The van life movement has experienced a remarkable renaissance, with wanderlust seekers and adventure enthusiasts embracing mobile living like never before. Among the various design aesthetics capturing hearts and Instagram feeds, the 70s boho retro van interior stands as the ultimate expression of freedom, creativity, and nostalgic charm. This groovy aesthetic combines the free-spirited essence of the 1970s with bohemian flair, creating spaces that feel both cozy and adventurous.
Whether you’re converting your first van or seeking inspiration to refresh your mobile home, these 18 retro van interior ideas will transport you back to an era of peace, love, and endless road trips.
The 1970s marked a pivotal moment in van culture, when converted vans became symbols of counterculture freedom and alternative living. Today’s retro boho van interiors pay homage to this era while incorporating modern functionality and comfort. The aesthetic thrives on warm earth tones, natural textures, vintage patterns, and handcrafted elements that create an inviting atmosphere perfect for life on the road.
1. Macramé Wall Hangings and Plant Paradise
Transform your van’s walls into a bohemian sanctuary with intricate macramé wall hangings. These handwoven masterpieces add texture and visual interest while maintaining the authentic 70s vibe. Pair them with trailing plants like pothos or string of hearts to create a living, breathing interior. Install floating wooden shelves to display small potted succulents and air plants, bringing nature’s tranquility into your mobile home.
The key lies in choosing macramé pieces with varying sizes and patterns, large statement pieces behind the bed area and smaller accents throughout the living space. Natural cotton rope in cream or beige tones works best, complementing the earthy color palette essential to this aesthetic.
2. Warm Wood Paneling with Natural Grain
Nothing says 70s van life like rich wood paneling that showcases natural grain patterns. Cedar, pine, or reclaimed barn wood creates an authentic foundation for your retro interior. The wood’s natural warmth provides the perfect backdrop for colorful textiles and vintage accessories while offering excellent insulation properties.
Consider creating accent walls with tongue-and-groove planks or installing wood paneling halfway up the walls with painted upper sections. This approach adds visual depth while maintaining the classic van aesthetic that defined the era.
3. Vintage Persian and Moroccan Rugs
Layer vintage-inspired Persian and Moroccan rugs throughout your van to define spaces and add authentic boho character. These textiles serve multiple purposes – they provide comfort underfoot, absorb sound, and inject rich colors and intricate patterns that epitomize 70s design sensibilities.
Choose rugs with deep reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows featuring traditional medallion or geometric patterns. Layer smaller rugs over larger ones to create depth and visual interest, and don’t be afraid to mix patterns, the eclectic approach is quintessentially bohemian.
4. Colorful Tapestries as Functional Art
Transform your van’s ceiling or walls with vibrant tapestries that serve as both decoration and functional elements. These large textile pieces can conceal storage areas, create privacy screens, or simply add a burst of psychedelic color reminiscent of the hippie era.
Look for tapestries featuring mandalas, paisley patterns, or nature-inspired designs in rich jewel tones. Sunset-themed tapestries with oranges, purples, and pinks create a perpetual golden hour atmosphere inside your mobile home.
5. Low-Profile Furniture with Curved Lines
Embrace the distinctive furniture styles of the 1970s with low-profile seating and tables featuring curved, organic lines. Bean bag chairs, floor cushions, and low wooden tables create the casual, laid-back atmosphere synonymous with the era. These pieces also maximize headroom in your van while maintaining comfort and functionality.
Consider building custom banquette seating with rounded corners and plush cushions covered in corduroy or velvet fabrics in earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, or deep brown.
6. Warm Edison Bulb Lighting
Create the perfect ambiance with warm Edison bulb lighting that mimics the soft, golden glow of vintage incandescent bulbs. String these bulbs along the van’s ceiling or install them in vintage-style fixtures to establish a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for evening relaxation.
Combine Edison bulbs with dimmer switches to adjust lighting levels throughout the day. The warm light enhances the rich colors and textures of your boho interior while providing adequate illumination for reading and daily activities.
7. Natural Fiber Storage Baskets
Incorporate woven storage baskets made from natural fibers like jute, seagrass, or rattan to maintain organization while adding textural elements. These baskets serve dual purposes as functional storage and decorative accents that reinforce the natural, handcrafted aesthetic.
Choose baskets in varying sizes and weaving patterns to create visual interest. Large floor baskets can hold blankets and pillows, while smaller versions organize kitchen supplies, toiletries, and personal items.
8. Vintage Record Player Corner
Dedicate a corner of your van to a vintage record player setup complete with a curated collection of 70s vinyl records. This functional entertainment center serves as both a conversation piece and a source of authentic period music that enhances the overall atmosphere.
Install floating shelves to display album covers as rotating art pieces, and consider adding a small vintage amplifier and speakers to complete the audiophile experience. The ritual of playing records adds a mindful, analog element to van life.
