Exploring the comfort and durability of FibreGuard fabrics for camper vans [CASE STUDY]

Do you ever dream of life on the open road? Well, some people not only dream it, they do it. Ditching a conventional home in favour of a nomadic life in a camper van has gained an enormous following in recent years.

The hashtag #vanlife has had more than 16 million posts to date on Instagram, and the popularity of nomadic lifestyles shows no sign of slowing down.

But does the reality of this way of life match up to all those inspirational images of camper vans opening onto stunning views of beaches and mountains? And when you’re renovating your own van, how do you decide which van inspo ideas to steal and which to dismiss as unwieldy and impractical?

Here, we take a look at some of the ways FibreGuard performance upholstery can help you create a comfortable, but also practical, interior for your camper van.

Why use FibreGuard performance upholstery for your camper van?

The ‘vanlife’ movement is on the up as people choose to ditch the 9-to-5 and connect with a simpler, more authentic way of life. Remote working really can mean remote if you swap your bricks-and-mortar home for life on the open road in a camper van, RV or trailer.

The attraction is easy to see. When you’re a ‘vanlifer’, as they’re called, waking up to inspiring natural sights such as lush forests or dramatic seascapes becomes a daily possibility.

The key to creating that home-from-home feel when you’re on the road is to introduce similar interior touches to the ones you’d use in a conventional home. We’re talking curtains, soft furnishings and rugs, as well as artwork, fairy lights and house plants.

Related read: Vanlife: the perfect fabrics for life on the road

7 reasons why FibreGuard fabrics are the perfect choice for your camper van refurb

1. Highly durable – FibreGuard fabrics are ideal for high traffic areas because they can withstand constant use without pilling or showing signs of wear.
2. Practical – Kid, dog and life friendly!
3. Colourfast and fade resistant. Our fabrics won’t fade, even after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
4. Stain resistant and easy to clean. Any spills can be easily removed with water or a simple rub with a bar of white household soap.
5. Soft to the touch – Our luxurious fabrics are the perfect choice for bringing a homely feel to your van’s interior.
6. A great insulator. Some of our collections feature drapery fabrics: perfect to keep you warm and cosy at night.
7. Available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures. We have the right fabric for you, whatever your van vibe!

Related Read: Choosing couch upholstery and cushions for camper van life

A labour of love: renovating a vintage airstream

When interior designer Markie Miller and her dad, furniture maker Lance Price, teamed up to renovate a vintage Airstream trailer, FibreGuard fabrics played a crucial role in their redesign.

Starting with an ‘old tin can’, as the father-and-daughter duo described it, the challenge was on to create a warm and inviting interior that would be cosy as well as practical.

"This was a special father-daughter project for a couple of people who have a habit of falling in love with things that need fixing.” – Interior designer Markie Miller

The vintage Airstream, which dates back to the 1970s, was lovingly restored in readiness for a new lease of life on Vancouver Island. Lance designed built-in seating using local, sustainable wood. He then topped this structure with sinkably soft sofa cushions upholstered in FibreGuard performance fabric.

Reclaimed wood and rustic accessories bring warmth and character to this aluminium home on wheels. Plus they reflect its rural location among the trees. Named ‘Cortes’, after a small island off the east coast of Vancouver Island, the restored Airstream now provides a welcome sanctuary for Lance and his wife Sharlene.

Learn more: About our stain-resistant drapery and upholstery

Creating a home from home with FibreGuard stain-resistant upholstery

Just as Lance did in the case study above, choosing FibreGuard fabrics for the cushions and upholstery in your van will help create highly durable seating that will stand the test of time.

But our fabrics do a lot more than merely meeting your practical needs. They will also bring comfort, luxury and personality to your little home on wheels. Why not opt for bright, uplifting colours this summer by covering your sofa in on-trend shades such as cobalt blue, peachy orange or vibrant yellow?

If you’re going to commit to a nomadic lifestyle, it’s important to make sure your van feels safe, comfortable and welcoming, wherever the road may take you. To up the cosy factor, choose luxurious, strokably soft fabric finishes such as chenille or velvet for your cushions and seating.

While velvets might not sound like a practical choice for #vanlife, FibreGuard velvets offer outstanding performance thanks to their built-in stain-resistant technology. Our easy-clean, but highly luxurious, velvets will repel stains and last for years to come. The perfect choice for your mobile home from home.

Related Read: How to clean FibreGuard performance upholstery

To sum up, FibreGuard fabrics are ideal for creating a homely feel on the road because they are soft to the touch as well as highly durable and easy to clean. They come in a wide range of patterns and textures and can be used for upholstered benches, beds, curtains and blinds.

Could our fabrics be the perfect fit for your camper van project? We think so.

FibreGuard’s highly versatile upholstery collections can help you create an individual look for your van that will fit your lifestyle as well as your personality. Our innovative approach, backed by research, ensures that you're getting the best in functionality and style.

Get in touch with us at FibreGuard today.