Aww, to wake up in nature. Babbling brooks, rustling leaves, twittering birdsong, the warm glow of sun filtering through the trees. These sights and sounds can evoke feelings of calm and contentment in even the heaviest of souls.
Unless that soul didn’t get a good night’s sleep.
In van life - and life in general - sleep is paramount to a good experience. The comfort and familiarity of a well-designed sleeping space can signal the difference between cheerful chirps or a clanging cacophony, toasty rays gently summoning a new day or a glaring wake-up call. But while prioritizing sleep seems like a no-brainer, the confined spaces available in camper vans can make finding the right solution challenging. From selecting your main beds, accessory beds, and all the other factors conducive to happy sleeping arrangements, let’s look at what sleep solutions are available for your camper van.
Choices, Choices: Considerations for Choosing Your Sleeping Solutions
A good night’s sleep is priceless. And while there’s little better than getting out on the road and exploring every corner of this earth, even the most comfortable sleeping bag/pad combo can’t replace the coziness and comfort of your bed. This is one of a hundred different reasons we love a camper van: all the comfort and familiarity of home, no matter where you are - especially if you prioritize sleeping arrangements in your design.
The main bed is a decision that can greatly alter your van’s design and functionality. It is easily the largest design component in your van and will take up the most space, determining much of the overall layout of your camper van. Because of its size and, frankly, importance, we always start with the main bed in our design process.
Since this decision so greatly impacts the rest of the design, it’s crucial to determine your priorities: what do you want, need, and require from your van? We all dream of the California King mattress, but with the limited space offered in a van, it’s imperative to understand the trade-offs.
In the confined space of a van, every single decision involves a trade-off. A larger bed means more storage - but also requires installing pricey bump-outs. A smaller bed might mean tighter sleeping arrangements but could allow for more living space and room to entertain. Whether you're designing a home away from home or a cozy place to crash on the road to nowhere, the best sleeping arrangement for your van boils down to your individual priorities and what purpose you want your van to serve. Some good things to consider are:
Size of the bed
The dimensions of the bed play a vital role in determining comfort and available space within the camper van.
Orientation of the Bed
The positioning of the bed, whether North-South or East-West, influences the overall layout and flow of the camper van interior.
Storage Needs
Assessing storage needs is important, as it impacts the organization and accessibility of gear and supplies in tight camper van spaces.
Convenience
Prioritizing convenience in design choices ensures that the camper van setup is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and supports daily routines.
Hangout Space
Designating a comfortable area for socializing or relaxing is essential for creating a multifunctional camper van interior that goes beyond just sleeping arrangements.
Traditional Bed Configurations
Traditional bed configurations play a crucial role in determining the flow and functionality of your camper van. With the rise of van and bus conversions in recent years, more and more efficient options have arisen; options that provide the necessary sleep space without sacrificing form and function (and storage!) The three most common bed layouts are fixed floating beds, adjustable floating beds, and dinette-to-bed conversions.
Fixed Floating Beds: As the name suggests, this bed is permanently fixed in a specific position within the camper van. This fixture provides a space dedicated to sleeping with a large storage space or garage beneath.
Pro: Stability and permanent design. The bed is always ready and the large storage space beneath is convenient for fixed storage for all your gear and supplies.
Con: Space Constraints. The fixed nature of these beds can limit the flexibility of the interior space. While these beds can be set up in a North-South or East-West configuration, the latter may require the installation of bump-outs.
Adjustable Floating Beds: Innovative solutions like the Happi Jac bed here offer flexibility. Where a fixed-floating bed offers storage, an adjustable floating bed offers more living space. By day, the area under the bed is a cozy spot to hang out - and with the push of a button, you have a bedroom.
Pro: Adjustable floating beds offer versatility by providing a space that can double as a lounge area as well as a sleeping space.
Con: Lack of storage. While these beds can provide a great dual-function space, those needing ample storage likely won’t benefit from this option.
Dinette-to-bed Conversions: What’s the biggest piece of furniture in the house after a bed? Arguably it’s a dining table. This design combines the two into one multi-use space: a dining and entertaining area by day, and a full-size bed by night. Typically, this works by the tabletop lowering down while additional cushions create a sleeping space.
Pro: Dining area? Check. Bedroom? Check. This option is great for those who want to maximize the functionality of limited space.
Con: Setup and breakdown. Converting the space from one to the other regularly isn’t as convenient as having a dedicated sleeping area.
Accessory Beds Options
Accessory beds in camper vans are popular due to their space-saving and versatile designs which make efficient use of limited interior space. Much like the dinette-to-bed conversion, these beds often serve double duty, such as transforming seating areas into beds or incorporating retractable features like pop tops. The flexibility of accessory beds makes camper vans more adaptable to various lifestyles and preferences, enhancing overall function and comfort.
Pop tops
Pop tops are retractable roofs that can be elevated to provide additional standing room, creating a more spacious interior. The elevated space often serves as an additional sleeping area, allowing for a comfortable bed without sacrificing the van’s overall height when driving.
This convertible bed design involves transforming the seating area of the camper van into a bed. The seats can be rearranged or folded down to create an additional sleeping space.
Bench to bed
As the name implies, a bench-to-bed option typically involves a bench or seating area that can be converted into a bed. This design maximizes the utility of the space, with extra seating by day, and space for respite at night.
For those who prefer consistent, readily available sleeping arrangements, permanent bunk beds offer a fixed sleeping solution without sacrificing a lot of space.
Cabunk beds are bunk beds specifically designed for the cab area of the camper van. They make efficient use of space above the driver and passenger seats, providing additional sleeping quarters without compromising the living area of the van.
Tent
Some camper vans come equipped with tent accessories that can be attached to the exterior, expanding the living space. These tents provide an outdoor sleeping option while protecting sleepers from the elements.
Summary
The importance of selecting the right sleeping solution cannot be overstated. It influences both comfort and functionality, setting the tone for your entire camper van experience. A well-planned choice in line with your unique priorities ensures that your home on wheels is not just a vehicle - but a home away from home.
At Wanderful Wheels, we work with van lifers to ensure their camper vans are unique and tailored to their unique wants and desires. Our expertise lies in crafting personalized solutions that align with specific needs, lifestyles, and preferences.
Ready to embark on your camper van adventure complete with the perfect sleeping solution? Contact Wanderful Wheels for a personalized consultation and design service.