9. Beaded Curtain Room Dividers
Install beaded curtain room dividers to separate different areas of your van while maintaining the free-flowing, open feel characteristic of bohemian design. These curtains add movement, sound, and visual interest while providing flexible privacy options.
Choose natural wood beads in varying sizes or opt for colorful plastic beads that reflect light and create rainbow patterns throughout the interior. The gentle movement and soft clicking sounds add a sensory dimension to your mobile living space.
10. Earthy Color Palette with Pops of Orange
Build your interior design around a warm, earthy color palette featuring browns, tans, and deep greens with strategic pops of burnt orange and golden yellow. This color scheme reflects the natural world while maintaining the vibrant energy of 70s design.
Paint cabinet doors in sage green or warm brown, add orange throw pillows and blankets, and incorporate brass or copper accents to tie the palette together. The key is balancing neutral earth tones with energizing warm colors.
11. Hanging Planters and Air Gardens
Maximize your connection to nature with hanging planters suspended from the van’s ceiling or mounted on walls. These vertical gardens save precious floor space while bringing life and freshness to your mobile home.
Spider plants, trailing philodendrons, and air plants thrive in van environments and require minimal maintenance. Use macramé plant hangers or vintage-style ceramic planters to maintain aesthetic consistency throughout your interior.
12. Vintage Mirrors with Sunburst Frames
Install vintage-inspired mirrors with ornate sunburst or decorative frames to create the illusion of more space while adding glamorous 70s flair. These mirrors reflect natural light throughout the van during the day and multiply artificial lighting at night.
Choose mirrors with brass, copper, or dark wood frames featuring geometric or organic patterns. Position them strategically to maximize light reflection and create focal points in different areas of your van.
13. Handcrafted Ceramic Dinnerware
Complete your retro aesthetic with handcrafted ceramic dinnerware featuring earth-tone glazes and organic shapes. Stoneware plates, bowls, and mugs in browns, oranges, and deep greens connect meal preparation and dining to the overall design theme.
Look for pieces with subtle texture variations and imperfect, handmade qualities that add character and authenticity. These pieces are both functional and decorative when displayed on open shelving.
14. Textured Throw Pillows and Cushions
Layer your seating areas with an abundance of textured throw pillows and cushions in various fabrics like corduroy, velvet, faux fur, and woven cotton. This layered approach creates comfort while adding visual and tactile interest essential to bohemian design.
Mix solid colors with patterns like paisley, geometric prints, and floral designs. The key is creating a collected-over-time look that appears casual and inviting rather than overly coordinated.
15. Vintage Suitcase Storage
Repurpose vintage suitcases as both storage solutions and decorative elements that reinforce the travel theme of van life. Stack them to create nightstands, use them under seating for hidden storage, or display them as accent pieces.
Choose suitcases with interesting hardware, travel stickers, or unique colors that complement your overall design scheme. These pieces add authentic vintage character while providing practical storage for clothing and personal items.
16. Brass and Copper Accent Hardware
Replace standard hardware with brass and copper alternatives to add warmth and vintage authenticity to your van interior. Cabinet handles, light fixtures, and decorative accents in these warm metals create cohesion and reflect the metallic trends of the 1970s.
Consider installing brass corner protectors, decorative hinges, and vintage-style locks that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The warm metal tones complement the earthy color palette perfectly.
17. Shag Rug Comfort Zones
Add ultra-soft shag rugs in strategic locations to create comfort zones for relaxation and lounging. These high-pile rugs epitomize 70s interior design while providing luxurious comfort underfoot.
Choose rugs in neutral tones like cream, tan, or deep brown that won’t show dirt easily but still provide the textural contrast essential to the aesthetic. Small shag rugs work well in bedroom areas and lounging spaces.
18. Vintage-Style Refrigerator with Rounded Corners
Complete your retro van kitchen with a vintage-style refrigerator featuring rounded corners and period-appropriate colors like avocado green, harvest gold, or classic white. These appliances serve as functional focal points that anchor the 70s aesthetic.
If vintage appliances aren’t practical, consider modern appliances with retro styling that provide contemporary efficiency with authentic visual appeal. The rounded, soft lines complement the organic shapes found throughout bohemian design.
These 18 retro van interior ideas provide a solid foundation for creating your own groovy mobile sanctuary. The journey of converting and designing your van is just as important as the destinations you’ll reach. Each element you choose adds to the story of your adventure and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s your favorite 70s boho design element from this list? Share your van conversion progress, ask questions about specific techniques, or tell us about your dream van interior in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow van life enthusiasts who might need some retro inspiration for their own mobile homes!
Ready to start your van conversion journey? Explore our related articles on van electrical systems, space-saving storage solutions, and budget-friendly conversion tips to make your dream van a reality.
