of the subway patterned ceramic tile. The use of galvanized pipe and fittings for curtain rods, robe hooks and shelf mounts are seen throughout the trailer hinting at an industrial look but blending well with the white modern theme.

Airstream bathroom makeover ideas
Airstream bathroom makeover

Notice the jute rope trim covering the seam.

Pipe fitting robe hooks in Airstream bathroom
Pipe fitting robe hooks in Airstream bathroom

Now back to our 57 Sovereign, check out this ‘Steampunk’ look for your bath!

1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath
1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath
1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath
1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath

All piping is exposed to keep the Steampunk theme alive.

1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk shower
1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk shower

Saloon doors add some privacy.

1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath
1957 Airstream Sovereign w/Steampunk bath

Yes, she’s a beauty on the outside, too.

1957 Airstream Sovereign restored and modernized interior
1957 Airstream Sovereign

We just love the clean appearance of this bathroom.

Yes, Airstream bathrooms can be tiled, too!

Airstream Malibu Tiny House bathroom
Airstream Malibu Tiny House bathroom

It’s all about your Comfort

Can you think of a cozier looking place to curl up with a book and relax?

Cozy Airstream bedroom
Cozy Airstream bedroom

Published: September 16, 2019 ~ Updated: December 12, 2022 ~ Author: Staff Writer