6 Best Stylish Curtain Options For Small Living Spaces In RVs Add Comfort
Stylish curtains can transform your small RV.
The windows in your RV are your connection to the world, but they’re also your biggest vulnerability. They let in harsh sunlight, prying eyes, and the biting cold of a desert night. Getting your window treatments right isn’t just about decoration; it’s a fundamental part of making a small, mobile space truly comfortable and functional.
Choosing curtains for a house is one thing, but an RV is a different beast entirely. You’re dealing with condensation, constant temperature swings, and the need for absolute privacy in crowded campgrounds. The right curtains can transform a glass box into a cozy, insulated, and private sanctuary on wheels.
This isn’t about finding the prettiest fabric. It’s about finding a solution that works for your travel style, your climate, and your rig’s specific quirks. Let’s break down some of the best off-the-shelf options that solve real-world RV living problems, from total blackout needs to creating a bright, airy feel.
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Upgrade Your RV with These Stylish Curtains
Window treatments are one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades you can make to your rig. The flimsy, often dated valances and blinds that come standard in many RVs simply don’t perform well. They rattle on the road, offer poor insulation, and do little for light control or privacy.
Switching to a better curtain system immediately changes the character of your space. It can make it feel more like a home and less like a vehicle, softening the hard lines and adding a layer of texture and color. More importantly, it gives you precise control over your environment, which is the key to comfort in a small space.
Think about your primary goal. Are you trying to sleep in past sunrise, keep the desert heat out, or just stop the campground neighbors from seeing into your dinette? Your answer will point you toward the right type of solution, whether it’s a heavy thermal drape or a simple, light-filtering roller blind.
NICETOWN Blackout Curtains: Total Privacy
Enjoy darker rooms and energy savings with these blackout curtains. The thermal insulated fabric blocks 85-99% of light and helps regulate room temperature, while the grommet top allows for easy hanging.
When you need absolute darkness, nothing beats a true blackout curtain. This is essential for light-sensitive sleepers or anyone who finds themselves parked under a bright security light at a Harvest Host or a busy travel center. NICETOWN has become a go-to because their curtains deliver on that promise of pitch-black darkness.
These curtains are typically made from a dense, triple-weave polyester fabric that physically blocks 99% of sunlight and UV rays. This construction also gives them excellent thermal properties, creating a buffer against both heat and cold. That means your AC or furnace runs less, saving you energy whether you’re on shore power or running off your batteries.
The main consideration here is weight and installation. Blackout curtains are heavier than standard drapes, so you need to ensure your curtain rod is securely mounted to the RV wall, ideally into a structural element. They come in various lengths, so you can often find a size that works or easily hem a longer panel to fit your RV’s specific window dimensions.
Deconovo Thermal Curtains: Insulate Your RV
Thermal curtains are your first line of defense against extreme temperatures. While many blackout curtains have thermal properties, dedicated thermal curtains often feature a specific foam or bonded backing designed purely for insulation. This is a game-changer for full-time RVers and those who travel in all four seasons.
The science is simple: the curtain creates a dead air space between the fabric and the window pane, dramatically slowing heat transfer. In the summer, it keeps solar heat out, and in the winter, it keeps your precious furnace heat in. This translates directly to less propane usage and a more stable, comfortable interior temperature.
Be aware that the thermal backing can make these curtains stiffer than regular drapes. They won’t have the same soft, flowing look as a sheer linen. However, the practical benefit of a warmer rig on a 20-degree night or a cooler one during a 100-degree heatwave is a tradeoff most seasoned RVers are happy to make.
H.VERSAILTEX Linen Sheers for a Breezy Feel
Enhance your home with these elegant linen sheer curtains featuring a classical floral print. They offer light filtering and a degree of privacy, creating a soft ambiance while adding artistic flair to any room. Each set includes two 63-inch long panels with a rod pocket for easy installation.
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to block the world out but to let it in gracefully. Linen sheer curtains are perfect for creating a bright, open, and airy atmosphere inside your RV without sacrificing all your privacy. They solve the problem of wanting natural light without the harsh glare or the feeling of being in a fishbowl.
These lightweight curtains diffuse sunlight beautifully, casting a soft glow that can make a small living space feel larger and more inviting. During the day, they provide a decent level of privacy from the outside, obscuring direct views while still allowing you to see out. This is ideal for your main living or dinette area where you want to enjoy the view.
Of course, sheers offer almost zero insulation and no nighttime privacy, so they aren’t a standalone solution for most RVers. The best strategy is to layer them. Use a sheer curtain for daytime light and add a heavier blackout or thermal curtain on a double rod, or a roller shade mounted underneath, for nighttime privacy and insulation.
