How to Make Blackout Campervan Window Shades - A Complete Guide to DIY Van Window Covers
Embarking on a campervan adventure? Crafting blackout window covers is a crucial step for privacy, insulation, and overall comfort during your journey. Skip the pricey pre-made options and follow our detailed DIY guide to create custom window covers that match your style. In this revamped guide, we've incorporated user-friendly steps, detailed material breakdowns, and additional tips to elevate your campervan experience and help you create DIY magnetic window covers for your van!
Contents
How to Make Black-out, Magnetic Window Shades for Your Van, Motorhome, Campervan, RV or Car Camping
Here is a quick visual guide on how to make magnetic window covers for Van Life. These covers are insulated, magnetic, and black out. Making these DIY van blinds saved us lots of money and allowed us to show our own personal style in our van.
Visual Overview of the Steps To Create Magnetic Blinds For Campervans
So, how do you make a simple window cover? Scroll down for full instructions on how to make these Magnetic DIY Van Window Covers for a van, materials, equipment and cost:
Instructions for DIY Van Magnetic Window Covers For Van Life
Materials
- 2M Fabric (of your choice)
- 2M Black Out Fabric (£8)
- Insulation (£22)
- Bias Binding (30mm) (£15)
- Magnets x2 packets (£24)
- Thread (£5)
- Tape (£3)
Equipment
Step 1 - Choose The Fabric For Your Campervan Window Covers
First of all you need to choose your fabric (this is the fun part as you can make it fully match your style). We went with a fabric called 'Meeko' from John Lewis.
You will need around 2 metres to make 2 back covers and a side window cover.
Step 2 - Make Templates of the Windows
Making templates of the windows. I'm sure there is lots of different ways to make a template of a window. For us this was the trickiest part and we used brown parcel paper to push into the shape of the window. This formed a crease which we could then cut out using the scissors.
You will also need to make a note of the way the template is facing. Just a simple inside and outside will do.
Top tip: Use two people when holding up the paper to the windows
Step 3 - Cut Out the Insulation
Using the template cut out the insulation. We had to use two strips of insulation stuck together with tape. This worked well enough and allowed us to pop to our local homebase for the insulation rather than ordering a larger roll.
Step 4 - Cut Out Blackout and Chosen Fabric
Cut out the black out material using the insulation as a template. Here you want to cut the black out material 2cm larger than the template. This will stop any puckering when you come to sew.
Then, using the fabric scissors cut out the material you have chosen using the template. Again you want to make it 2cm larger than the insulation.
Top Tips
1. If you are using a fabric with a pattern make sure when lining up the template you match the pattern in the centre of your window covers.
2. You will also need to consider the way your fabric is facing. When cutting out your fabric make sure the window template 'inside' matches the part of the fabric you want to be facing the inside of the van.
Step 5 - Sandwich and Sew Layers
Sandwich all three layers of material together. Making sure the black out fabric is on the 'outside' and your fabric will face the 'inside'.
Using a tape measure, measure the length of your window cover then divide into four. Measure the first 1/4 then mark with a pin. The measure 1/2 and mark with a pin and finally mark 3/4 with a pin.
Using the sewing machine sew three straight lines. This will allow your window cover to fold and be easily stored in your van.
Top Tip: Use a large stich to prevent puckering.
Step 6 - Add Magnets with Bias Binding
Pin the bias binding around the edge of the window cover. You can use an iron to help you if needed. We used lots of pins to make sure the bias binding stayed flat.
Then using the sewing machine sew the bias binding to join the three layers of fabric.
Here comes the magic...
We managed to add the magnets in as we went. We used tailors chalk to mark on where we would like the magnets then when we had sewn just part the point we would shove a magnet in through the opening (not yet sewn) and push it in with a sewing needle.
When you get to the end of the bias binding fold the edges in to create a flat ending and sew to complete the window cover.
Step 7 - Check Fit and Finalise The Magnetic Campervan Window Covers
Check you window covers fit.
Step 8 - Replicate for Additional Windows
Repeat to make the second back window cover or the side window cover. For our side window blind we split it into two and put magnets down the middle so they could attach together.
These DIY magnetic window covers worked really well and we love them as they add a little bit of colour to our van!
Altogether for 4 campervan window covers it cost us around £120. However these could be made on a budget if you consider the price of your fabric. You could even get your fabric from a charity shop!
Essential Items For a Campervan
 | Omnia Oven Perfect for vans without an oven. You can cook bread, pies, cakes and more just by using your gas stove. This really is a game changer in the kitchen. |
 | Pocket Sized Projector For cosy nights in the van, this is the perfect projector. This projector is small, lightweight but has great picture quality. We love this and use it all the time. |
 | Kärcher Window Vac A must have for condensation which will build up quickly in your van and cause mould. We used this daily in Norway and was a real life-saver in colder weather. |
 | Solar Trickle Charger If you don't drive your van or motorhome enough then this can save the battery from dying. Plug it in and solar energy will top up the battery. |
Tools To Make Your Trip Stress Free
These are some of the travel tools we love and use, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you!
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Van Life adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
*Some links in this article are affiliate meaning we may earn a small commission with no extra cost to you! It helps grow the blog so thank you for supporting us.
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