Step inside ten different campervans and discover ten entirely different worlds.

Some feel surprisingly spacious despite their compact dimensions, while others seem cramped despite their generous proportions. Some function effortlessly during daily transitions between driving, cooking, socialising, and sleeping, while others demand constant compromise and rearrangement.

The difference? Not length. Not budget. Not even craftsmanship quality.

Its layout is the thoughtful organisation of limited space, transforming metal boxes into genuine homes on wheels.

After examining thousands of conversions and collecting feedback from countless travellers, we at Quirky Campers have identified twenty layout approaches that consistently elevate the campervan experience. Some work brilliantly in massive, long-wheelbase vans; others create magic in the tiniest conversions. All deliver disproportionate returns on the thought invested in them.

1. The Fixed Rear Bed with Garage

Perhaps the most popular layout among serious travellers, this configuration places a permanent double bed across the rear of the vehicle with substantial storage underneath accessible from the rear doors.

Why it works: There is no daily bed conversion, generous storage for bulky equipment, and clear separation between sleeping and living zones.

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts carrying bikes, paddleboards, or climbing gear, and travellers prioritising sleep comfort over daytime living space.

Optimisation tips: Raise the bed platform higher than you initially think appropriate. The extra headroom when sitting on the bed edge outweighs the minor inconvenience of climbing up. Consider a split mattress with hinged sections, allowing partial garage access inside the van.

Off-grid campervans often feature this layout, which is optimised for carrying adventure equipment to remote locations.

2. The Lengthwise Fixed Single Beds

Two single beds run along each side of the van with a central aisle between them, an arrangement that solves multiple challenges simultaneously.

Why it works: It creates separate sleeping spaces without requiring a complex bed conversion. One person can sleep while another moves around, and the central aisle provides a clear passage from front to rear.

This is perfect for: Friends travelling together, parents with a teen child, and couples who prefer separate sleeping arrangements but shared travel.

Optimisation tips: Configure beds at different heights to create varied storage options beneath. Design one or both to extend or combine into a double when desired. Incorporate a removable centre table that slots between beds for dining.

Several of our unique campervans feature creative interpretations of this classic layout, including versions where singles convert to a generous double when required.

3. The French Bed Corner Layout

This ingenious design places a double bed lengthwise against one side wall, typically extending partially forward from the rear. This creates an L-shaped living space around it.

Why it works: It is a permanent bed without sacrificing all rear space. For taller people, it is more comfortable than crosswise sleeping. It also creates natural room division without walls.

Perfect for: Couples wanting fixed beds in medium-wheelbase vans and those preferring not to climb into overhead beds.

Optimisation tips: Angle the corner of the bed to improve movement flow. Design the exposed side with a fold-down section that expands width at night while allowing passage during the day. If the bed height exceeds 50 cm, incorporate pull-out steps with integrated storage.

The French bed appears frequently in luxury campervans where sophisticated space utilisation justifies premium pricing.

4. The Front Lounge, Rear Kitchen Split

This layout divides the van into two zones: a comfortable seating area behind the cab and a kitchen/utility block at the rear, with potential bathroom space between.

Why it works: Clear functional separation, generous forward-facing seating, and kitchen smells remain distant from relaxation areas.

Perfect for: Social travellers who entertain frequently, those who prefer lounging over dedicated bedrooms, and winter campers who spend significant time inside.

Optimisation tips: Design lounge seating that easily converts to a comfortable bed without complex mechanisms. Consider a slide-out or swivel table for both dining and work activities. Ensure the kitchen design allows cooking with the rear doors open in good weather.

Many campervans just for two utilise this layout, creating intimate conversation spaces that transform efficiently for sleeping.

5. The Rear Lounge Panorama

This design is increasingly popular. It places primary seating at the van’s rear with large windows or doors, creating a panoramic vista and effectively bringing the outside in.

Why it works: It creates a genuine sense of space beyond physical dimensions, maximising the enjoyment of scenic parking locations. It functions as both a dining and relaxation area with unmatched views.

Perfect for: View-focused travellers. Those who frequently park in scenic locations. Photography enthusiasts.

Optimisation tips: Construct seating with panoramic consideration, slightly raised from standard height and angled toward views. Install highly efficient window coverings for privacy when needed. Design bed conversions that maintain window access even in sleep configuration.

Our electric campervan hire fleet includes stunning panoramic lounges that redefine how occupants experience their surroundings.

6. The Split Bathroom 

Rather than creating fully enclosed washrooms, this innovative approach separates toilet and shower facilities, positioning them on opposite sides of the central walkway.

