DIY campervan curtains
If you’re converting a van and wondering how the heck do people hang curtains in a campervan? — you’re not alone. Curtains do more than add privacy; they soften a tiny space, hide awkward cupboard openings, and reduce rattles while driving.
After building out my own tiny cottage-style campervan, I tested three different methods depending on the area of the van:
wooden curtain rods, cotton rope, and flexible curtain wire.
Here’s a complete guide to choosing the right system for each space — plus how I made my own removable curtain rods and what works best for windows vs cupboards.
1. Wooden Curtain Rods (My DIY Dowel Pole Method)
This is the prettiest, sturdiest, and most cottage-core option — perfect for creating a warm, homely feel inside a tiny campervan kitchen.
I made my own curtain poles using:
- 32mm wooden dowels
- Small cup hooks to hold the rod in place
- Removable ends so the curtains can slide off for washing
- Cream waffle cotton fabric (same as my window curtains, but without blackout)
Why I use wooden rods for my kitchen cabinets:
✔ Beautiful cottage-style finish
✔ Strong enough for high-traffic doors
✔ Won’t sag like rope
✔ Easy to remove for cleaning
✔ Gives a polished, built-in look
How I installed them:
- Screw small hooks on either side of the cabinet frame
- Cut the dowel to the exact width
- Slide the curtain onto the dowel
- Rest the dowel inside the hooks
- Remove the rod when it’s time to wash the fabric
How I made the rods look like proper curtain poles
To give the rods a finished, intentional look (and to stop curtains sliding off the ends), I added mini wooden drawer knobs — the same style I used on my kitchen cabinet doors.
I used these:
20Pcs Wooden Drawer Knobs 28mm Round Wood Cabinet Knobs Unlacquered
They’re small, lightweight, and match the natural wood aesthetic perfectly.
To attach them securely, I:
- Drilled a hole into each end of the dowel
- Inserted M4 hanger bolts (double-headed threaded bolts)
- Screwed the drawer knobs onto the protruding end of the bolt
I used these:
M4 Hanger Bolts Length 1″(25mm) Double Headed Bolts Self-Tapping Screw 4mm Wood Joint Furniture Legs
This setup lets me unscrew the knobs any time to slide curtains on and off. It’s genuinely the perfect removable system for a small space.
Where wooden rods work best:
- Windows
- High-traffic doors (like my fridge area)
2. Cotton Rope (Ideal for Awkward Angles & Tight Spaces)
Vans aren’t square like houses — which means some corners and cabinets simply won’t fit a wooden rod. In my tiny kitchen, I quickly discovered a few awkward spots where a standard pole just wasn’t going to work.
For these tricky areas, I use cotton rope paired with small screw hooks. It’s a flexible, affordable, lightweight solution that adapts to weird shapes beautifully.
Why I Use Cotton Rope in Certain Cabinets
Cotton rope isn’t as sturdy as wooden dowels, but it excels in places where rods physically won’t fit. It bends, it flexes, and it holds just enough tension to support a curtain without needing bulky hardware.
Pros of Using Cotton Rope in Vans
✔ Lightweight — ideal when every gram matters
✔ Silent while driving — no rattling, no metal clinks
✔ Fits odd angles — curves, tight corners, and slanted walls
✔ Budget-friendly — cheaper than curtain rods
✔ Easy to install — no power tools needed
Cons to Consider
✘ Not as sturdy as a wooden rod
✘ Can sag if your curtain fabric is heavy
✘ Best for low-use or awkward-shape cabinets, not high-traffic doors
Where Cotton Rope Works Best
- Slanted kitchen units
- Curved van walls
- Tight corner shelves
- Small storage areas
- Any place a rod simply won’t fit
What I Used
- Macrame Cotton Rope (4mm) — strong enough for small curtains but flexible for awkward angles
- Small Gold Screw Hooks (½ inch) — tiny, lightweight, and easy to install
How I Installed the Rope Curtain System
- Measure your cabinet opening
- Screw small hooks into each side of the frame
- Cut the rope slightly longer than needed
- Tie a knot on each end and hook it in place
- Slide your curtain onto the rope
- Adjust the tension to prevent sagging
This rope method isn’t meant for heavy or high-use doors (like a fridge), but it’s perfect for awkward, angled, or seldom-opened storage spots.
3. Flexible Curtain Wire (Another Great Option for Van Windows)
I didn’t use curtain wire in my own van, but it’s a really popular option in many van conversions — especially for window curtains. It’s lightweight, cheap, and super practical, which makes it a favourite for people who want blackout curtains without adding bulk or weight.
