How to Save Space by Choosing the Right Campervan Bed | Insights from Vanpuravida

April 24, 2024

Photo credit @vanpuravida

Van life, a lifestyle that has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure. It allows individuals to explore the world while living in compact mobile spaces. However, one of the most intriguing challenges of van life is maximizing space without compromising comfort. In this post, we’ll delve into the art of space-saving through smart campervan bed choices, with insights from Cecile, a skilled van conversion expert and owner of Vanpuravida.

About Cecile, Jose & Vanpuravida

Cecile’s journey into van life began with a transformative four-month trip through Asia alongside her husband, Jose. Traveling on a motorbike and tent camping ignited a passion for unconventional living. While Cecile had been a seasoned backpacker, having a vehicle amplified their freedom on their adventures, prompting them to explore alternative living arrangements upon their return. This exploration led them into the world of van conversions.

Their first foray into van life began on the streets of London, where Jose encouraged them to build their own van. As they worked on the conversion, the project attracted significant attention from curious neighbors. After completing the van, they lived in it for six months until Cecile discovered she was pregnant. Opting to move into a house, they sold the van, which surprisingly found a buyer within just two days. After that, they built another van, which also sold within the same timeframe.

Out of this journey, Vanpuravida was born.

Photo credit @vanpuravida

Cecile’s interest in van conversions stemmed from a deep appreciation for the beauty and freedom of outdoor living. The experience of crafting her first van and creating a personalized living space on wheels fueled Cecile and Jose’s decision to turn their shared passion into a business venture.

Vanpuravida, founded in 2018, stands out in the van conversion community with its bespoke designs tailored to each client’s unique style and needs. Cecile’s design expertise and Jose’s craftsmanship form the foundation of their business philosophy, which is to deliver van conversions that seamlessly blend luxury, comfort and functionality, offering the ultimate van life experience.

The Importance of a Good Bed in a Campervan

A bed is the centerpiece of any van conversion, serving as a place to rest and a multifunctional space for lounging, dining and working. In a compact environment like a van, the bed plays a crucial role in maximizing comfort and efficiency. Cecile emphasizes the importance of selecting a campervan bed that fits the van’s dimensions and offers storage solutions and versatility.

When selecting a bed for your van, Cecile advises considering factors such as the size of the van, the material of the bed and its functionality. She suggests opting for a bed that can be easily converted or stowed away during the day to free up floor space. Modular beds with built-in storage compartments are also a great choice to keep your van organized and clutter-free.

Despite the challenges associated with installing a bed in a van, Cecile reassures aspiring van lifers that the investment is well worth it. A well-designed bed can significantly enhance the comfort and convenience of the van life experience. While the initial cost may seem daunting, the long-term benefits of a well-designed bed can provide a sense of reassurance and confidence.

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There are three main factors Cecile thinks her clients should take into consideration when choosing a bed for their van:

1. What type of traveler are you? For individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like biking and require ample space for equipment, Cecile suggests a platform bed that can be lifted and repurposed as a garage space.

2. Do you want a fixed bed? While some campervan owners don’t mind transitioning a sofa bed daily, others prefer the simplicity of a fixed bed, especially after a tiring day of travel.

3. Do you need a shower in your van? While an indoor shower offers convenience, particularly in colder climates, it can occupy considerable floor space. In such cases, opting for a platform bed that lifts out of the way can create additional usable floor space, balancing functionality with comfort.

The Benefits of a Loft-Style Lifting Bed

Cecile and Jose often integrate a loft-style lifting bed from Lippert into their designs. This unique addition offers many benefits that elevate both comfort and functionality in their conversions.

First and foremost, the loft-style lifting bed allows for multifunctional floor space within the van. By raising the bed to the ceiling during the day, occupants gain valuable room to move around, relax or entertain guests. This versatility is especially advantageous in the compact confines of a van, where maximizing space is paramount.

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Moreover, the lifting bed eliminates the need for constant tidying. With a simple lift mechanism, the bed effortlessly disappears into the ceiling, instantly transforming the living area into a clutter-free environment. Whether you’re preparing a meal, working on a project or simply enjoying downtime, you can do so without the hassle of clearing away bedding or rearranging furniture.

The convenience and efficiency offered by a loft-style lifting bed align perfectly with the ethos of van life—embracing simplicity and freedom without sacrificing comfort. It’s just one example of how Vanpuravida prioritizes thoughtful design solutions to enhance their clients’ overall van life experience.