Why it works: It eliminates the dedicated bathroom “room” that often feels cramped. It allows simultaneous use by different occupants and permits larger shower spaces than traditional combined bathrooms.

Perfect for: Couples who value bathroom privacy without sacrificing space, those who prioritise proper shower facilities over traditional layouts, and long-term travellers who need practical washing facilities.

Optimisation tips: Use high-quality room dividers that create privacy without permanent walls. Consider cassette toilets concealed within seating units rather than dedicated compartments. Design shower areas with efficient water management systems, preventing splashing into adjacent spaces.

Several campervans with woodburners feature split bathroom arrangements, combining rustic ambience with modern convenience.

7. The Central Galley 

This layout places kitchen facilities along one wall in the van’s central section, creating a natural division between front and rear zones while maximising workflow efficiency.

Why it works: Centralises plumbing and gas lines. Creates naturally divided living zones. Allows the cook to interact with people in both front and rear sections.

Perfect for: Cooking enthusiasts who prioritise meal preparation. Families needing natural space division. Those seeking efficient resource use through centralised systems.

Optimisation tips: Design countertops at slightly higher elevations than standard domestic kitchens, 85 to 90cm proves ideal for most users. Create wrap around sections where possible rather than straight linear arrangements. Incorporate robust ventilation systems preventing cooking odours from permeating fabric surfaces.

The central galley appears frequently in small campervans where space efficiency determines usability of the entire vehicle.

8. The Elevator Bed 

Increasingly popular in higher roof vans, this design suspends the main bed from the ceiling, lowering it electrically or manually when needed and raising it during daytime use.

Why it works: Eliminates bed conversion time completely. Creates versatile space underneath during day use. Preserves full size double sleeping arrangements without compromise.

Perfect for: Those wanting both fixed bed convenience and spacious daytime living. Travellers carrying large interior equipment. Multi purpose vehicle users seeking maximum flexibility.

Optimisation tips: Include manual override systems for electrical failures. Design side rails that fold away completely during day use. Consider a split system allowing partial deployment for lounge seating beneath one section.

Our festival friendly campervans often feature elevator beds, allowing efficient people accommodation while maintaining socialising space during events.

9. The Multi-Height Floor 

Breaking away from flat floor conventions, this approach incorporates intentional level changes throughout the van, creating natural space delineation and additional functionality.

Why it works: Generates psychological room separation without walls. Creates additional storage within raised sections. Improves seating ergonomics through natural height variations.

Perfect for: Design conscious travellers seeking architectural interest. Those wanting distinct functional zones. Cold weather campers benefiting from improved underfloor insulation opportunities.

Optimisation tips: Limit height variations to 10 to 15cm for safety and practicality. Use contrasting flooring materials to highlight level changes. Incorporate subtle lighting at steps for nighttime safety.

The Cream of the Quirk collection showcases several extraordinary implementations of multi height flooring, transforming utilitarian vehicles into sophisticated living spaces.

10. The Expanding Pod Exterior

This innovative approach extends living space beyond the vehicle shell through careful integration of awnings, slide outs, and deployable structures that become genuine room expansions.

Why it works: Dramatically increases usable space in good weather. Creates distinct environments for different activities. Allows compact driving dimensions with expanded stationary living.

Perfect for: Extended stay travellers. Those camping predominantly in moderate climates. Families needing extra space without driving massive vehicles.

Optimisation tips: Prioritise rapid deployment systems operable by one person. Design for partial use during brief stops rather than solely extended setups. Create weatherproof connections between the vehicle and expansions.

Our unique campervans include several outstanding examples of expanding designs that double effective living space when deployed at campsites.

11. The Convertible Dinette Reimagined

Moving beyond basic rock and roll beds, modern convertible dinettes transform between multiple configurations, dining, lounging, working, and sleeping, through innovative mounting systems and clever joinery.

Why it works: It maximises space utility throughout different daily activities, adapts to varied needs without compromise, and eliminates dedicated single-use areas.

Perfect for: Digital nomads requiring proper working positions, socialising travellers who entertain frequently, and those preferring open-concept living over compartmentalised designs.

Optimisation tips: Incorporate table mechanisms allowing simple height adjustments between dining and coffee table positions. Seating should be designed with proper back support rather than upright bench profiles. Consider asymmetrical arrangements that create more comfortable corner seating.

Many of our luxury campervans feature convertible systems that transition effortlessly between configurations without the awkward mechanisms plaguing earlier designs.

12. The Hidden Bathroom Concept

Rather than dedicated washroom compartments, this approach conceals bathroom facilities within seemingly standard furniture elements, revealing them only when required.

