Motorhome layouts: what you need to know

Finding the right type of motorhome is one thing—size, weight and style all matter when it comes to matching one to your camping lifestyle. 

But that’s just the beginning. There are many motorhome layouts to choose from in the UK, from modestly spaced interiors to those with two lounges. 

Here you’ll find a guide to the most popular motorhome layouts to find the holiday home that suits you best.

Different motorhome layouts: the bedroom

Motorhome layouts with fixed beds offer more convenience since you can climb straight into bed at the end of the day rather than having to set up your sleeping area and bedding each night.

If you opt for a larger motorhome rather than a campervan, you’ll likely want a fixed-bed layout over transformable lounge furniture. This section covers each of the most popular options.

1. French bed layout

The French bed layout often involves a double fixed bed arranged lengthways against the offside or nearside rear of the vehicle. Since it requires less space than island beds, it’s usually best suited to low-profile motorhome layouts.

There will either be a small washroom in the corner of the room opposite the bed or one tucked just behind it at the very rear of the vehicle.

The outer side of the bed is usually tapered to allow for extra room, as there is usually limited space to move around due to its fixed design.

If you’re planning action-packed trips full of outdoor adventures, you may want to consider this fixed-bed motorhome layout—they’re more convenient than those you need to make up each evening. 

2. Transverse bed layout

Low-profile motorhome layouts require innovative design features as they have limited space to work with. This is where transverse beds come in—they involve a fixed bed with ample storage space.

Their under-bed storage is unrivalled and makes them popular with motorhome layouts aimed at families with children or adventurous couples wanting to take extra equipment away with them.

Need help finding a motorhome layout with a long enough bed? Transverse beds are usually the longest, as they take advantage of the vehicle’s width.  

One disadvantage to remember is that climbing over your sleeping partner can be a chore if you need to get out of bed, just as with French beds. If this presents an issue, you may be better off with an island or bunk bed layout.

3. Island bed layout

Couples looking for a more luxury motorhome layout will likely favour the island bed design—no more climbing over your partner to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.

Island beds are easily accessible on either side and allow for more of a separate bedroom space compared to transverse and French beds.

The headboard usually sits on the rear wall, with the foot of the bed leading to the toilet and washroom. They usually offer under-bed storage too.

However, they can sometimes mean that lounge space is limited in smaller motorhomes, as they take up more room than other beds.

 4. Single bed layout

This is one of the most popular motorhome bedroom layouts as it feels more spacious than the double fixed-bed options.

Some designs even come with the added versatility of pulling the mid-section out into a larger double bed. This is useful for those who want extra space to relax during the day but don’t want the hassle of assembling a bed each evening.

Since they’re still fixed beds, there is usually plenty of room for storage underneath, so you can easily pack clothes and other essentials out of the way.

They’re ideal for friends travelling together or couples who want the added luxury of an extra sitting area during the day. However, they’re not the best option for larger families unless they have a pop-top roof containing another double bed.

5. Bunk bed layout

Bunk beds are one of the best motorhome layouts for families, especially if they have a pop-top roof to house a double bed, as they could then easily sleep four.

They’re also a good choice for those travelling with friends or couples looking for a more space-saving option.

While our example motorhome layout shows two bunk beds and an extra sitting space, this could be replaced with either a single bed or another set of bunk beds.

Motorhome lounge layouts 

Smaller low-profile motorhomes and campervans rarely have fixed-bed layouts and usually contain a lounge that transforms into a sleeping area or a bed within a pop-top roof.

If you’re in the market for this kind of motorhome, we cover each of the most popular layouts below so you can find the best option for you.

1. Rear lounge layout

Used to staying in caravans? You might find that a rear lounge layout brings a sense of familiarity, as your sleeping space is where it would usually be in a larger motorhome.

This layout typically features two adjacent couches that fold out into a double bed and some form of a table to eat at when you’re using the area as a lounge.

One of the main benefits of choosing this motorhome layout is that there’s no need for anyone to shuffle through the lounge to go to the toilet or use the kitchen.

It keeps the living space separate and usually has a better view depending on window placement.

2. Front lounge layout

Front lounge motorhome layouts are the most popular, mainly down to doubling as a sleeping area and larger lounge when the swivelling front seats are in use. The table is usually packed away, and the couches are transformed into a double bed.

They are better suited to those who invite their friends into their campervan during social trips, as there’s more space for everyone to sit together.

If your chosen motorhome has a toilet, washroom, and kitchen, these will be located towards the vehicle’s rear. The space will likely be more limited in these areas, as this layout makes the most of the space towards the front.

3. Twin lounge layout

Larger motorhomes without fixed beds may have two separate lounge areas, an added luxury for larger families, couples travelling with friends, or those living the ‘van life’ lifestyle.

This is known as a twin lounge motorhome layout and gives you more room to sprawl out or relax after a day full of adventures.

In some models, it’s possible to transform both lounge areas into beds—one double and two twin beds or two doubles.