IKEA SKOGSKLÖVER Roller Blinds: Sleek & Simple
For a clean, minimalist look, it’s hard to beat a roller blind. The IKEA SKOGSKLÖVER is a popular choice because it’s simple, effective, and has a very small footprint. When rolled up, it virtually disappears, giving you an unobstructed view and making your space feel less cluttered.
These blinds are light-filtering, not blackout, which is a great middle ground. They cut the sun’s glare and provide complete privacy, but still allow a soft, ambient light to fill the room. They also feature a cordless, soft-closing mechanism, which is a fantastic safety feature and adds a touch of quality you don’t always find at this price point.
Installation in an RV requires a bit of forethought. RV walls are thin, so you can’t just use the included drywall anchors. You’ll need to use appropriate hardware like short screws or rivet nuts, and ideally, mount the brackets into a wall stud or the window’s structural frame for a secure fit that will hold up to the vibrations of travel.
RYB HOME Magnetic Tie-Up Shades for Easy Use
Enjoy complete darkness and privacy with these cordless blackout roller shades. Easily customize the width by cutting to size and secure with the included magnetic tie-backs for a clean, safe window treatment.
Oddly shaped windows, like those on RV doors or over the kitchen sink, are notoriously difficult to dress. This is where a tie-up shade, especially a magnetic one, shines. There are no cords to tangle and no complex hardware to install, making them a brilliantly simple solution for tricky spots.
These shades are a single panel of fabric that you can manually fold or roll to your desired height. Instead of ties, they use powerful, embedded magnets to hold the shade in place at different intervals. This gives you quick and versatile control over light and privacy with zero hassle.
Because they often mount directly to a metal door with magnets or use a simple tension rod, installation is a breeze. This makes them perfect for RVers who are hesitant to drill holes in their walls. They offer a clean, tailored look that is far superior to taping up temporary coverings on a door window.
This adjustable stainless steel shower rod extends from 31 to 80 inches and installs easily with spring tension – no tools needed. It's rust-proof and sturdy enough to hold up to 30 pounds.
Redi Shade Fabric Shades: Cut for a Perfect Fit
Get instant privacy and light control with these easy-to-install, cordless pleated paper shades. The durable, no-tools design is perfect for any space and provides UV protection.
Finding window treatments for the non-standard window sizes in an RV can be a major headache. Redi Shade offers a brilliant solution with their "cut-to-fit" fabric shades. You simply measure your window width, cut the shade with a utility knife, and install it in seconds.
The best part for many RV owners is the tool-free installation. These shades use a strong peel-and-stick adhesive strip that attaches directly to the window frame or the wall above it. This means no drilling, no screws, and no permanent damage to your rig’s interior, which is a huge plus for maintaining resale value or for those who aren’t comfortable with power tools.
While incredibly convenient, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The adhesive can struggle in extreme heat or humidity, so prepping the surface with an alcohol wipe is crucial for a good bond. They are typically room-darkening rather than true blackout, but for the price and ease of installation, they are an unbeatable option for getting a custom fit on a budget.
How to Choose the Best Curtains for Your Rig
The "best" curtain is the one that solves your biggest problem. Before you buy anything, take a moment inside your RV and decide what you need most. Is it blocking the morning sun in the bedroom, insulating the big dinette window, or adding a touch of style to the living area?
- For Privacy & Light Control: Blackout curtains are the clear winner.
- For Temperature Regulation: Prioritize thermal-backed curtains.
- For an Open, Airy Feel: Linen sheers are your best bet.
- For a Minimalist Look: Roller blinds are sleek and unobtrusive.
- For Awkward Windows: Tie-up or cut-to-fit shades offer the most flexibility.
Next, consider the practical realities of your rig. Measure your windows carefully and think about mounting. Do you have a solid surface above the window for a curtain rod, or is a peel-and-stick or tension-rod solution safer? Think about weight, especially for larger windows, and how the curtains will be secured during travel to prevent them from swinging around.
Don’t feel like you have to use the same solution for every window. The most functional RVs often use a mix-and-match approach. You might have a heavy thermal blackout curtain in the sleeping area, a light-filtering roller blind in the kitchen, and a decorative sheer in the main living space. Tailor your choices to the function of each specific area for a truly comfortable and personalized mobile home.
Ultimately, your RV’s window treatments are a critical part of your comfort system. They are as important as your heater or your air conditioner in regulating your environment. By moving beyond the factory-standard options, you can dramatically improve your privacy, control the temperature, and make your rig feel significantly more like a home.
There is no single perfect answer, only the right answer for your travel style. Whether you choose the total darkness of a blackout curtain or the simple convenience of a cut-to-fit shade, making a deliberate choice is a powerful step. It’s a small project that pays huge dividends in comfort and livability every single day you spend on the road.