If you’re building a van and want the simplest method for hanging window curtains, curtain wire is definitely worth considering.
Why Curtain Wire Works Well in Campervans
✔ Silent while driving — no clinking or rattling
✔ Very lightweight and ideal for keeping total build weight low
✔ Works great with blackout fabric
✔ Easy and fast to install
✔ Keeps curtains tight to the window frame for better privacy + insulation
✔ One of the cheapest solutions
Best Places to Use Curtain Wire
- Window curtains
- Areas that vibrate a lot while driving
- Smaller window openings
- Curtains that need to sit flush to block light
- Spaces where rods or dowels won’t fit
How Curtain Wire Is Installed (General Method)
Here’s how most vanlifers install it:
- Screw small hooks on both sides of the window frame
- Thread the curtain onto the wire
- Attach the wire ends to the hooks
- Tighten the wire so the curtain sits neatly without sagging
It’s the quickest, simplest curtain setup — perfect for anyone on a tight budget or doing a fast conversion and isn’t that fussed on aesthetics.
Which Method Should You Use? (Decision Guide)
Choosing the right curtain-hanging system in a campervan really comes down to three things:
1. How often the cupboard/window is used
- High-traffic areas → Wooden rods Strongest, easiest to remove for cleaning, most durable.
- Low-use or awkward angles → Rope Perfect for curved walls or cabinets where rods won’t fit.
- Windows or vibrating areas → Curtain wire Lightweight, silent, ideal for blackout window curtains.
2. How important aesthetics are
- Want a cosy, cottage-core vibe? → Wooden rods are the prettiest and look like real interior finishings.
- Don’t care how it looks (just need fast + cheap)? → Curtain wire is the most practical.
- Need flexibility for tricky shapes? → Cotton rope blends in and adapts to odd spaces.
3. Your fabric choice
- Heavy cotton/waffle fabric → Wooden rods
- Light blackout material → Curtain wire or rope
- Lined curtains → Rods or wired systems only
If you want the most polished interior look, wooden rods win every time.
If you want the fastest, cheapest, no-tools method, curtain wire is unbeatable.
Materials You’ll Need (All Three Methods)
For Wooden Curtain Rods
- 32mm wooden dowels
- Small cup hooks
- 20–30mm wooden drawer knobs
- M4 hanger bolts
- Drill + drill bit
- Scissors
- Curtain fabric (cotton/waffle/linen)
For Cotton Rope Curtains
- 4mm macramé cotton rope
- Small screw hooks (½ inch)
- Scissors
- Lightweight fabric
For Flexible Curtain Wire
- Curtain wire kit (comes with hooks + tensioners)
- Blackout curtain fabric
- Small screws/hooks
- Screwdriver
- Fabric pocket or clip rings (optional)
Quick Step-by-Step: How I Made My Van Curtains
This applies to any of the three hanging systems — just swap the rod/rope/wire depending on your choice.
1. Measure the opening
Measure both width + height.
Add 2–3 cm seam allowance on all sides.
2. Cut your fabric
For a cottage-style look, cut enough width so the curtain gathers slightly (1.5–1.8x the opening).
3. Make a simple double-fold hem
Fold edges twice (approx. 1 cm each time)
Press with an iron
Sew around all four sides
4. Create the pocket
Fold the top edge down 4–6 cm
Sew along the bottom to make a sleeve
→ This works for rods, ropes, AND wires
5. Hang the curtain
- Slide onto wooden dowel or
- Thread onto rope or
- Slide along curtain wire
6. Adjust tension / placement
Make sure:
- the fabric sits flat
- there’s no sagging
- the curtain can move for access/cleaning
Curtain Tips for Vanlife
- Avoid metal rods — they rattle and add weight.
- Use the same fabric throughout for a cohesive interior.
- Add blackout lining on windows only to save weight.
- Choose washable fabrics — van curtains will get dusty and oily.
- Use knobs/ends on rods so curtains don’t slide off during driving.
- Avoid heavy curtains above frequently opened cupboards.
- Make curtains slightly wider than needed — it hides crooked van walls.
Watch the Full Van Tour
Coming soon
🎥 Watch me make these kitchen curtains step-by-step in Van Conversion Episode 4
Now that the soft furnishings are finally coming together, I’m moving into the last big push before hitting the road.
If you’re following this build, the next episode is a big one — it’s where everything starts feeling real. Stay tuned for the final essentials kit, the finishing touches, and the last bits of prep before living full-time on the road. 🚐✨
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