Choosing the right campervan furniture layout is one of the most important decisions in any conversion. The layout determines how usable the space feels day-to-day — not just how it looks when finished.
This guide breaks down the most practical campervan furniture layouts used by real builders, what works best for popular vans like the VW Transporter T6 / T6.1, Transit Custom, and larger vans such as the Citroën Relay and Peugeot Boxer, and how modular furniture kits simplify the process.
Why Layout Matters More Than Individual Furniture Pieces
Many first-time builders focus on individual items — a bed, a kitchen, a cupboard. In reality, it’s the overall furniture layout that determines whether a van feels cramped, balanced, or genuinely comfortable to live in.
A good layout:
- Maintains a clear central walkway
- Balances weight across the van
- Allows doors, seats, and storage to function without conflict
- Works with the van’s internal width, height, and wheel arches
This is why many builders now choose campervan furniture kits — the layout logic is already engineered, rather than guessed.
Most Common Campervan Furniture Layouts
Side Kitchen + Rear Bed Layout
This is the most popular layout across mid-size vans. A kitchen runs along one side wall, with a fixed or convertible bed at the rear.
Best for: Weekend campers, solo travellers, couples
Pros: Simple build, good storage potential, works with fixed beds
Considerations: Rear access can be limited depending on bed height
This layout commonly uses:
Side Dinette + Convertible Bed Layout
This layout combines seating and sleeping into one system. A side dinette converts into a bed, leaving the rear open for storage or bikes.
Best for: Multi-use vans, flexible seating needs
Pros: More daytime living space
Considerations: More complex joinery and load paths
Most builders using this layout opt for modular systems rather than fully custom joinery.
What Works Best for Popular Vans
VW Transporter T6 / T6.1
The VW T6 remains the most popular campervan platform. Its internal width means layouts must be efficient — poor planning quickly eats usable space.
Most successful VW T6 builds use:
- Side kitchen layouts with compact galley units
- Rear fixed beds with integrated storage
- Low-profile overhead lockers
Purpose-designed CNC-cut furniture kits are especially effective here, as tolerances matter far more in narrower vans.
Transit Custom
The Transit Custom offers slightly more flexibility than a T6, but still rewards clean, modular layouts.
Builders typically favour:
- Side kitchens with deeper worktops
- Rear beds with higher storage volume
- Integrated seating bases
Layouts that work in a Custom often struggle if copied directly from smaller vans — adjustments matter.
Citroën Relay / Peugeot Boxer (Large Vans)
Larger vans unlock more complex layouts, but also introduce new challenges. Wheel arches, internal height, and longer wheelbases must be planned carefully.
Common successful layouts include:
- Full rear bedroom zones
- Central kitchens with tall storage
- Dedicated storage modules and wardrobes
Many builders choose full campervan furniture kits to ensure all components work together as a system rather than separate pieces.
Why Modular Furniture Kits Simplify Layout Decisions
Designing a layout from scratch requires accurate measurements, load planning, and a clear understanding of how components interact.
Modular campervan furniture kits solve this by:
- Pre-engineering spacing and clearances
- Ensuring doors, beds, and storage don’t clash
- Allowing layouts to be adapted without redesigning everything
This reduces build time, material waste, and costly mistakes — especially for first-time builders and helps keep weight to the minimum which is important with larger van builds.
Choosing the Right Layout for Your Build
The best campervan furniture layout depends on:
- Your base van and wheelbase
- How you actually use the van (weekends vs long trips)
- Whether you prioritise storage, seating, or sleeping space
If you’re unsure which layout suits your van, exploring complete campervan furniture kits is often the fastest way to see what’s practical before committing to a build.
If you’d like to discuss layouts, materials, or configuration options, please get in touch to register interest or request a quote.