10 Ingenious Van Build Layout Ideas You Need to See

Looking for creative van build layout ideas? You’ve come to the right place!

I’ve curated 10 genius van build layouts, each accompanied by ready-made floor plans, to help you design your dream camper van.

From popular setups like dinettes to unique layouts with bathrooms, we cover a wide range of options.

Each layout is crafted to inspire and guide you in arranging your campervan effectively, maximizing space and meeting your specific needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned van lifer or new to the lifestyle, these brilliant ideas will help you build the perfect campervan. Let’s jump right in!

1. Fixed Bed Van Build Layout

The fixed bed layout is a super popular choice for campervans because it’s all about comfort and convenience.

With a fixed bed, you don’t have to worry about folding and unfolding it every day, which saves you a ton of time. Plus, you get a nice big storage space under the bed for all your gear and luggage.

On the flip side, the fixed bed does take up a fair amount of space, which means less room for other activities during the day. If you need more space for living or working, this might not be the best fit.

But if you’re all about comfort and want an easy, ready-to-use bed with extra storage, the fixed bed layout is a solid choice.

2. Pull-Out Bed Layout

A great option to consider when building a campervan is a pull-out bed layout. I actually went with this option for my campervan, and I’m really happy with it.

The pull-out bed is super flexible since you can fold it away, giving you more living and workspace during the day. It’s perfect if you need some extra room.

That said, folding and unfolding the bed every day can get a bit annoying, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Also, the mechanisms that pull out the bed can wear out over time and need maintenance, which could end up costing a bit more.

This layout is great for people who want a practical and spacious setup. It’s also ideal for taller folks who might not fit comfortably across the width of the van.

With a pull-out bed, you can easily adjust the living space and make sure you’re comfy during your travels.

3. Dinette Van Build Layout

Another option to think about when building a campervan is the dinette setup.

This layout is super versatile, with the table and benches working as a dining area, bed, and workspace. Folding the bed gives you more living space inside the van.

Plus, it offers easy access to the back of the camper and extra seating, making it great for remote work or hanging out with friends.

On the downside, you’ll need to convert the seating into a bed every day, which can be a bit of a hassle. Also, dinette beds aren’t as comfortable as fixed beds, so sleep quality might not be as great.

Another thing to consider is that this setup doesn’t have garage space, so storage is limited to the seating areas. It might not work well for sports enthusiasts with larger gear to carry.

4. Murphy Bed Layout

If you’re looking for a different van build layout, consider a Murphy bed setup. This bed folds up against the wall, saving valuable space in the van.

It offers comfort similar to a regular bed and is easy to unfold, quickly transforming the daytime area into a sleeping space. Like a dinette setup, it also provides easy access to the back of the campervan.

However, there are a few downsides. Installing a Murphy bed can be tricky, as it requires sturdy mechanisms that increase costs and take up wall space. Plus, this layout offers less storage compared to a fixed bed.

So, a Murphy bed layout is perfect for those who carry less gear, value space and comfort, and love unique campervan designs.

5. Full Bathroom Van Build Layout

When planning to build a campervan, it’s worth considering adding a bathroom.

Having one not only adds comfort and privacy, but it also boosts your independence on the road, especially for off-grid camping where facilities are limited.

Before making the decision, think about the possible downsides. A bathroom takes up a good amount of space that could be used for living or storage.

Also, installing one adds weight and increases your van build costs. Maintenance requires regular servicing and managing water supplies, which can be tricky during trips.

Despite these factors, I believe the benefits of having your own bathroom in a campervan far outweigh the drawbacks. Personally, I chose this option, and it’s made my travels much more comfortable and convenient.

6. Partition Wall Layout

A different layout to consider for a camper van is one with a partition. This setup offers more privacy and helps organize the space better.

You can add extra cabinets or work surfaces to the partition wall, making the interior more functional.

The partition wall also boosts security by reducing the risk of break-ins and helps keep the desired temperature inside since most heat loss happens through the van’s front windows.

However, this setup has its downsides. The interior might feel a bit more cramped, and a fixed partition makes it harder to move from the driver’s cabin to the back of the van, which can be inconvenient when traveling.

Still, a campervan with a partition wall is great for those who value privacy and a well-organized space.

7. One-Side Bed Layout

Another interesting campervan layout features a single-sided bed.

This design makes the most of the space, allowing for easy addition of cabinets or shelves, which is perfect for those who need extra storage.

One of the benefits is easy access to the campervan’s interior through the rear doors. Plus, lengthwise beds are usually longer, making them a great choice for taller people.

However, there are a few things to consider. The single-sided bed layout might not be as comfortable for two people who need more sleeping space. It can also limit the area available for a garage.

Because of this, campervans with a single-sided bed are often preferred by solo travelers or those who want extra utility space.

8. Convertible Sofa Bed Layout

An alternative option in a campervan is the layout with a sofa bed, similar to a single-sided bed but offering more sleeping space.

This layout is super flexible—you can use it for seating during the day and easily convert it into a bed at night. Plus, the sofa adds style to the campervan, making it feel more like home.

On the flip side, converting the sofa into a bed every day can be a bit of a hassle, and the sleeping area might not be as comfy as a fixed bed. Also, without garage space, you’ll need to store your stuff in the sofa.

Overall, a campervan with a sofa bed is a practical choice, especially for those who want flexibility and travel with minimal gear.

9. Bunk Bed Layout

If you’re traveling with a larger group, consider adding bunk beds to your camper van. This setup is perfect for families with kids since it gives you more sleeping space.

Bunk beds make great use of vertical space, leaving more room for storage and functionality on the lower level. Plus, both the top and bottom bunks offer some privacy.

The downside is that getting to the top bunk can be a bit tricky with a ladder, and you’ll need to make sure there’s enough space between the beds for comfort.

But overall, this layout is one of the best options for adding extra sleeping spots in a campervan without the need for a rooftop tent.

10. U-Shape Lounge Layout

The last option on my list is a U-shaped sofa setup, which gives you plenty of seating—great for families or anyone working in a campervan.

It can easily turn into a big sleeping area or be a cozy spot to chill during the day. Plus, there’s extra storage under the seats.

On the flip side, the U-shaped sofa takes up a lot of space, which means less room for garage storage. And turning it into a bed every day can be a bit of a hassle.

Still, if you’re looking for comfort and relaxation, a U-shaped sofa in your van build is a solid choice.

10 Van Build Layout Ideas: Summary

Van life can be exciting but also tough without a well-designed camper van. Make sure yours meets your needs for comfort and efficient use of space.

Whether it’s weekend getaways or long road trips, a smartly designed camper van makes your travels more enjoyable and hassle-free.

If you found the van build layout ideas above intriguing, share this article with friends to help them build their dream camper van too!

Have your own layouts or tips to share? Drop them in the comments below – they’re valuable contributions to the van life community!