• Blog
• Motorhomes

Our Guide to Maximising Space and Comfort in Your Motorhome with Fixed Beds

Motorhomes are the ultimate way to hit the open road while enjoying all the comforts of home. For many travellers, a motorhome with fixed beds is a preferred choice, thanks to its permanent sleeping area that eliminates the daily hassle of setting up and packing away a bed. However, the fixed bed design does occupy a substantial portion of the motorhome’s floorplan, so it’s essential to make the most of the available space without compromising the usability of your living area.

In this updated edition of the Coachman blog, we’ll explore practical ways to optimise the space around the fixed bed in your motorhome. From clever storage solutions to layout tips, we’ll show you how to enhance both comfort and functionality. With these ideas, you can transform your fixed bed motorhome into a spacious, efficient, and inviting home on wheels!

What is the Right Fixed Bed Layout?

There isn’t really a ‘right’ answer. The most common fixed bed layouts include French beds, island beds and transverse beds, with each style having its own benefits and drawbacks.

• French bed: Positioned along one side of the motorhome, French beds tend to be slightly smaller than a standard double bed. They usually feature a cut-off corner, which means there’s more room for a hallway or bathroom access. This type of bed is ideal for maximising the motorhome’s floor space without sacrificing too much sleeping area.
• Island bed: An island bed is centrally positioned in the motorhome, with access on either (both) sides. This offers excellent ease of movement, as well as a more traditional bedroom feel. Island beds can also accommodate storage under the bed.
• Transverse bed: This type of bed is placed across the width of the motorhome, often at the rear. Transverse beds can be larger than French beds, and they’re particularly great for couples or people who need a bit more sleeping space.
• Twin singles: Convenient for ensuring total rest on the road, fixed twin singles can be the perfect  option. Positioned at the rear, either side of the central walkway, twin singles offer easy access when it’s time to go to bed.

It’s worth noting that some motorhomes also feature a ‘drop down’ double bed towards the front which conveniently ‘disappears’ when not in use and therefore, in itself, offers some intelligent use of the interior (i.e. more room for day-to-day living). Picking the ‘right’ motorhome bed layout means ‘the right for you’. It will depend on your personal preference, based on preferred aesthetics and your practicalities. For instance, if you travel solo or as a couple, a French or transverse bed can free up space for other amenities, though an island bed offers a much more traditional feel.

Make Use of Smart Storage Solutions

Maximising the space in a motorhome with fixed beds often comes down to smart storage solutions, including making the most of the area beneath the bed. Here are some ideas to help you stay organised and efficient:

Under-Bed Storage

Many fixed beds feature a lift-up mechanism, providing easy access to the space beneath the mattress. This area is perfect for storing bulky items such as outdoor gear, folding chairs, or seasonal clothing. To keep it organised, use plastic storage boxes, vacuum-sealed bags, or drawer units to categorise your items and make retrieval hassle-free.

Overhead Lockers

Most motorhomes come equipped with overhead lockers above the bed, which are ideal for storing lighter items like bedding, clothes, or books. To keep this space tidy, consider using fabric boxes or organisers to prevent items from shifting during travel.

Bedside Storage

If your motorhome layout includes a bedside table or small shelf, this can be a convenient spot for essentials like a water bottle, reading glasses, a lamp, or your favorite holiday book. Adding slimline shelving to the walls near the bed is another great option for holding small items such as phones, chargers, earphones, or other gadgets.

Fold-Down Shelves

Installing fold-down shelves on either side of the bed can create temporary storage or extra surface space when needed. These shelves can be folded away when not in use, freeing up valuable space and reducing visual clutter, all while adding functionality to your motorhome.

By incorporating these clever storage strategies, you can optimise your motorhome with fixed beds and enjoy a more organised, spacious, and comfortable travel experience.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Choosing multi-functional furniture is one of the cleverest ways you can make the most of the limited space available in your motorhome. Where almost every square inch of space counts, pieces of furniture that serve multiple purposes will help to keep your living area much more open and spacious.

• Ottomans: Positioning a small ottoman at the foot of the bed can double as a seat as well as storage for shoes, books or other small items. Ottomans are compact and can be easily moved around though having one at the foot of the bed in a motorhome only really works if the bed is a fixed bed (i.e. not transverse).
• Folding workspace: If you like to read or work in bed, consider a fold-down desk mounted to the wall. This can also serve as a workspace or nightstand, with the added benefit that it can be stored flat against the wall when it’s not in use.
• Bed extension: Some fixed beds feature drop-down or extendable sections, meaning a little more space for sleeping when needed and allowing the bed to be shortened during the day. This type of addition to your motorhome can increase floor space without compromising comfort.

Consider a Motorhome With Fixed Beds

Creating a comfortable sleeping area involved more than just having a soft mattress (or mattresses if your motorhome has twin singles). There are various other ways you can ensure a restful night’s sleep.

• Toppers: If your fixed bed mattress is firm or lacks support, a mattress topper can improve comfort without taking up much room. If it’s necessary to store the topper during the day, you can buy a foldable version.
• Lighting: Install LED strip lights under overhead cabinets or along the bed frame to create a soft ambient glow. This will make the bedroom space feel warmer and more inviting without taking the extra space a lamp or lantern would use.
• Blackout: Using insulated curtains or blackout blinds around the bed area will help to regulate temperature as well as reduce the light getting in from the, therefore making the space much more private and enhancing the quality of your sleep.

Use Visual Tricks

Making your motorhome feel more spacious is not only about physical changes but also about the way you use visual design. There are certain design tricks that can make your motorhome appear larger and more open.

• Light colours: Using light and neutral colours on the walls, bedding and furniture can make the space in the motorhome feel more expansive. Consider using shades of white, beige or light grey as these will create an airy feel.
• Mirrors: Positioning a mirror near the fixed bed can create an illusion of depth. Mirrors reflect light around a space, the effect being that they make a room feel larger than it is – especially helpful in compact motorhomes.
• Avoid clutter: Keep the area around the bed as free from clutter as you possibly can. Use the under-bed storage (if available) and employ wall-mounted options to keep floors and surfaces clear. This will all ensure the motorhome looks and feels more open.

Flexible Zones

In a motorhome, the living, sleeping, washing, and dining areas are often in close proximity. To make the space around your fixed bed feel larger, consider creating flexible zones that can adapt to different times of the day. Here’s how:

Dividers

Install curtains or sliding partitions around the bed to establish a private sleeping area. During the day, these can be opened to seamlessly merge the sleeping zone with the living area, creating a more spacious feel. Many modern motorhomes come equipped with built-in room dividers designed for this purpose, offering added convenience and functionality.

Lighting

Lighting can play a key role in defining and enhancing the different zones of your motorhome. Use dimmable lights or multiple light sources to change the mood and functionality of your space. Bright lights can make the area feel open and energised during the day, while softer lighting at night helps to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere.

By incorporating these tactics alongside the storage and layout ideas mentioned in this blog, you can maximise the space in your fixed bed motorhome, ensuring a balance of comfort and functionality. At Coachman, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality vehicles like the Travel Master motorhome series, which offer exceptional living spaces. Making the most of those spaces is up to you—and with these strategies, you’re well on your way to creating a motorhome that feels like home!

Jackie Shipley

Sales & Marketing

Jackie Shipley, who works in the sales and marketing department at Coachman.

Get in Touch