Why it works: It eliminates space dedicated solely to infrequently used functions. It maintains an open-concept feel during the majority of usage and creates more generous proportions when bathroom facilities are deployed.

Perfect for: Weekend travellers with occasional bathroom needs, design-focused converters prioritising spatial aesthetics, and those frequently staying at serviced campsites with external facilities.

Optimisation tips: Incorporate high-quality seals to prevent odour transfer. Design concealment systems that deploy without complex procedures. Consider shower trays that fold away into wall sections rather than floor compartments.

Several pet-friendly campervan hire options use hidden bathrooms, maximising open floor space for animal companions while maintaining human conveniences.

13. Asymmetrical Excellence

Breaking from conventional centred aisle thinking, asymmetrical layouts position walkways off centre, creating varied depth spaces along opposing walls, narrow utility sections on one side with deeper living zones on the other.

Why it works: It delivers more usable depth in primary functional areas, creates natural workflow patterns, and maximises storage potential through varied compartment depths.

Perfect for: Thoughtful space planners willing to challenge conventions, those with specific activities requiring deeper counters or seating, and travellers who prefer clearly defined functional zones.

Optimisation tips: Position deeper sections on the side matching your dominant hand for improved kitchen ergonomics. Create visual continuity through overhead cabinet alignment despite floor-level asymmetry. Consider sliding-door bathroom designs that require minimal swing space.

Many off-grid camper vans utilise asymmetrical layouts, creating generous space for batteries and water storage on one side with living functions optimised on the other.

14. The Social Circle 

Departing from linear seating arrangements, this layout creates conversational circular or U-shaped seating areas where occupants naturally face each other rather than walls or windows.

Why it works: It facilitates genuine interaction between travellers, creates a distinct psychological environment from standard vehicle seating, and encourages relaxation and conversation.

Perfect for: Social travellers prioritising human connection, families seeking quality time together, and those viewing vehicles as genuine living spaces rather than transport with beds.

Optimisation tips: Design table systems that deploy quickly when needed but disappear completely otherwise. Create seating at the proper height and depth for extended, comfortable sitting. Consider integrating swivel cab seats with the circle to accommodate additional guests.

Glastonbury Festival campervans frequently feature exceptional social layouts, creating natural gathering spaces during events.

15. Transforming Furniture 

Unlike basic convertible furniture, transforming components completely change function: tables become showers, seating conceals toilets, kitchen counters slide to reveal sinks, and storage units deploy as step systems.

Why it works: It eliminates single-purpose elements that take up space when unused. It creates surprisingly large functional areas when needed. It maintains a clean, uncluttered aesthetic during most of its use.

Perfect for: Design enthusiasts appreciating mechanical ingenuity. Those using vans for varied purposes who require different configurations. Minimalists seek clean, uncluttered environments.

Optimisation tips: Prioritise transformation mechanisms that remain functional after thousands of cycles. Avoid complex systems requiring perfect alignment to function. Consider magnetic catches rather than mechanical latches for frequently transformed elements.

The Cream of the Quirk collection showcases particularly inventive transforming elements that surprise and delight users with their clever functionality.

16. Internal Garage Access

While rear garage storage proves popular, internal access designs create weatherproof connections between living spaces and storage areas, integrating rather than separating these functions.

Why it works: It allows equipment retrieval without going outside during adverse weather. It creates a natural division between clean and potentially dirty storage zones. It facilitates improved organisation through easier access.

Perfect for: Year-round travellers facing varied climate conditions, photography or technical equipment users needing frequent access to gear, and those carrying valuable items who prefer concealed storage access.

Optimisation tips: Design access points that seal completely when not in use, preventing heat loss. Create transitional mats or zones to catch dirt from stored equipment. Consider sliding or bifold doors rather than hinged systems that consume interior space when open.

Several models in our complete campervan collection feature innovative internal garage access designs, particularly those catering to adventure sports enthusiasts.

17. Pop-Top Expansion

Moving beyond basic roof elevation, modern pop-top designs create genuine second floors with proper headroom, permanent bedding installations, and sophisticated space utilisation.

Why it works: It dramatically increases usable volume while maintaining compact driving dimensions. It creates a natural separation between sleeping and living zones and improves ventilation and connection with surroundings.

Perfect for: Families needing separate sleeping areas, those parking in height-restricted areas, and travellers seeking improved airflow during warm-weather camping.

Optimisation tips: Invest in highly insulated tops for year-round comfort. Include proper ventilation options to combat condensation. Design stair/ladder systems that feel secure even for middle-of-the-night bathroom visits.

Small campervans particularly benefit from pop-top arrangements, which effectively double usable space when parked while maintaining manoeuvrable dimensions when driving.

