10 Must-See Campervan Bed Designs for Your Next Van Build

If you ever wake up with sore muscles and an aching back after travelling in a campervan, then you must be very well aware of the importance of choosing the right and comfortable bed for yourself, as it can brighten or darken your mood for the day.

When choosing a bed for yourself, prioritizing your comfort and personal needs first can save you from a lot of hassle down the road. Instead of just deciding on the spot, research different types of beds, explore their pros and cons, and then follow what feels right for you.

Before we tell you how to make the right camper bed choice, let us first tell you about the different types of camper beds used in campervans.

Designing the bed for your van conversion is a critical decision that significantly impacts your overall van life experience. It involves considering various factors to ensure the bed meets your specific needs, providing comfort and functionality in the limited space of your mobile home.

Identify who will be sharing the bed space in your van. Whether you're embarking on solo van life, sharing with a partner, or accommodating kids and pets, your choice should cater to the number and needs of the occupants. Even if traveling alone, considerations like additional space for comfort or a pet companion might influence your decision.

Exploring the need for multiple beds is crucial, especially if you anticipate hosting friends or have children as part of your van life crew. Incorporating a tuck-away bed in addition to the primary sleeping area ensures comfort for guests during quick overnights or extended road trips.

Understanding your sleep style is essential for a restful night in your van. Consider factors like height, sleep positions, and whether you move actively during sleep. These aspects influence the dimensions and layout of the bed to ensure a comfortable sleeping experience.

In the confined space of a van, accessibility to the bed requires thoughtful planning. Consider how you and your fellow travelers will navigate getting in and out. Factors like bed orientation and height may influence the need for steps or other adjustments.

Recognizing that a van's interior serves multiple purposes, think about how else you'll use the bed space. For full-time travelers, a bed that transforms into a daytime workspace might be preferable. Consider the need for a sitting area, office zone, or dining space, and integrate these features seamlessly.

Consider the social aspects of your van space. If you frequently have company, a bed that converts to "couch mode" provides extra seating for visitors. This not only enhances socializing but also allows you to lounge around, enjoying scenic views, watching movies, or engaging in various activities without the need for a separate seating area.

There’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep; therefore, bed should come at the top of your priority list when choosing a campervan for yourself. With that being said, you should think carefully about your comfort and functionality and choose a bed tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Here are the 10 must-see campervan bed designs you should keep in mind:

As the name suggests, stationary beds are immovable beds that remain fixed in their position and are always ready to be slept on. These beds are used in our homes. When it comes to beauty and grace, stationary beds always take the lead.

However, with merits come demerits. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of stationary beds

At Big Bear Vans, our premier models, Calabasas and Milan, are the campervans featuring stationary beds as per our clients’ request.

Modern problems require modern solutions, and an elevator bed is the smartest solution to maximize limited space in your campervan. An elevator bed operates using an elevator mechanism and moves up and down from the ceiling, giving you plenty of room in your campervan, which can be utilized during the day.

Let’s take a look at the benefits they offer.

Big Bear Vans offers elevator beds, which come with E/W and S/N layouts. Both layouts have their pros and cons. Our top-of-the-line model, Santa Monica Gray, is equipped with an elevator bed with expandable sides.

A loft bed, similar to a bunk bed, is raised high off the ground but without a bottom bed underneath, leaving the space below free for cabinets, a study area, or a seating area. In a campervan, where maximizing space is essential, loft beds can be a valuable solution. Since they are high off the ground, you need a ladder to access them.

Loft beds are used widely in different campervans. Before you choose one for your camper, let us tell you the different types of loft beds:

1. Fixed Loft Bed

2. Elevator Loft Bed

3. Slide-Out Loft Bed

Removable/Foldable Loft Bed

5. Bunk Loft Bed

6. Cab-Over Loft Beds (in motorhomes or large vans)

With so many types available, it becomes challenging to make the right choice. So, take time to assess your needs carefully before finalizing your decision. Here are the pros and cons of installing loft beds in campervans:

At Big Bear Vans, we have loft beds in our custom campervans like Motovan.

A Murphy bed, also known as a fold-down bed or wall bed, is hinged at one end and can be folded up against the wall or into a cabinet when not in use, freeing up space for other purposes. William Murphy invented these fold-away beds in the early 1900s to save space in small apartments.

These beds are mostly used in campervans, where space is a major concern. Despite having advantages, Murphy beds have some disadvantages as well. Let’s explore them.

How can we forget the dinette bed system when we’re talking about space-saving solutions? It is yet another camper bed standing at the top of the list, helping you make the most of every inch in your campervan while offering you both a dining area and a comfortable bed.

It comes with two benches and a table in the middle that can be removed and replaced with cushions to make a bed whenever you want to sleep. Let’s weigh the benefits against the drawbacks.

At MyCustomVan, we offer dinette beds in most of our models, including Calavera and San Clemente.

Back in the old times, who could have imagined that even seats could be converted into a bed? As the name suggests, an extra seat transforms into a bed, offering you not only enough space but also a pass-through layout as well as a sitting area during the day.

Featured in our top builds like Santa Monica Black and Mont Fort, this bed is large enough to accommodate one person. Let’s take a look at its benefits and drawbacks.

If you're worried about having limited space in your campervan, it’s time to relax, as the Cubbunk double hammock bed is the best campervan bunk bed for families.

Hammock beds are inspired by swinging beds, often made of fabric or net, which are suspended between two trees or poles. However, hammock beds for campervans are different, as they don’t sway like traditional hammock beds.

They are securely fixed and don’t swing because of safety concerns in campervans, and feel more like a suspended fabric bed. You can attach it inside your campervan, and it becomes a comfy camper bed for kids. Let’s see what this kind of camper bed brings to the table for its users.

The Luno inflatable camper bed is an air-filled mattress that comes with an air pump, designed specifically for tight spaces.

The best thing about it is that it doesn’t have legs or structure like regular beds, and that is why it can be easily adjusted in the back of your campervan.

All you need to do is fold the seats, place the mattress, and inflate it using the air pump that comes with it. You can simply deflate it, pack it away, and store it after use. It takes 5 to 7 minutes to transform into a bed and gives you a soft and comfortable sleeping space. Let’s explore its pros and cons.

An extra bench bed is a seat or bench inside a campervan that can turn into a bed when needed. It can be used as a sitting area during the day, and at night, you can pull out a part to make it a sleeping space.

Some benches fold down like a futon, while others slide or have hidden cushions that come together to form a bed. Bench beds come with seatbelts, which keep them locked and held securely in place when they are not in use. Let’s look into its pros and cons.

If you have ever spent a night in a forest camp, then you must be aware of the challenges it brings with it, such as insects, the danger of wild animals, etc.

A rooftop tent saves you from such challenges, as it offers a sleeping space high above the ground, keeping you safe from potential risks. It is mounted on the roof of your campervan, giving you a sense of comfort and safety.

When it’s time to sleep, you can climb a ladder, unzip, or pop it open, and it converts into a bed. Moreover, sleeping above the ground helps you to stay cooler during hot nights and gives you a nice view of the mountains and forests. But like every bed, it also comes with pros and cons. Let’s look into these.

Choosing the right campervan bed is more than just a matter of comfort; it helps you in redefining your travel style, daily needs, and available space. If you are interested in comfort and convenience, stationary beds or elevator beds might be the best options for you. If saving space is your priority, dinette beds, extra seat beds, or even a Murphy bed could be your best friend. Take your time to decide which camper bed suits you the best instead of choosing one in a rush. In the end, the right campervan bed can make or break your day.