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Balancing Comfort & Functionality

When it comes to designing a bed setup for a van, striking the right balance between comfort and functionality is not just important; it’s empowering. It ensures an enjoyable living experience on the road. Cecile and Jose understand the importance of this delicate equilibrium and prioritize it in their designs, empowering their clients to make informed choices.

One crucial factor to consider is the size of the occupant. A campervan bed setup should comfortably accommodate the occupants, allowing them to stretch out and relax after a day of adventure. Whether you’re tall or petite, the bed dimensions must be tailored to fit your individual needs.

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Additionally, the thickness of the mattress plays a significant role in determining comfort levels. While space in a van is limited, sacrificing mattress thickness can result in compromised sleep quality. Cecile emphasizes the importance of investing in a quality mattress that provides adequate support and cushioning, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, even in the compact confines of a van.

However, functionality should never be overlooked in the pursuit of comfort. Cecile and Jose understand the importance of optimizing space and utility within the van, ensuring that every design element serves a purpose. By carefully considering the needs and preferences of their clients, they create bed setups that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality.

Photo credit @vanpuravida

Ultimately, when designing a bed setup for a van, it’s essential to maintain your sleep quality. Whether you have a sensitive back, are extra tall or simply value a good night’s rest, prioritize the elements that contribute to your comfort and well-being.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Choosing a Bed Setup

In selecting a bed setup for their van, Cecile has observed some common mistakes that people tend to make. By being mindful of these pitfalls, aspiring van lifers can ensure they make informed decisions that align with their needs and preferences.

One prevalent mistake is not considering the weight implications of the chosen bed setup. Every additional kilo added to the van affects its overall weight, which can impact fuel efficiency and legal limits. It’s essential to select materials and designs that strike a balance between durability and weight, ensuring that the van remains agile, efficient and street legal.

Photo credit @vanpuravida

Another mistake is expecting to have everything in a large size. Space in a van is inherently limited, and attempting to fit oversized furniture or appliances can lead to a cramped and impractical living environment. It’s crucial to prioritize functionality and versatility over size, opting for compact and multifunctional solutions that maximize available space without compromising comfort.

Similarly, prioritizing the kitchen’s size and layout can be a costly oversight. It’s essential to design the kitchen area to be as narrow as possible while still accommodating necessary appliances and storage. By optimizing the kitchen layout, van dwellers can create a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience without sacrificing valuable living space elsewhere.

Photo credit @vanpuravida

Unlocking Comfort & Freedom

In the world of van life, every centimeter of space matters. Choosing the right bed for your van allows you to optimize your living quarters and create a comfortable oasis on wheels. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or embracing a nomadic lifestyle, investing in a well-designed bed is key to enjoying the freedom and flexibility of van life. As Cecile exemplifies, with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, van lifers can transform their compact living spaces into cozy retreats that genuinely feel like home.

More About Vanpuravida

At Vanpuravida, every aspect of the conversion process is approached with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality. From the selection of high-quality materials to the careful craftsmanship of each interior component, Cecile and Jose ensure that every van is a masterpiece of design and functionality.

Cecile's role within the business is multifaceted, reflecting her diverse skill set and passion for innovation. As the driving force behind client relations, she works closely with each client to understand their vision and translate it into a personalized van conversion. Her hands-on approach extends to marketing and business communications, where she utilizes her creativity to showcase Vanpuravida's unique offerings.

With a keen eye for detail and a love for small-space design, Cecile thrives on the challenge of enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of van interiors. She meticulously researches and sources materials, upholstery and furnishings, always mindful of budget constraints. Together with Jose, she expertly marries layout, color and materials to create custom vans that reflect each client's tastes and preferences.

Jose, the master craftsman behind Vanpuravida, brings a wealth of expertise to their van conversions. With qualifications as an electrician and a background in carpentry, Jose's journey into campervan design and production was a natural evolution of his skills and passions. What began as a single van conversion project became a full-blown commitment to creating custom living spaces on wheels.

Driven by a genuine love for the design and production process, Jose approaches each project with enthusiasm and dedication. His clients, each with their own unique vision and requirements, inspire him to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. Whether crafting custom cabinetry, installing electrical systems or fine-tuning the finishing touches, Jose's attention to detail is second to none.

Safety is paramount in Jose's approach to van conversions, and he manages every step of the process with meticulous care and diligence. From the initial design phase to the final installation, he ensures that all aspects of the conversion meet the highest quality and compliance standards.

In collaboration with Cecile, Jose plays a vital role in translating client ideas into functional and stylish van conversions. Their partnership combines Cecile's eye for design and client relations with Jose's technical expertise and craftsmanship, resulting in truly exceptional creations.