18. Kitchen Outside 

Rather than squeezing comprehensive cooking facilities inside, this layout streamlines internal kitchens to basics while creating elaborate cooking spaces that deploy outside the vehicle.

Why it works: It eliminates cooking odours and moisture from interior spaces, provides more generous food preparation areas than possible internally, and creates natural social cooking environments.

Perfect for: Culinary enthusiasts who enjoy proper meal preparation, fair-weather campers spending significant time outdoors, and those who prefer to socialise while cooking.

Optimisation tips: Design systems that deploy quickly without complex setup procedures. Create a windbreak integration to protect cooking flames. Include proper lighting for evening meal preparation. Ensure outside kitchens remain usable despite light rain.

Many festival-friendly campervans feature exceptional outdoor kitchen setups, perfect for social cooking during events.

19. The Van Within a Van Concept

This innovative approach creates a clear visual and psychological “house” structure inside the van shell, with distinct roof lines, wall treatments, and architectural elements that establish a home-like environment.

Why it works: It transforms the feel of an industrial vehicle into a residential atmosphere. It creates natural ceiling height variations, improving spatial perception. It establishes a distinct design language separate from its automotive origins.

Perfect for: Design-sensitive travellers seeking genuine home comfort, full-time’ van lifers’ wanting psychological separation from vehicle identity, and those valuing ambience as highly as function.

Optimisation tips: Use varied materials, creating clear “exterior” and “interior” surfaces within the van shell. Consider ceiling treatments suggesting traditional residential construction. Incorporate house-like details such as trim work, wainscoting, or decorative elements.

The Cream of the Quirk collection includes several extraordinary interpretations of this concept, with some conversions creating genuine tiny house atmospheres within van shells.

20. The Flexible Zoning System

Rather than fixed room designations, flexible zoning uses movable dividers, sliding panels, curtain systems, and transforming furniture to reconfigure spaces throughout the day.

Why it works: It creates the right-sized areas for each activity rather than compromising multipurpose spaces. It allows privacy when needed without permanent walls. It adapts to different occupant numbers and requirements.

Perfect for: Those seeking adaptability to varied usage patterns, families with changing space requirements, and travellers who use vans for diverse activities beyond holidays.

Optimisation tips: Incorporate ceiling tracks with movable panels to allow genuine room division. Design furniture groupings that naturally define zones without feeling scattered. Use lighting to reinforce the current space configuration rather than static arrangements.

Our unique campervans showcase many creative implementations of flexible zoning, demonstrating how adaptable smaller spaces can become through thoughtful design.

Beyond Layout: Three Principles for Exceptional Vans

While specific layouts address functional requirements, truly exceptional campervans incorporate deeper design principles:

Prioritise Circulation Paths

How occupants move through spaces fundamentally determines comfort more than dimensions alone. Successful layouts create clear, unobstructed pathways between functional areas without awkward turns, level changes, or pinch points.

Consider midnight bathroom journeys, morning coffee preparation, or rain-soaked returns from outdoor activities. Pathways should accommodate these movements without disrupting other occupants or functions.

Design for Your Actual Use Pattern

Fantasy layouts addressing imagined usage patterns inevitably disappoint. Document your genuine camping behaviour during rental experiences or initial trips, where you spend time, what activities matter most, and how you use spaces rather than how you think you might.

Our complete campervan collection offers perfect research opportunities to test various layouts before committing to permanent conversions.

Balance Privacy and Connection

Even the closest relationships sometimes benefit from appropriate separation. Successful layouts create opportunities for shared experiences and individual activities without forcing either.

Consider how visual connections maintain relationships even during separate activities: cooking while another reads, morning preparation while another sleeps, working while another relaxes. These interactions define successful cohabitation in small spaces.

Create Your Dream Campervan Layout Today

The ideal campervan layout isn’t just about maximising space; it’s about creating a home that perfectly suits your travel style and preferences. These twenty innovative approaches represent the beginning of your journey, not the end.

Ready to explore these layouts firsthand?

1. Experience Before Building: Hire from our diverse collection to test different layouts in real-world conditions before committing to your own conversion.
2. Expert Conversion Support: Our Quirky Van Conversions team can help you create your perfect layout, whether you’re building yourself or seeking professional assistance.
3. Join Our Community: Have you already completed your perfect conversion? Rent out your campervan with us to share your innovative layout with others while earning income when you’re not travelling.

The perfect layout transforms metal boxes into genuine homes on wheels, creating not just places to sleep but spaces to live. Which approach will transform your campervan adventure? Contact our team today to discuss your ideal layout!